Are you ready to tackle the DVSA driving theory test? This article explores the theory test pass mark and theory test pass rates, as well as essential facts, tips, and resources to help you take the test with confidence! Here's everything you need to know about the pass marks for the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections of the DVSA theory test.
Key takeaways
- Achieve a score of 43/50 in the multiple-choice questions section and 44/75 in the hazard perception section to pass the DVSA car or motorcycle theory test
- Master the art of spotting hazards on the road with practice video clips for success in the hazard perception test
- Prepare effectively for the theory test with resources like Driving Theory 4 All's online Learning Zone and theory test app
What is the UK theory test pass mark?
The theory test pass mark is 86%. This means you need to score 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions to pass this section of the test. You have 57 minutes to answer all of the questions in the multiple-choice test. If you're unsure of the answer to a question, you can flag it and review it later in the test.
To gain an overall pass for the driving theory test, you also need to pass the hazard perception part of the test. The hazard perception test pass mark is 44 out of 75
You will need to retake your driving theory test if you fail at least one part of the test.
The multiple-choice questions section of the theory test
What types of questions can you expect on the multiple-choice theory test? You'll face 50 multiple-choice questions in the theory test covering the following DVSA topics:
- Accidents
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Rules of the Road
- Hazard Awareness
- Documents
- Road and Traffic Signs
- Vulnerable Road Users
- Safety and Your Vehicle
- Other Types of Vehicle
- Vehicle Loading
- Motorway Rules
- Vehicle Handling
- Safety Margins
You have 57 minutes to complete the UK theory test multiple-choice section. Don't forget that you can go back and change your answers during the test, so make sure you allocate enough time for reviewing your answers.
Driving Theory 4 All's online theory test practice platform and theory test app has the latest DVSA multiple-choice questions, including over 700 questions, which is the closest you'll get to the real test.
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The hazard perception section of the theory test
The hazard perception test is designed to assess your ability to identify and react to potential hazards on the road. This section of the test is taken immediately after you have finished the multiple-choice questions section, and it consists of 14 hazard perception clips that bring everyday driving scenarios to life.
The test is taken on a computer, and you showcase your hazard-spotting skills by clicking the mouse as soon as you see a hazard starting to develop.
To score a high pass mark, you'll need to respond to each developing hazard during the early part of its development. Each clip has a maximum score of 5. Out of the 14 clips, 13 of them contain 1 developing hazard, while 1 clip has 2 developing hazards.
What are developing hazards?
Developing hazards refer to situations on the road that require a driver to take prompt and decisive action to avoid potential harm. Examples include approaching emergency vehicles and children playing near the road - both require quick and careful consideration.
The ability to identify developing hazards is essential for maintaining road safety, and it is something every driver needs to know.
Preparing for the hazard perception test
Practising with hazard perception video clips is a fantastic way to enhance your hazard perception skills, as it helps you recognise and respond to common hazard types, learn how to navigate hazards on the road, and prepare for the hazard perception test.
You can revise for the hazard perception test with Driving Theory 4 All's online revision tool. It offers over 100 interactive hazard perception clips, including the latest DVSA CGI videos, so you can master the skills needed to reach the pass mark and ace the test.
You can also access every video clip on our theory test app, making it easy to study and prepare for the test anytime, anywhere.
Download our Driving Theory Test Assistant app now for FREE and take a hazard perception mock test.
What happens if you pass the theory test?
If you pass both the multiple-choice questions and hazard perception sections, congratulations - you'll pass your theory test!
You will be given a pass certificate at the test centre, which is valid for two years. This means that during those two years, you will need to book and pass your practical driving test.
What if you fail the theory test?
Failing either the multiple-choice or hazard perception section means you will have to retake the entire theory test. You can book a new test, but ensure you take some time to review your mistakes and prepare adequately before retaking it.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so use all the resources available to you and work on improving your knowledge and skills in areas where you struggled before.
We can rebook your theory test at any DVSA theory test centre. You'll get a Pass Guarantee and full access to our Driving Theory Test Assistant app that gives you everything you need to smash your theory test first time.
What is the UK pass rate for theory tests?
Are you curious about the theory test pass rates? The most recent car theory test data published on the GOV website is for theory tests taken between April 2022 and March 2023. Within that period, the theory test pass rate for car learner drivers was just 44.2%.
This means that over half the learner drivers who sit their theory test fail it, with boys achieving a 42.9% pass rate and girls achieving an even higher pass rate of 45.8%.
The pass rate has fluctuated over time, with a peak of 65.4% in 2007/08 and 2008/09, compared to 44.2% in 2022/23.
Here's a breakdown of the theory test pass rate based on car theory test data from 2007:
- 2007/08 - 65.4%
- 2008/09 - 65.4%
- 2009/10 - 63.8%
- 2010/11 - 63.1%
- 2011/12 - 60.8%
- 2012/13 - 59.1%
- 2013/14 - 51.6%
- 2014/15 - 51.0%
- 2015/16 - 49.3%
- 2016/17 - 48.7%
- 2017/18 - 48.7%
- 2018/19 - 47.3%
- 2019/20 - 47.1%
- 2020/21 - 55.7%
- 2021/22 - 50.1%
- 2022/23 - 44.2%
Why does the DVSA theory test have low pass rates? The main reason learner drivers fail is because they fail to fully prepare for the test.
However, revising for the theory test does not have to be hard or time-consuming, especially if you have the right revision tools. Driving Theory 4 All's app is a quicker, easier and smarter way to prepare for your driving theory test.
Top tips for passing your driving theory test first time
- Make sure you revise using reputable resources: Driving Theory 4 All's revision tools give you the best chance to pass first time.
- Plan your revision: Give yourself plenty of time to revise by breaking up your revision into manageable chunks and studying consistently.
- Practice makes perfect: Prepare thoroughly by revising with the latest DVSA practice questions and hazard perception clips. Take as many mock tests as possible so you know what to expect on the day.
- Understand the format of the test: Knowing what to expect in both the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections can help you be more confident and less nervous on test day.
- Get a good night's sleep: Being well-rested and energised on the day of your theory test can help you stay focused and perform at your best.
- Arrive early at the test centre: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the test centre so you're not stressed and rushed before your exam.
- Don't forget your provisional driving licence: Make sure to bring your provisional driving licence along with you on the day. If you forget it, you won't be able to take the test.
- Stay calm and focused: Try to stay relaxed during the test and read each question carefully before answering. Take your time to consider all options before making a decision.
- Manage your time effectively: You have 57 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section. Make sure you use your time wisely and don't spend too much time on one question.
- Book your theory test when you feel ready to pass: Don't rush into taking your theory test until you feel confident and well-prepared. Book your theory test with a Pass Guarantee
By following these tips and regularly practising with Driving Theory 4 All's revision resources, you can improve your chances of passing your driving theory test on the first try.
Download our theory test app for FREE and get everything you need to pass your driving theory test.
Frequently asked questions about theory test pass marks
To pass the multiple-choice section of the theory test, you need to score 43 out of 50. For the hazard perception section, you must achieve a minimum score of 44 out of 75.
Unfortunately, a score of 35 out of 50 is not enough to pass the theory test. You need 43 or above to pass the multiple-choice part of the test.
To pass the hazard perception test, you need to score 44 out of 75 available marks. However, you also need to pass the multiple-choice questions part of the test to get an overall pass.
You have 57 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section of the UK theory test. This includes reading and answering the questions.
The car theory test costs £23. To book your theory test, you'll need to already have a UK provisional driving licence.
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