What to take to your theory test and what happens on the day
The short answer
Take your UK photocard driving licence. If you do not take the right things, your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back. You get your result at the test centre.
Use these checklists to pack your ID and follow the test step by step.
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For revision at home, print the theory test revision sheet. You cannot take it into the test.
To print, use your browser’s Print command (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P).
The night before: pack your ID
Put the right ID in your bag or coat, so it is ready in the morning. Tick off the line that matches your licence before you leave.
- UK photocard driving licence.
- Northern Ireland licence: the photocard and the paper part (the counterpart).
- Old paper licence: the licence and a valid passport.
Check which line fits your licence.
If you do not take the right things, your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back. Pack these the night before, and check again before you leave the house.
On the day: your checklist
- Check that you have the ID listed above for your licence.
- Read the instructions and try the practice question.
- Answer the multiple-choice questions. Use flags for questions you want to check again.
- Take a break of up to three minutes if you want one.
- Watch the hazard perception instructions, then take each clip once.
- Get your result at the test centre.
1. The multiple-choice part
Before the questions start, you get instructions and a practice question.
There are 50 questions, and you have 57 minutes. Three of the questions are about a short video. You can watch that video as many times as you like before you answer them.
You can flag questions and go back to change your answers. Flagging a question means you can find it again later in the part.
2. The break
You can have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part. The break is optional, and it sits between the two parts.
3. Hazard perception
You first watch a video about how it works. Then there are 14 clips.
You get one attempt at each clip. You cannot try a clip again. Clicking continuously or in a pattern scores nothing for that clip.
4. Your result
You get your result at the test centre.
Reading difficulties and other needs
If you have a reading difficulty, tell DVSA when you book. For any other disability or health condition, contact DVSA before you book.
More to read
For an overview of the test, see the theory test guide. For practice, try free theory test practice.
Common questions
What ID do I need?
Your UK photocard driving licence. With a Northern Ireland licence, take the photocard and the paper part. With an old paper licence, take a valid passport too.
What if I forget my licence?
If you do not take the right things, your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back.
How long is the multiple-choice part?
50 questions in 57 minutes. You can flag questions and go back and change answers.
Can I take a break?
Yes. You can have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part.
Do I get my result on the day?
Yes. You get your result at the test centre.
Sources
- Theory test: what to take to your test, GOV.UK
- Theory test: multiple-choice questions, GOV.UK
- Theory test: hazard perception test, GOV.UK
- Theory test: if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.