Frequently Asked Questions

No. Most people start driving lessons before taking a driving theory test.

No. You must have passed your driving theory test before you are able to book a driving test.

The pass rate for the driving theory test in the UK is around 50%.

Although the driving theory test is not difficult it is often underestimated by learners. You must put some work in to prepare for the test or you are likely to fail. Well prepared candidates normally pass the test first time.

Most people now use an online app to practice for the theory test, the number one theory app in the UK (Driving Test Success) is included in Virtual Driving Instructor.

Although the driving theory test is not difficult it is often underestimated by learners. You must put some work in to prepare for the test or you are likely to fail. Well prepared candidates normally pass the test first time.

You can book online, a link to the correct website for this is included in Virtual Driving Instructor.

£23.00. Be aware there are some websites charging more to book a theory test for you. These are unofficial websites, it is easier, quicker and cheaper to use the official booking .gov website. A link for this can be found on The Virtual Driving Instructor.

You are given 57 minutes to answer your 50 multiple-choice theory test questions.

In total the hazard perception test will take around 20 minutes. There are 14 one minutes clips in total.

The pass mark for the driving theory multiple-choice questions test is 43 out of 50.

The pass mark for the driving hazard perception test is 44 out of 75.

The average amount of driving lessons taken to have a chance of passing the driving test is 40 – 45 hours.

The average pass rate across the UK for the driving test is around 47% – 49% most years.

A UK driving test lasts for around 35 – 40 minutes.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency who run UK driving tests say the reason for people failing driving tests is generally a lack of preparation and practice.

You will be asked to do one manoeuvre on your driving test. It will be one of the following:

• Forward Bay Park
• Reverse Bay Park
• Parallel Park
• Park on the Right and Reverse Two Car Lengths

No. One in every third person on driving tests will be asked to perform an emergency stop as well as one of the four manoeuvres.

No. One in every third driving test includes an emergency stop.

No. You will be taken on a national speed limit road; this could be a single lane in each direction or dual carriageway.

None. If you commit a serious or dangerous fault on your driving test you will fail.

You are allowed 15 faults on a driving test and still pass if none of them are serious or dangerous. 16 faults are a fail.

You will not fail for going the wrong way on your driving test if you did it safely.

You need to take your provisional driving licence photo card, your theory test certificate and your driving test confirmation.

Yes. You can take your own as long as it is fully insured for the purpose of a driving test and is in roadworthy condition. Most people book their driving instructor for the test and use their vehicle.

You will receive your driving test result as soon as your driving test is over.

You are encouraged not to drive home from your driving test, your driving instructor will drive you home. However, you are legally allowed to drive on your own from the moment you pass your driving test.

Yes. Your examiner will write out a pass certificate which will act as proof you have passed your driving test until your full licence arrives by post.

Your driving licence normally arrives in around 10 to 14 days.