Theory Test Pass Marks and Pass Rates 2021 (2024)

Preparing for your first Driving Theory Test in 2020? Find outhow much you need to score, what the current Theory Testpass mark is, and how many people pass the first time around.

What is the current Driving Theory Test pass mark for drivers?

The Theory Test pass mark is 86%, so you'll need to answer 43 out of 50 multiple choice questions correctly to pass.

The questions will covertopics that include alertness, attitude, safety, road signs, and much more.

There are over 700 questions in the official question bank so you must have a wide range of knowledge!

The Hazard Perception pass mark is 44 out of 75.

You must score a pass in both sections of the Driving Theory Test to pass the overall test.

Theory Test Pass Marks and Pass Rates 2021 (1)

Theory Test Pass Marks and Pass Rates 2021 (2)

The Driving Test Success survey

We know that 90% of learners that used our Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 App, passed their Theory Test, but how do we know this?

To obtain the 9 out of 10 learner Theory Testpass rate, Driving Test Success conducted a survey in 2019 that revealed 90.03% of respondents passed their test using the Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 App.

This was calculated from a sample of 395learner drivers that had used theapp within the last 6 months.

Of those 395 learner drivers who took their test, 355 had passed!

Get the Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 Apptoday for just £4.99to ensure you have the best possible chance to pass the first time.

Theory Test Pass Marks and Pass Rates 2021 (3)

What is thecurrent Driving Theory Testpass rate in the UK?

The 2019/20 pass rateis 47.7%*, which means just over half of all people who sit their Theory Test fail it.

Theory Test Pass Rate
2013/1451.6%
2014/1551.0%
2015/1649.2%
2016/1748.7%
2017/1848.7%
2018/1947.3%
2019/2047.7%

*2019/20 ytd (April - Sept)

And, of those who passed their Theory Test, how many passedthe firsttime?

In 2017*, 27% of all tests resulted in a first-time pass - that’s 529,013first time passesout of 1.95million tests that were taken.

That's probably much less than you thought, right?

We all know someone who claims to have passed their test the first time around, with no revision atallor very limited last-minute revision attempts.

Whilethey may have fallen lucky (or told a little white lie) we really don't recommend this approach.

The cost of a resit is £23, plus the cost of the original fail; bringing the booking fee up to £46, without taking into consideration the cost to get to the test centre, and your time wasted.

So, make sure you're completing a full range of Theory Test practice sessions!

During the 2018/2019 financial year,1,787,773 people took the Theory Test, with only 845,028 passing - resulting in the 47.3% pass rate.

That still leaves 52.7% of people who FAIL!

The latest statistics from the Department for Transport also show that females have a greater pass rate than males, with the ladies securing a 49.1% pass rate, and the lads scoring 45.6%.

FREE Theory Test practice for 2020

Get some free Theory Test practice in now and challenge your Highway Code knowledge!

Our addictive Highway Code quiz lets you answer 10, 20, 30, or 40 questions covering 26 categories where each category has 5 questions that vary in difficulty.

Simply correctly answer as many as you canbefore the time runs out.

If you get a high score and are placed in the top ten, you can add your name to the leaderboard!

Our top 6tips to pass your Driving Theory Testthe firsttime:

  1. Revise as much as possible for the months and weeks leading up to your test, but don’t cram hours in at a time –instead,try to split your revision into more manageable chunks. Our Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 appcontains everything you will ever need to make sure you're as prepared as possible, and we've written a perfect driving Theory Test revision plan to help you on your way!
  2. Attempt a minimum of 10 full mock Theory Test exams; which include both the multiple-choice and Hazard Perception sections of the test.
  3. Don'tbook your DVSA Theory Testuntil you are consistently and confidently passing each fullmock testwith a high score. Completing one mock test isn't enough; we'd recommend you pass at least 5 mock tests consecutively with some time left over!
  4. Don't book your test until you have seen (and correctly answered!) 100% of the licensed DVSA Theory Test revision questions; all of which can be found in our app.
  5. Understand why you're sitting the test. It's not just a hurdle in the way of you bookingyour Practical Driving Test; it is vital information which will make you a safer, more informed driver. Everything you learn will be needed once you hit the road, so take your time and see the true value in your Theory Test revision.
  6. Find the right revision tool for you. Focus on content and how it will fit into your revision schedule more than simply looking for the cheapest option you can find!

Look for a product with all of the latest (and licensed) DVSA2020Theory Test revision questions, a large amount of Hazard Perception clips (at least 80), and a progress monitor. This will help yousee when you're consecutively passing the test, and which areas need more work.

*Car Theory Test data by test centre DRT5201.

Get theDriving Theory Test 4 in 1 Apptoday for just £4.99 to ensure you have the best possible chance to pass the first time!

