What to do after failing your theory test
The short answer
You get your result at the test centre, with a letter. If you fail, the letter shows which parts you did not score enough points on. You must book and take the full test again, on a date at least three working days away.
Use your result letter to plan what to practise before you book again.
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Your result
You get your result at the test centre, with a letter.
The result is split by part. If you fail, the letter tells you which parts you did not score enough points on. This shows you what to practise next. The two parts are the multiple-choice questions and hazard perception.
Use the letter to choose which part to practise before you book again.
Booking the test again
You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one of the two parts. A pass in one part does not carry over to the next test.
When you rebook, you have to choose a date at least three working days away. The three-working-day rule is a minimum, so you can pick any later date that suits you.
The car theory test costs £23 (GOV.UK, Book your theory test).
You book or rebook on GOV.UK. Go to book your theory test.
The pass marks
You need both parts at the same sitting. If one part is below the mark, you take both parts again.
- Multiple-choice questions: 43 out of 50.
- Hazard perception: 44 out of 75.
The multiple-choice mark is out of 50 questions, and hazard perception is out of 75. The questions are based on The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Driving: the essential skills.
A simple three-step plan
- Read the letter to see which parts to work on.
- Practise the weak part.
- Rebook on a date at least three working days later.
This plan keeps the next steps simple. There is no rush, and you can take the time you need to practise.
Free practice on DriveQuiz
The UK web shows 55 of our 325 checked bank questions, with one free full mock and topic samples. The DriveQuiz app is coming soon with all 325 questions.
DriveQuiz has free practice to help you get ready. You can try one free 50-question mock test at theory test practice. There are Highway Code quizzes at Highway Code quiz and a road signs quiz at road signs quiz. You can also check the pass marks at theory test pass mark.
DriveQuiz does not include hazard perception practice. The guide hazard perception test explains that part and how to get ready for it.
Common questions
Do I get my result straight away?
Yes. You get your result at the test centre, with a letter.
Do I have to redo both parts?
Yes. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one of the two parts.
How soon can I rebook?
You have to choose a date at least three working days away.
How much does it cost to retake?
You pay the full car theory test fee each time you book. See the fee under “Booking the test again” above.
What are the pass marks?
43 out of 50 for multiple-choice questions and 44 out of 75 for hazard perception, both at the same sitting.
Sources
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.