Articles
Clear, up-to-date guides to the UK driving theory test: pass marks, road signs, hazard perception and everything the test actually asks.
Road signs
What Do Brown Road Signs Mean?
Brown road signs point to tourist attractions and facilities: castles, museums, picnic sites and visitor centres. Here's how they fit the UK sign colour system.
Theory test
Cancelling or Rescheduling Your Theory Test Without Losing £23
You need 3 full working days' notice to change or cancel a theory test, or you pay again. How the rule works, the refund exceptions, and how to find an earlier date.
Theory test
Does It Matter Which Theory Test Centre You Choose?
Theory test pass rates range from 37% to 56% across the UK's 165 centres, but the test is identical everywhere. What the DVSA data really shows about centre choice.
Theory test
The 7 Hardest Theory Test Topics (and Why People Get Them Wrong)
Road signs, stopping distances, documents and first aid catch out the most theory test candidates. The 7 hardest topics and the traps built into each one.
Theory test
How Long Should You Revise for the Theory Test?
Most learners need 2 to 4 weeks of steady revision to pass the theory test. What that covers, why cramming fails at a 45% pass rate, and how to know you're ready.
Theory test
How Many Questions Are in the Driving Theory Test?
The UK car theory test has 50 multiple-choice questions and a pass mark of 43. Here's the full format: timings, hazard perception, cost and what happens if you fail.
Theory test
How to Book Your Theory Test: Cost, Requirements and Common Mistakes
Book the UK theory test online for £23. You'll need your provisional licence number, an email address and a card. Here's the full process and what to avoid.
Road signs
Motorway Signs and Signals: Red X, Amber Flashes and Smart Motorway Rules
A red X means the lane is closed and driving in it is illegal. What motorway signals, overhead gantry signs and blue motorway signs mean, with Highway Code rules.
Road signs
Road Sign Shapes: What Triangles, Circles and Rectangles Mean
Triangular signs warn, circular signs give orders, rectangular signs inform. Learn the UK road sign shape system and you can read signs you've never seen.
Theory test
Roundabout Rules: Who Has Priority and Which Lane to Use
At UK roundabouts you give priority to traffic from your right. The full Highway Code rules on lanes, signals, mini-roundabouts and the mistakes examiners test.
Theory test
Stopping Distances Explained: The Figures You Need to Know
Official Highway Code stopping distances from 20 to 70 mph, with a clear chart. Thinking distance, braking distance, and how rain and ice change everything.
Theory test
Theory Test Day: What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring your UK photocard provisional licence and arrive 15 minutes early, with all devices off. Forget either and your test is cancelled with no refund.
Theory test
Can You Take the Theory Test in Polish, Urdu or Another Language?
No. Since 2014 the UK theory test is only available in English, Welsh or British Sign Language. What that means if English isn't your first language, and how to prepare.
Theory test
What Is the Theory Test Pass Rate? Why Over Half of People Fail
The UK car theory test pass rate is about 45%, down from 65% in 2008. Here are the official DVSA figures by year and what makes the difference between passing and failing.