If you’ve landed here searching for a theory test, you’re in the right place for information but the wrong place for routes — this site is about practical test routes specifically. Here’s how the two exams actually differ, and where to find your real theory test venue.

They’re not the same exam, and not at the same place

The theory test is a computer-based exam you sit at a dedicated theory test centre — usually a shared testing venue in a town or city centre, not at a DVSA driving test centre. The practical test is the actual on-road driving exam, run from a separate DVSA practical test centre (the kind this site covers). You must pass the theory test first — its pass certificate is valid for 2 years, and you can’t book a practical test without one.

What the theory test actually involves

Two parts, both in one sitting:

  • Multiple-choice questions — 50 questions on the Highway Code, road safety, and driving theory, covering topics like hazard awareness, vehicle handling, and documentation. The pass mark is 43 out of 50.
  • Hazard perception test — 14 video clips of real road scenes, each containing at least one developing hazard. You click as soon as you spot it; the earlier and more consistently you react, the higher you score. Pass mark: 44 out of 75.

You need to pass both parts in the same sitting to pass overall.

Finding and booking your theory test

Theory test centres are a separate network from practical test centres, and they change reasonably often — rather than publish an address list here that could go stale (the exact problem this site already flags for practical test centres, see our data provenance note), use the official DVSA tools directly:

Once you’ve passed

Your theory test pass certificate is valid for 2 years. Book your practical test, then come back here — browse test centres for free practice routes near your actual practical test centre, not the theory test venue.