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The Driving Theory Test - Would You Pass Now?

Added: 16 January 2018

See if you can answer these tricky questions...

Back in December, the DVSA announced several major changes to the UK driving test. It’s the biggest shake-up we’ve seen since the driving theory test was introduced in 1996, but before you can sit the new practical driving test, you’ll need to pass the written theory test.

Would you still pass the UK theory test in 2018? Read on to find out...

Driving instructor with clipboard assessing student

What is the UK driving theory test?

The UK driving theory test lasts up to 57 minutes and is divided into two sections: a question round and a hazard perception test. Candidates must pass both parts of the test in the same sitting, which means you’ll have to resit the entire theory test if you fail either part.

The first part of the theory test contains multiple-choice 50 questions, pulled randomly from a bank of nearly 1,000 possible questions. Candidates must score at least 86% to pass the theory test – a total of 43 correct answers.

In the second part of the test, you’ll be shown 14 video clips of everyday driving scenes. Each clip will feature a developing hazard and you must click the mouse as soon as you spot it. You’ll score up to five points for each, depending on how quickly you spot it. One of the 14 clips will include two hazards.

The driving theory test questions

Just eight incorrect answers will mean you automatically fail the entire theory test, so there’s little room for mistakes.

Below are the eight questions candidates are most likely to get wrong in the 2018 driving theory test – how many can you answer correctly? Find the answers at the bottom of this blog...

1.       What are these yellow lines painted across the road?


2.       When is it okay to undertake another vehicle?

3.       In good conditions, what is the typical stopping distance at 70mph?

4.       You take a wrong route and find yourself on a one-way street. What do you do?

5.       At a pelican crossing, what must you do when the amber light is flashing?

6.       You’re towing a smaller trailer on a busy 3-lane motorway. What must you do if all lanes are open?

7.       You’re driving down a long, steep hill. You notice that your brakes aren’t working as well as normal. What is the usual cause of this?

8.       As well as holding a full driving licence, what are the other requirements for those supervising learner drivers?

Passing the UK driving theory test

Given that only just over half (50.7%) of candidates pass their car theory test, it’s important to prepare in advance. Many learner drivers focus on the practical test and forget the importance of the driving theory test, but don’t forget to study; it’s only once you’ve passed the driving theory test that you can book your practical driving test and earn your driving licence. If you are fully prepared for the practical driving test – including the new changes introduced last month – you should be prepared for the driving theory test, but there are plenty of practice tests that you can find online before you sit the real thing.

If you have a driving test coming up, good luck! Don’t forget to keep up to date with all the latest driving news over on our Facebook page or Twitter.

Answers

1.       To make you aware of your speed.

2.       On all roads, undertaking is permitted if the vehicles in the lane to the right are queueing and slow moving.

3.       96 Metres / 315 Feet.

4.       Continue to the end of the road.

5.       Give way to anyone crossing.

6.       Use left-hand lane at a max speed of 60mph.

7.       The brakes overheating.

8.       Must be at least 21 years old, have held a full driving licence for 3 years minimum for the type of vehicle they are supervising in.