Theory Test Pass Marks and Pass Rates 2021 (4)

Theory Test Pass Marks and Pass Rates 2021 (2024)

FAQs

How many correct answers do you need to pass your theory? ›

The Theory Test pass mark is 86%, so you'll need to answer 43 out of 50 multiple choice questions correctly to pass. The questions will cover topics that include alertness, attitude, safety, road signs, and much more. There are over 700 questions in the official question bank so you must have a wide range of knowledge!

How many people fail Theory Test first try? ›

Passing the theory test might not be as straightforward as it sounds. In fact, the 2019/20 pass rate was 47.7%, meaning that more than 1 in 2 candidates didn't reach the pass mark on either one or both sections.

What are the chances of passing Theory Test? ›

This means that over half the learner drivers who sit their theory test fail it, with boys achieving a 42.9% pass rate and girls achieving an even higher pass rate of 45.8%. The pass rate has fluctuated over time, with a peak of 65.4% in 2007/08 and 2008/09, compared to 44.2% in 2022/23.

Is the Theory Test 100 questions? ›

Each test for cars and motorcycles contains 50 multiple choice questions. There are no hazard perception clips within these tests. The practice LGV and PCV tests are shortened versions. The actual tests contain 100 questions and you will need 85 right answers to pass.

How do I definitely pass my theory test? ›

Study the rules of the road: Read up on traffic signs, potential hazards, and driving laws. Understanding the theory behind driving will help you make informed decisions while on the road. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for gaining confidence and developing your skills.

How do I know if I passed my theory test? ›

A driving theory test certificate is awarded to a learner driver after they have successfully passed the theory part of the driving licence test. The document will usually contain your name, driving licence number and pass certificate number. This certificate will also have an expiry date.

Is the theory test harder now? ›

The Theory Test has more multiple-choice questions now than it did when it was introduced back in 1996. Along with other factors, what is highly likely to be the reason that more people are failing a Theory Test is that candidates are turning up for their test unprepared.

What is a good theory test score? ›

In the UK, the pass mark for the Theory Test is 86%. This means that candidates must correctly answer at least 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions to pass.

What questions do most people fail with on theory test? ›

Which questions do drivers commonly fail on their theory test?
  • 'Kick-down' Question: When driving a car with an automatic transmission, what would you use 'kick-down' for? ...
  • Cover note. ...
  • Puffin crossing. ...
  • Turning right onto a dual carriageway. ...
  • Stopping distances. ...
  • Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN)

What happens if you can't pass your Theory Test? ›

If you fail

You'll get a letter at the test centre. It'll tell you which parts you did not score enough points on so you know what to practise. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

Why am I not passing my Theory Test? ›

It could be that you didn't revise quite as much as you should have done. Or maybe nerves keep getting the better of you. Or it could just be that some rules of the road are not your forte. Every failed theory test can help you improve.

How long is the average Theory Test? ›

In general, the theory test usually takes around 60 minutes to complete (including the hazard perception test). The test itself will consist of two parts for everyone taking it. First, you will need to complete the multiple-choice questions and then the hazard perception test.

Is it easy to pass theory test? ›

Every year almost 2.5 million people sit the driving theory test in preparation for getting their driving licence. For many, the theory test is less intimidating than the practical test that follows, but it still isn't straightforward and around half of all candidates fail, so it's important to be prepared.

How many times can you take your theory test? ›

There are also no limits on how many attempts you can take. You'll also get a letter at the test centre showing which parts of the test you answered incorrectly, so you can fill in your knowledge gaps. Your driving instructor will offer as much support as they can to help you pass the theory test.

What questions do you need to pass the theory test? ›

746 Questions
QuestionTopic
What do you need before you can legally use a motor vehicle on the road?Essential documents
What does '25' mean on this motorway sign?Road and traffic signs
What does a red traffic light mean?Road and traffic signs
What does a sign with a brown background show?Road and traffic signs
137 more rows

How many questions do you need for theory? ›

You'll have 50 multiple-choice questions and 57 minutes to finish. You need to get 43 right to pass. If you're not sure about an answer, you can flag the question and come back to it later. You can also change your answers at any time.

How many questions do you answer in theory test? ›

You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. Before the test starts you'll get: instructions on how the test works. the chance to do a practice question to get used to the screens.

Why do I keep failing my theory test? ›

Along with other factors, what is highly likely to be the reason that more people are failing a Theory Test is that candidates are turning up for their test unprepared. As with anything in life, if you want to achieve a first-time pass, preparation is the key to success.

How long does it take to pass a theory test after failing? ›

If you fail

You'll get a letter at the test centre. It'll tell you which parts you did not score enough points on so you know what to practise. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

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