Theory Test Pass Mark 2026: What Score Do You Need?

The theory test pass mark for cars and motorcycles is 43 out of 50 in the multiple-choice questions and 44 out of 75 in the hazard perception test. You must reach both pass marks in the same sitting to pass (GOV.UK).

• 43/50questions pass mark
• 86%of questions right
• 44/75hazard perception
• 7mistakes allowed

In other words, you can get up to seven multiple-choice questions wrong and still pass. That sounds generous, but it means you need to get 86% right, which is a high bar if you haven't covered every topic.

Pass marks for every UK theory test

Lorry, bus and instructor tests have more questions and different pass marks. Here's the full list, taken from GOV.UK.

Sources: car theory test, motorcycle theory test, Driver CPC part 1, Driver CPC part 2 and ADI part 1 on GOV.UK.

Car and motorcycle pass mark explained

Multiple-choice questions: 43 out of 50

You get one mark for each correct answer. Three of the 50 questions are about a short video clip. They count exactly the same as the others. There's no negative marking, so never leave a question blank: a guess can only help.

Hazard perception: 44 out of 75

There are 14 clips with 15 developing hazards in total (one clip has two). Each hazard is worth up to 5 points, so the maximum is 75. The earlier you click once a hazard starts to develop, the more points you get. You don't lose points for clicking at the wrong time, but you score zero for a clip if you click continuously or in a pattern (GOV.UK: hazard perception).

To reach 44 you need to average just under 3 points per hazard. Practise with our free hazard perception test and learn how the scoring window works in our hazard perception tips.

Lorry and bus (HGV and PCV) pass marks

For lorry and bus drivers, the Driver CPC part 1 theory test is split into two parts that you book separately:

• Part 1a, multiple choice: 100 questions in 1 hour 55 minutes. The pass mark is 85 out of 100.
• Part 1b, hazard perception: 19 clips. The pass mark is 67 out of 100.

You can take them in any order, but you must pass both within 2 years of each other. Practise with our HGV mock theory test, PCV mock test and HGV hazard perception test.

Driver CPC part 2 pass mark

The case studies test has 7 short scenarios with 5 to 10 questions each, 50 in total. You have 1 hour 15 minutes and need 40 out of 50 to pass. Try our CPC case study mock test.

ADI part 1 pass mark

Driving instructor candidates face the toughest rules. You need 85 out of 100 overall and at least 20 out of 25 in each of the four categories. GOV.UK is clear that you'll fail with an overall score of 85 or more if one category is below 20. The hazard perception pass mark is 57 out of 75. Practise each band on our ADI part 1 pages.

What happens after the test

You get your result at the test centre straight after the test.

• If you pass, you get a letter with a pass certificate number. You need it to book your practical test, and it lasts for 2 years.
• If you fail, the letter tells you which parts you didn't score enough points on. You must take the full test again and wait at least 3 working days.

More detail: failed your theory test? and how long is the theory test valid?

How to make sure you beat the pass mark

1. Practise every topic on our car theory test hub until you're confident in each one.
2. Take full timed mock tests and aim to score well above 43, not just scrape it.
3. Do hazard perception practice regularly, not just the night before.
4. Read our step-by-step guide on how to pass your theory test.