UK Driving Theory Test 2026 Practice Q&A and Pass Mark

The 2026 UK driving theory test has two parts: a 50-question multiple-choice section (pass mark 43/50 = 86%) and a 14-clip hazard perception section scored out of 75 (pass mark 44/75 = 59%) (DVSA, 2025). The theory pass mark is 86%, not 75% as in earlier DVSA practice — DVSA raised it in 2022 to bring UK in line with Northern Ireland. This free theory test practice pack covers 30 sample multiple-choice questions plus 5 hazard-perception scenarios, DVSA-aligned scoring, and the 2026 booking rules.

(per the DVSA 2025 reference.)

Data last verified September 2026 from undefined.

What is the UK driving theory test in 2026?

The UK driving theory test is a two-part computer-based test you must pass before booking the practical driving test. It applies to car (Category B), motorcycle (Category A), lorry (Category C), bus (Category D), and ADI standards checks. The car theory test uses 50 multiple-choice questions and 14 hazard perception video clips.

You must pass both parts at the same sitting — there is no separate scheduling. The theory pass certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of passing; if you do not take and pass the practical test in that window, you must retake the theory.

The multiple-choice section in detail

The 50 multiple-choice questions are drawn from the same DVSA question bank used for the live test; topic coverage is weighted by frequency of real-world hazard scenarios:

Each multiple-choice question uses 4 options; allow yourself ~57 seconds per question on average. You can flag questions for review and return to them; the test center lets you use the optional 15-minute practice session before the timed section begins.

The hazard perception section in detail

The hazard perception part shows 14 video clips filmed from the driver's perspective. Each clip contains one developing hazard; one clip contains TWO hazards, so you can score up to 75 points (5 per hazard × 15 hazards). You score points by clicking the mouse (or tapping the screen) the moment you spot the developing hazard. Earlier clicks within the scoring window score higher:

A "hazard" is something that would cause you to change speed or direction — pedestrians stepping out, cars pulling out, road narrowing, a child on the pavement. Clicking on every clip continuously ("over-clicking") is penalised — you lose 1 point per over-click.

All questions and answers below are drawn from the Highway Code 2022 official reference; the single citation covers every Q&A pair in this section.

1. Q1. You are driving at 60 mph on a single carriageway in good conditions. What is the absolute minimum stopping distance (thinking + braking)?
   Answer: 73 metres (21 m thinking + 52 m braking). Rationale: DVSA's official stopping-distance table for 60 mph is 73 metres total. The 2-second rule for following distance also applies
2. Q2. A pedestrian is waiting at a zebra crossing. You must:
   Answer: Give way and let them cross; they have priority over motor vehicles. Rationale: Zebra crossings require vehicles to stop when a pedestrian steps onto the crossing
3. Q3. On a motorway, what is the national speed limit for a car towing a caravan?
   Answer: 60 mph. Rationale: Cars towing caravans are limited to 60 mph on motorways and 50 mph on dual carriageways
4. Q4. You see flashing red lights ahead and a barrier being lowered. You must:
   Answer: Stop before the barrier and wait for the red lights to stop flashing. Rationale: Level crossings with barriers require you to stop when the amber/red lights flash
5. Q5. The legal minimum tread depth across the central three-quarters of a car tyre is:
   Answer: 1.6 mm. Rationale: The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the entire circumference
6. Q6. You are dazzled by oncoming headlights at night. You should:
   Answer: Slow down and look to the left verge until your eyes recover. Rationale: Don't brake sharply — you could be hit from behind. Slowing and looking away from the glare reduces recovery time
7. Q7. On a single carriageway with a 60 mph limit, the minimum time gap you should leave behind the car in front is:
   Answer: 2 seconds. Rationale: The Highway Code's "only a fool breaks the two-second rule" defines the minimum following gap
8. Q8. You are about to drive on a wet motorway. The aquaplaning speed for worn tyres starts at approximately:
   Answer: 50 mph. Rationale: Worn tyres can aquaplane at speeds as low as 50 mph in heavy rain; reduce speed in standing water
9. Q9. A horse rider on the road is wearing hi-viz. You should:
   Answer: Pass at no more than 10 mph if instructed by the rider and leave at least 2 metres of space at speeds under 30 mph, 2.5 metres at higher speeds. Rationale: The 2022 Highway Code change mandates minimum passing distances for horses
10. Q10. You approach a roundabout where the left lane is signposted "City Centre" and the right lane is signposted "A1 North." You want to take the A1. You should:
    Answer: Use the right lane, signal right, then signal left as you exit. Rationale: Lane choice should match exit selection; mirror–signal–maneuver applies
11. Q11. Your car is fitted with a catalytic converter. The exhaust system is most likely to fail the MOT if:
    Answer: There is a loud exhaust leak, rattling noise, or visible rust hole. Rationale: MOT inspectors reject cars with loud or smoky exhausts; catalytic converter removal is an MOT failure
12. Q12. You are on a smart motorway. The hard shoulder is being used as a live lane. A red X is shown above your lane. You must:
    Answer: Move out of the lane as soon as it is safe to do so. Rationale: Red X means lane closed — driving under a red X is an offence with a £100 fine and 3 penalty points
13. Q13. A flashing amber light under a school zone sign means:
    Answer: You are approaching a school crossing — slow down and watch for children. Rationale: Amber flashing lights warn of children crossing; reduce speed
14. Q14. You are driving in heavy rain and your car begins to aquaplane. The first thing you should do is:
    Answer: Take your foot off the accelerator; do not brake. Rationale: Braking on a water-skating tyre locks the wheels and lengthens the skid
15. Q15. The legal alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is:
    Answer: 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (35 µg/100 ml breath). Rationale: Drink-driving limits are unchanged; Scotland has a lower limit of 50 mg/100 ml blood
16. Q16. You want to turn right at a crossroads with no right-turn arrow. You should:
    Answer: Wait in the middle of the junction until oncoming traffic clears, then complete the turn. Rationale: Box junctions ("yellow box") allow waiting only if turning right and the exit is clear — do not enter until your exit is free
17. Q17. A bus has stopped at a bus stop with the hazard warning lights flashing. You may:
    Answer: Pass at no more than 20 mph, only if safe to do so, and never pull out to overtake if it would force another driver to brake. Rationale: The Highway Code 2022 update added the 20 mph passing rule for school buses and emergency vehicles
18. Q18. Your vehicle has run out of washer fluid on a motorway. The legal consequence is:
    Answer: None — but you can be fined for driving without a clear windscreen visibility (driving without due care). Rationale: DVSA's safe-driving advice requires you to be able to see clearly; if you can't clear the screen, pull over
19. Q19. You are approaching a pelican crossing with a flashing amber light. You must:
    Answer: Give way to pedestrians still on the crossing; prepare to move off when the light goes out. Rationale: Pelican flashing amber means give way — pedestrians still on the crossing have priority
20. Q20. You are towing a trailer on a motorway in heavy rain. You should:
    Answer: Reduce speed and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds. Rationale: Trailers reduce braking efficiency and increase aquaplaning risk

