Published 16 March 2024
Are you ready to pass your theory test? Go through the 5 points in this checklist to find out.
You are more likely to fail your theory than practical driving. Don't become a part of the statistic.
Read the essential checklist to know if you are ready to pass, and how to maximise your chances of first time success.
The essential checklist will boost your pass rate to around 90%, as long as you complete in over 2 weeks.
How to use it: Answer 'yes' or 'no' to 5 of the checks listed below.
You should know what the theory test is (multiple choice and hazard perception parts) and what to bring and what to expect at the centre.
You've attempted all practice questions and hazard perception tests. This is the same as learning 60% (specific to your vehicle) of the Highway Code.
If not, start practising. Have a look at our theory test cheat sheet to learn about study materials available to you.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) provides a comprehensive revision kit that covers all the topics you’ll be tested on. Completing this kit will take you 18 hours and should be spread across 2 weeks.
Learning isn’t just about attempting the questions; it’s also about understanding where you went wrong. Revisiting your mistakes from practice tests and learning from them is a key step in your preparation.
In fact, this is where the majority of your learning occurs. Making a mistake is great, because you will be learning from it twice:
First, immediately learning from feedback, when reading the explanation for the correct answer
Second, when you revisit the question again, to confirm that you've indeed learned from the first time.
Theorypass automatically collects your mistakes to make this step easy for you.
You are consistently getting 47 correct answers (or 94% for non-car drivers) on mock tests and 3+ points per hazard on the hazard perception tests.
You know what to expect from the real test environment, which will be different from your practice one.
If not, complete 2 practice tests (test 1 and 2 for car drivers) on a computer with a mouse. Make sure to enable the Test View to view the real test interface.
Similar practice tests are available for Motorcycle, HGV, PCV, ADI.
Try a hazard perception test on a computer.
Take the hazard perception test on SafeDrivingForLife with a grain of salt. It is too forgiving on mistakes and gives a false impression of the real environment. Your real test will contain 14 clips in a sequence.
If you answered yes to all 5 bullet points, congratulations, you are likely to ace the exam.
We'd estimate your success at a 90%. You are certainly ready with the essentials, and the remaining 10% will depend on your nerves. Learn to manage your nerves, which will also come in handy during your driving test in the future.
If you answered 'no' to any of the 5 points, use the resources provided in the description to turn it into a 'yes'.
Only take your theory test if you’re feeling completely prepared.
If your test is at least 3 full working days, you can reschedule your theory test to a later date, free to change.
In addition the 5 rules above, we have a bonus rule, for those who wish to take their knowledge beyond the 'essential' requirement and make driving safer to everyone.
The 2 essential publications for all road users. Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or a lorry driver, this is recommended reading for everyone:
The highway code (or the Better Highway Code, a more accessible and searchable version published by Theorypass)
The DVSA kit will cover 60% of these publications in an interactive form. Reading and understanding both will not only help you pass your theory test and fill the blanks, but also make you a safer driver on the roads.
Preparing for the UK theory test involves understanding the test format, completing the DVSA revision kit, learning from mistakes, passing mock tests and familiarising with the real test interface.
As an extracurricular, read the highway code and know your traffic signs.
Good luck!