The car theory test costs £23. You need at least 43 out of 50 in multiple choice and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception. Both sections must be passed at the same appointment.
Preparing for the UK driving theory test in 2026 means learning how road rules affect decisions, as well as practising questions. A good revision routine should help you understand an unfamiliar question and recognise a developing hazard without guessing.
This guide is for car learners, including those studying in Nottingham. Booking guidance applies to England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has a separate service.
Official guidance checked on 13 September 2026.
The theory test at a glance
50 questions in 57 minutes. Pass mark: 43. Three questions concern a short silent video.
14 clips containing 15 scored developing hazards. Pass mark: 44 out of 75.
£23 for the car theory test. You need a provisional driving licence.
Your theory pass lasts two years. You must pass the practical test within that period.
Check the official car theory-test overview and pass-mark guidance for the requirements.
Part one: multiple-choice questions
You have 57 minutes for 50 questions. Before starting, you receive instructions and can try a practice question. You can flag questions, return to them and change your answers during this section.
Three questions relate to a silent video showing an everyday driving situation. You can replay that video. These questions belong to the multiple-choice section; they are not the separate hazard perception test.
After finishing, you can take a break of up to three minutes. See GOV.UK’s multiple-choice explanation.
Revision tip: when you get an answer wrong, write down the rule behind it in your own words. If you remember only the position of the correct answer on the screen, your practice score may overstate your understanding.
Part two: hazard perception
You watch 14 clips. One contains two developing hazards, giving 15 scoring opportunities. Each hazard is worth up to five points, with earlier recognition of its development earning more.
A developing hazard requires action from the driver, such as changing speed or direction. Click when you recognise that development. An incorrect click does not deduct points, but continuous or patterned clicking can result in no score for the clip. You cannot replay the clips or revise your responses.
Read DVSA’s hazard perception guidance and our hazard perception practice guide for a fuller explanation.
Revision tip: review the moment you first recognised the need for action. Were you watching one object so closely that you missed another? Did you notice a possibility but fail to recognise when it changed? Work on the observation, rather than searching for a clicking pattern.
What should you study for 2026?
The official revision sources are The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving: The Essential Skills. GOV.UK also links to official DVSA practice tools. Use the official theory-test guide to find the current resources.
DVSA announced enhanced CPR and defibrillator questions for 2026. Include current first-aid material in your revision instead of relying on an old question bank. The official announcement explains the purpose of that update.
Cover the full syllabus. Spending all your study time on signs because you enjoy them leaves gaps in less familiar topics such as documents, vehicle safety and emergencies.
A revision routine that builds understanding
1. Start with a diagnostic practice session
Try both sections and record the topics or situations that cause difficulty. Treat the result as a starting point, not a prediction of your final score.
2. Work on one weak topic at a time
Read the explanation before taking another set of questions. Ask yourself why the right answer fits and why the alternatives do not. Bring persistent uncertainties to your instructor.
3. Practise hazard perception throughout
Do not leave the clips until the final evening. Alternate question practice with hazard work so that both skills develop together.
4. Connect the rules to real journeys
During lesson feedback, ask about a sign, junction or developing situation you encountered. For example, connect lane-planning questions with your experience of Nottingham roundabouts. Keep distracting discussions for a safe stopping point.
5. Use fresh timed practice
Repeatedly completing the same questions can become a memory exercise. Use varied practice and check that you can explain your answers. Aim for consistent performance above the pass marks, while remembering that practice cannot guarantee a pass.
Quality matters more than a promised number of study days. A short, focused session followed by useful review can be more productive than a long session spent guessing. Choose a routine you can sustain.
Booking your theory test in Nottingham
Use the official GOV.UK booking service. Read your confirmation carefully, including the centre address and arrival instructions. Your theory-test venue is not necessarily the practical test centre you have discussed with your instructor.
Before selecting a date, consider your recent practice, travel arrangements and any support you need. A convenient appointment is helpful only if it leaves enough preparation time.
Do not confuse theory arrangements with the separate 2026 practical car-test booking reforms.
What to take and what to arrange beforehand
Bring your UK photocard driving licence and arrive 15 minutes early. There are additional document requirements for paper licences, Northern Ireland licences and name changes. Check the official guide before travelling; missing identification can mean losing your test fee.
If a reading difficulty, disability or health condition affects how you take the test, explain your needs when booking. Options depend on your circumstances and may require evidence. Use the DVSA support guidance rather than waiting until arrival to request an arrangement.
The evening before, organise your documents, check the journey and decide when to leave. Avoid turning the last few hours into a frantic attempt to cover every topic again.
What happens after your result?
If you pass, keep the letter containing your certificate number. Your practical test must be passed within two years or you will need to pass theory again.
If you fail either section, you must retake the whole test. The result identifies where you did not score enough. A new appointment must be at least three working days away.
Use that feedback to change your preparation. If multiple choice was strong but hazard perception was weak, repeating only question quizzes will not address the problem.
A theory pass is also a useful opportunity to review your practical progress. Discuss what you can do independently and what still needs work before planning practical test preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start driving lessons before passing theory?
Yes, provided you meet the requirements for learning to drive. Studying alongside lessons can help you connect the rules with real situations. You normally need the theory pass before booking your practical car test.
Can a high score in one section make up for the other?
No. You must meet each pass mark at the same appointment. Prepare for both sections throughout your revision.
Are the video questions the same as hazard perception?
No. The silent video supports three multiple-choice questions and can be replayed. Hazard perception uses separate clips with timed responses.
How long should I revise?
There is no single timetable that suits everyone. Use your understanding and consistent results on varied practice to judge progress, rather than relying on a fixed number of days.
Does booking a practical test stop my theory pass expiring?
No. You must pass the practical test within the two-year validity period. Simply holding a future appointment does not extend it.
Put your theory knowledge into practice
NGPass Driving Academy offers automatic driving lessons in Nottingham. Tell us your postcode, driving experience and theory-test progress so we can discuss your next step.