In the UK, you must pass a driving theory test before you can get a driver’s license. Successfully passing the
UK theory test is not guaranteed. The DVLA have actually made things more difficult for learner drivers in
the past few years. The tests consist of two sections: the multiple-choice section and the hazard perception
section. You need to pass both sections in order to successfully pass the test. Here is everything you need to
know about the requirements needed to pass the test.
Here is what you need to know about the 2021 UK theory test pass mark
What is the pass mark for the theory test?
To pass the theory test, you must receive a score of 86% or higher. To pass the multiple-choice section, you
must correctly answer 43 out of 50 questions. You must complete the test in 57 minutes.
You will take the test digitally, and you will get the chance to practice on several sample questions before
you start. There are no “trick questions” on the test.
Because you only have 57 minutes to take the test, you only have 68.4 seconds to answer each question.
That means that you aren’t going to be able to spend a lot of time on a difficult question. In some cases, you
are given one scenario, and then asked several questions based on that scenario. Fortunately, you will receive
points for all of your correct answers (it isn’t an “all or nothing” situation). In other words, if you get 1 out
of 5 questions wrong, you will still get the points for the questions you answered correctly.
Additionally, you only need to answer 43 questions correctly. It doesn’t matter if all of your incorrect
answers are on the same topic.
The DVLA has hundreds of official questions, and they are assigned randomly. No two tests are exactly the
same.
The hazard perception section
There are 14 video questions on the hazard perception test. There are 75 marks available, and you must get
at least 44 to pass.
In 13 of the questions, you will watch a video and click the mouse when you see a hazard appear on screen.
An additional question will have two developing hazards. This question can appear anywhere in this section.
Your score depends on how quickly you click the mouse. You can earn anywhere from 0 to 5 marks on each
question.
It’s important to remember that if you click too early, you will receive 0 marks for that question. You also
only have one chance to get it right, so you shouldn’t click repeatedly.
Receiving your results
Because the theory test is taken digitally, you will be told whether you have passed or not on the day you
take the test.
If you failed, you will be given a letter that explains the areas where you had difficulty.
You cannot re-take the test until 72 hours later. This is designed so you can review your results, and study
the appropriate material.
Many test centres are busy, and you may actually have to wait longer than 72 hours.
It is a good idea to re-book the test immediately.
You can only move on and take the practical test when you have passed the theory test. The test centre will
give you a pass number which you will have to provide when scheduling the driving test.
What are the UK theory tests pass rates 2021
According to the latest Government statistics, in 2017/2018 the pass rate for the theory tests was 49.5%. This
is down from 65.4% in 2007/2008.
Girls generally do better than boys on the theory test. Girls have a pass rate of 51.5%, whereas boys are at
47.5% (according to DVSA statistics, the girls pass rate has always been higher). These numbers are based
on 979,097 theory tests.
