How Long Is the Theory Test?

The car theory test gives you 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. You can then take a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception part, where you watch 14 short clips. Allow roughly an hour and a half in total, including arriving 15 minutes early (GOV.UK).

• 57 minfor 50 questions
• 3 minmaximum break
• 14hazard clips
• 15 minarrive early

Car theory test timings, step by step

GOV.UK confirms the 57 minutes, the practice question and the break of up to 3 minutes. It doesn't give an official length for hazard perception, but each clip is short (around a minute), so most candidates spend roughly 20 minutes on this part.

What happens when you arrive

Getting through the door takes a little time, which is why GOV.UK asks you to arrive 15 minutes early (GOV.UK: when you arrive). Before you start, you'll:

• switch off your phone, smartwatch and any fitness tracker
• put your belongings in a locker, or in a clear plastic box if the centre has no lockers
• have your photocard licence and face checked by staff
• go through a short security check, such as showing your pockets are empty

Then you're shown to a computer, where the instructions and practice question appear before the 57 minutes begin.

Do you have to use all 57 minutes?

No. You can finish the multiple-choice part once you've answered every question. But there's no prize for finishing first. With just over a minute per question, you have time to read each one twice, flag anything you're unsure about and go back to it at the end.

Managing your time

• Spend no more than about a minute on a first pass at each question.
• Flag the hard ones and move on, rather than getting stuck.
• For the 3 video questions, watch the whole clip first. You can replay it as many times as you like.
• Leave 5 to 10 minutes at the end to review your flagged questions.

How long is the hazard perception test?

Before it starts you're shown a short video explaining how it works. Then you watch 14 clips of everyday road scenes. You only get one attempt at each clip and can't rewind (GOV.UK: hazard perception). There's no time pressure to answer: you simply click when you see a hazard developing. Practise with our free hazard perception test.

Timings for other theory tests

Lorry and bus drivers book the hazard perception test (part 1b, 19 clips) separately, although you can take both parts on the same day (GOV.UK: Driver CPC part 1). Practise with our HGV mock test, which uses the full 115-minute timer.

Can you get extra time?

Yes, if you have a reading difficulty such as dyslexia. You can ask for more time for the multiple-choice part when you book, and send proof to DVSA. Other support is also available, such as someone to read the questions to you. GOV.UK doesn't set a fixed amount of extra time: DVSA decides what support is best for you. See our guide to theory test extra time.

How long until you get your result?

You get your result at the test centre straight after the test. If you pass, you get a letter with a pass certificate number, which lasts 2 years. Read how long the theory test is valid.

Don't be late

You must arrive 15 minutes before your test starts. If you're late, your test will be cancelled and you'll lose your money (GOV.UK: when you arrive). There's also no waiting area at the centre for anyone who comes with you, so plan your journey. Check our list of what to bring to your theory test.