How to Pass Your Driving Theory Test First Time

In this post we’ll discuss how to pass your theory test first time.

Due to the effects of lockdown, there is a huge backlog of UK learners waiting to take their test. Some learners are having to wait for months.

This can be frustrating. But it does give you plenty of time to prepare, and to understand fully just what the test is going to ask of you.

How Many Questions in the Driving Theory Test?

There are 67 separate questions in your driving theory test across three different parts. These three parts to the driving theory test are:

Multiple Choice Questions – You’ll have to answer 50 multiple choice questions from a bank of more than 1,000. To pass, you’ll need to get at least 43 of these questions right.
Hazard Perception Test – You’ll have to correctly identify emerging hazards in 14 video clips. You score up to five points per hazard, depending on how long it takes you to spot them, and you need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass.
Case Study – This is a relatively new part of the test. You’ll have to answer three multiple-choice questions after watching a short video clip. Here’s an example of the sort of video you might have to watch.

How Long Does a Theory Test Last?

Before you begin, you’ll have 15 minutes to get used to the system. At this point, you can ask any questions you like. You’ll then have 57 minutes to answer the multiple choice questions, but you may get through them sooner.

The hazard perception test will last as long as it takes you to watch all 14 video clips, which could be between 15 and 25 minutes.

The case study video may only be around 30 seconds long, but it may take you some time to answer the questions.

You’ll have a chance to take a quick three minute break between each section of the test.

So in total, you should expect your theory test to last up to two hours.

How to Pass Your Theory Test First Time

Here are some ways you can prepare for everything the theory test might throw at you:

Get a copy of the Highway Code. All of the questions are based on the guidance set out in The Highway Code. You can view The Highway Code online, or order a physical copy if you’d like something to refer to. Some learner driver apps also include a copy of The Highway Code.
Get a good app. There are many apps out there specifically designed to help you pass your theory test. The best apps will let you practice each section of the theory test, and you take as many mock tests as you like. Read our full guide to the best driving theory test apps.
Get Additional Revision Aids. From websites and apps to posters and Q&A cards, look around online and you’ll find plenty of products to help you pass your theory test.
Practice, Practice, Practice. You can take a practice theory test online, along with a practice hazard perception test, on the government’s website. Just note that their mock hazard perception test only includes three video clips, whereas in the test itself you’ll have to watch 14. But other sites, and other apps, will allow you to take a complete mock theory test.

Ask For Help & Practice as a Passenger

Ask your friends and family to help you prepare for your theory test. They could ask you multiple choice questions, or test your knowledge of road signs, for example.

Also ask your driving instructor for help. They too could ask you questions during your lessons. Or they could give you hints on what is and is not likely to come up during the test, and on what to look for during the hazard perception section.

What to Bring to Your Theory Test

You’ll have to bring your provisional licence to your driving theory test.  Forget this, and you won’t be able to take your test at all.

What To Do on the Day of Your Theory Test

If you take the time to prepare, you should find the theory test to be a breeze. But if you’re too nervous you might make a costly mistake!

So remember:

Arrive early. You need to be at the test centre 30 minutes before your test begins. If you’ve never been to the test centre before, leave as early as possible, to give yourself plenty of time to find the place.
Use all the time they give you. Take full advantage of the 15 minutes preparation time, and the three minute break between each section. And remember that 57 minutes gives you more than a minute to answer each of the 50 multiple choice questions. So don’t rush! Take your time, and you’re less likely to make a mistake.
Use the flag function. If you get a tricky question during your multiple choice test, you can flag it and return to it later. This will save you from lingering on single questions, which could cause you to panic.

What Happens if You Fail Your Theory Test?

A failed theory test is nothing to worry about, and it’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

If you fail your theory test, you can simply take a new one. You’ll have to pay for a new test, and you may have to wait a while. Because they’ll tell you where you went wrong, you’ll know exactly what to work on to pass next time.

Learner Driver Car Insurance

You can start to learn the highway code as soon as you like. And having some of that knowledge will definitely help when you start to get behind the wheel.

Theory test practice will familiarise you with many of the rules of the road, and hazard perception scenarios will help with real-world driving. You don’t have to pass your theory test before learning, thanks to expert guidance from your driving instructor, but it can help.

If you want to build up experience as a learner beyond your structured driving lessons, you’ll need someone to supervise you. You’ll also need car insurance to cover you.  

At Go Girl, we offer learner driver insurance that will give you all the cover you need at a price you can afford. Get a quote and instant cover online in minutes.