What to take to your theory test and what happens on the day

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Source: Theory test: what to take and when you arrive at the test centre, GOV.UK, checked 3 November 2026.

What do you need to take to your theory test?

Tick the line that matches your licence, plus the rest. Nothing you tick is saved or sent anywhere.

• UK photocard driving licence.
• Northern Ireland licence: the photocard and the paper part (the counterpart).
• Old paper licence: the licence and a valid passport.
• Changed your name? Proof of it, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.
• Time to arrive 15 minutes before your test starts.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.

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. Lost your licence? A replacement can take up to 15 days to arrive, so rearrange your test if it will not come in time.

Contents

1. What happens when you arrive at the test centre?
2. What happens during the test, step by step?
3. 1. The multiple-choice part
4. 2. The break
5. 3. Hazard perception
6. 4. When do you get your theory test result?
7. Reading difficulties and other needs
8. More to read

What happens when you arrive at the test centre?

• Arrive 15 minutes early. If you are late, your test will be cancelled and you will lose your money.
• Turn off every device before you go in: phones, smart watches and fitness trackers. You cannot take the test with a device you cannot turn off.
• Lockers: your bag, coat, hat, earphones, phone, watch, wallet, books, pens and anything in your pockets go in a locker. If there are no lockers, they go in a clear plastic box that is kept safe during your test.
• Checks: staff look at your face to compare it with your photo ID. They also check that you have nothing you could cheat with, for example by asking you to show your pockets are empty or roll up your sleeves. You cannot take the test if you do not let them check.
• No waiting area: anyone who comes with you cannot wait inside the test centre.

What happens during the test, step by step?

1. Read the instructions and try the practice question.
2. Answer the multiple-choice questions. Use flags for questions you want to check again.
3. Take a break of up to three minutes if you want one.
4. Watch the hazard perception instructions, then take each clip once.
5. 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. When do you get your theory test result?

You get your result at the test centre. You need 43 out of 50 in the multiple-choice part and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception, both in the same test. Check your mock scores with the theory test pass mark checker.

• If you pass, you get a letter with your pass certificate number. You need it to book your driving test, and it lasts for 2 years.
• If you fail, the letter shows which parts you did not score enough on. You take the whole test again, even if you passed one part, and you wait at least 3 working days. Read what to do after a failed theory test.

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, with a letter. If you pass, the letter has your pass certificate number.

How early should I arrive?

15 minutes before your test starts. If you are late, your test will be cancelled and you will lose your money.

Can I take my phone in?

No. Turn it off before you go in and store it in a locker with your other things.

Sources

(6)

1. Theory test: what to take to your test, GOV.UK. Checked 3 November 2026.
2. Theory test: when you arrive at the test centre, GOV.UK. Checked 3 November 2026.
3. Theory test: pass mark and test result, GOV.UK. Checked 3 November 2026.
4. Theory test: multiple-choice questions, GOV.UK
5. Theory test: hazard perception test, GOV.UK
6. 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.