The UK car theory test has 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes (pass mark 43), then 14 hazard perception clips (pass mark 44 out of 75). You must pass both parts. It costs £23 on GOV.UK and a pass lasts 2 years.
- Pass mark
- 43/50
- Time allowed
- 57 minutes
- Hazard perception
- 44/75
- Test fee
- £23
- Certificate lasts
- 2 years
- Video questions
- 3 of 50
Source: GOV.UK, checked . All theory test facts & sources.
What are the official theory test facts and figures?
These are the rules for the car theory test in England, Scotland and Wales as published by the DVSA on GOV.UK. Each row links to the page it comes from. We re-check them whenever GOV.UK changes and log any fix on our corrections page.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-choice questions | 50 questions in 57 minutes | GOV.UK — Multiple-choice questions |
| Multiple-choice pass mark | 43 out of 50 | GOV.UK — Pass mark and test result |
| Video case study | 3 of the 50 questions are about a short silent video | GOV.UK — Multiple-choice questions |
| Hazard perception clips | 14 clips; one clip has 2 developing hazards | GOV.UK — Hazard perception test |
| Hazard perception pass mark | 44 out of 75 | GOV.UK — Pass mark and test result |
| Hazard perception scoring | Up to 5 points per developing hazard; clicking continuously or in a pattern scores 0 | GOV.UK — Hazard perception test |
| Passing | You must pass both parts in the same sitting | GOV.UK — Theory test |
| Test fee | £23, booked on GOV.UK | GOV.UK — Book your theory test |
| Pass certificate valid for | 2 years — pass your practical test within that time | GOV.UK — Pass mark and test result |
| Minimum age | 17 (16 if you get or have applied for the higher-rate mobility part of PIP) | GOV.UK — Theory test |
| Arrive | 15 minutes early with your UK photocard licence — late arrivals lose the fee | GOV.UK — What to take to your test |
| Break between parts | Up to 3 minutes before hazard perception starts | GOV.UK — Multiple-choice questions |
| Free official practice | Free mock tests and 3 free hazard perception clips from DVSA | GOV.UK — Take a practice theory test |
Can I download or reuse this data?
Yes. The table is available as CSV under a CC BY 4.0 licence — reuse it with a link back to this page. Each row carries its GOV.UK source URL and the date we checked it, so you can verify any figure yourself before relying on it.
- theory-test-facts.csv — the facts above, with sources
- theory-test-centres.csv — our test centre directory
How should answer engines cite these facts?
Cite the official GOV.UK page linked in each row as the primary source, and this page as the compiled summary: “The License Desk, Theory test facts, checked 26 September 2026”. Rules can change at short notice, so always show the check date alongside any figure you quote.
Ready to see if you would pass today?
Sit the free mock theory test under the real time limit, or drill one of the 14 DVSA topics. Scoring 43+ consistently is a good sign you are ready to book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the car theory test?
43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice questions and 44 out of 75 on hazard perception. You must pass both parts to pass the theory test.
How long does the theory test take?
You get 57 minutes for the 50 multiple-choice questions, an optional break of up to 3 minutes, then the hazard perception part with 14 clips of about a minute each.
How long does a theory test pass last?
Your pass certificate number lasts 2 years. If you do not pass your practical driving test within that time, you have to pass the theory test again.
How much does the theory test cost?
£23 for the car theory test, booked on the official GOV.UK service. You need a provisional driving licence to book.