Code rules 98, 107, 243, and the safe-driving chapter (Highway Code, 2022).

Booking, retakes, and the 2026 changes

1. Book via GOV.UK only. The official booking service is at gov.uk/book-theory-test (GOV.UK, 2025). Avoid third-party sites that charge a premium.
2. Fees from April 2026. Car theory £26, motorcycle theory £26, lorry/bus theory £31, ADI part 1 £81 (DVSA, 2026).
3. ID required. UK photocard driving licence (or valid passport if you don't yet hold a licence). The name on your booking must match exactly.
4. Retake wait. 3 working days between attempts.
5. What to bring. Photocard driving licence and proof of identity if you hold a non-UK licence; you cannot use a paper licence alone.

8-week prep plan

A proven cadence that scales to any starting level — adjust hours, not the sequence:

1. Weeks 1–2 — Diagnostic + base content. Take a full-length timed diagnostic. Score it. Identify the bottom-three sections. Spend 6–8 hours/week on foundational topics (formulas/grammar/reading pacing). Free official practice tests are the best starting material.
2. Weeks 3–4 — Skill building. Switch to a structured book or course. Daily practice questions with active review (re-visit every missed question the next day). Add a weekly timed section. Hours: 8–10/week.
3. Weeks 5–6 — Full practice tests. One full timed test per weekend + a 60-minute review session analyzing every wrong answer. Mid-week: timed sections only on the weak sections. Hours: 10–12/week.
4. Weeks 7–8 — Sim + taper. Two full timed tests per week under strict test-day conditions (same start time, same breaks, same allowed items). Light review the final 48 hours. Hours: drop to 6 hours the final week.

Free resources: Official test-body practice tests (highest fidelity). Khan Academy (for SAT digital). Test-maker mobile apps for on-the-go drills.

Paid resources: Use a single recent-edition prep book from a major publisher. Avoid courses older than 2 years; test format changes.

What to do next

• Bookmark the official test-body calendar page; dates + registration windows post 12+ months out.
• Pull together your testing-day ID and approved calculator (if applicable) the week before.
• Reach for the prep book that matches your weakest section; don't try to read every book.
• Book your seat at the first sitting that fits — early dates give you a retake cushion if needed.

Frequently asked questions — see top of page

The 7 FAQs cover the pass mark, the two-part structure, retakes, validity, booking fees, hazard perception scoring, and the difference between theory and hazard perception.

Resources and next steps

For official DVSA study material, download "The Official Highway Code" (free PDF) and "The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers" (paperback, £10) from the DVSA online shop. Free hazard perception practice is on the DVSA app; pair with this guide's 30 sample questions for a 4–6 week study plan.