Q. Where can I buy books etc about the theory test?

A. You can buy online at the official DSA Official Bookshop

Q. Can I take my theory test before my 17th birthday?

A.  No. You can only take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid. For a car this will be your 17th birthday. You can, however book your theory test before your 17th birthday.
Candidates in receipt of Disability Mobility Allowance at the higher rate may take their theory test before their 17th birthday as long as they have a valid provisional licence.

Q. What if I can't find my driving licence and my car theory test is due?

A. You must show both parts of your photocard driving licence to take a theory test. Without your driving licence you will not be able to take the test, and you will lose your test fee.
If you misplace your licence you must apply for a replacement from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which could take up to 15 days. If this happens, you may have to re-arrange your test. REMEMBER: No licence, no photo, no test!

Q. Can I start driving lessons before passing my theory test?

A. Yes. The Driving Standards Agency recommend you take practical lessons while preparing for your theory test. The combination of practical experience with theoretical learning should help you perform better at the theory test.

Q. I want to take a car test and I already hold a full motorcycle licence. Do I need to pass a theory test?

A. If you obtained a full motorcycle licence before 1 February 2001, you are exempt from passing your car theory test (but not practical test). If you passed your motorcycle test after 1 February 2001, you will need to pass a car theory test before taking a practical test.

Q. What should I do if I have any problems during the theory test?

A. If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test invigilator.

Q. What do I need on my Test Day?

A. Before leaving home, make sure that you have all the necessary documents you will need for your test appointment. If you don't have the correct documents with you on the day, you won't be able to take your test and you will lose your fee. You will need:
  • both parts of your signed photocard licence (the photocard and paper counterpart)
  • if you have an old-style licence you must have your paper licence and a valid passport
  • your appointment card or booking number.If you don't have the correct documents with you on the day, you won't be able to take your test and you will lose your fee.

Q. What happens at the end of the test?

A.  At the end of the test, you will be given your result letter by the test centre staff.

The letter tells you if you passed or failed, and it gives you feedback on your test. It tells you in which topic areas you answered questions incorrectly, so you know which topics to look at again, and it tells you the breakdown of points you scored throughout the hazard perception part ie how many 5's, 4's, 3's you scored.
If you scored mainly 0's, 1's and 2's you are reacting slowly to the hazard that is developing onscreen, whereas if you scored mainly 5's and 4's you are identifying the developing hazards in good time.
If you pass…
If you passed, you will also receive your theory test certificate which has your theory test number on. You will need this number when you book your practical test.
Your theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date of your test. If you do not take your practical test within this two year period you will have to take another theory test. There are no exceptions to this rule.
If you fail…
If you fail the theory test you should look at the feedback given on the letter and identify why you failed.
If you want to book another theory test you can book a test straight away, but you cannot take the test for another three clear working days. So, if you failed your first test on Monday afternoon, you will have to wait until Friday morning before you can take your next theory test.