The 14 Theory Test Topics Explained

The car theory test question bank is split into 14 topics: Alertness, Attitude, Safety and your vehicle, Safety margins, Hazard awareness, Vulnerable road users, Other types of vehicle, Vehicle handling, Motorway rules, Rules of the road, Road and traffic signs, Essential documents, Incidents, accidents and emergencies, and Vehicle loading. The motorcycle test uses the same 14 topics, adapted for riders.

• 14car and bike topics
• 50questions per test
• 3source books
• 4ADI bands

The 14 car theory test topics

The 50 questions in your test are drawn from across these topics, so you need to know all of them. Click any topic to practise it for free.

Where the topics come from

GOV.UK says the questions are based on three books: The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Driving – the essential skills (GOV.UK: revision and practice). The topics are simply a way of grouping the questions. Revising one topic at a time, alongside the matching part of The Highway Code, is one of the most effective ways to prepare.

Which topics are hardest?

Everyone's different, but these topics catch a lot of people out:

• Road and traffic signs: there are a lot of signs and markings to learn. Use our road signs test, with sections on regulatory signs, warning signs, direction and information signs and road markings.
• Safety margins: stopping distances and following gaps need learning by heart. See our stopping distances guide.
• Motorway rules: most learners have little motorway experience, so the rules feel less familiar.
• Essential documents: short on driving, long on facts about licences, insurance and MOTs.

Motorcycle theory test topics

The motorcycle theory test uses the same 14 topic names, but the questions focus on riding: protective clothing, road positioning, being seen, and how weather affects a bike. The questions are based on The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Riding – the essential skills. Practise on our motorcycle theory test hub, which links to each topic.

HGV and bus (PCV) theory test topics

Lorry and bus drivers cover professional topics that aren't in the car test, such as drivers' hours, vehicle weights and braking systems. The questions are based on The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and the official DVSA guide to driving goods vehicles or buses and coaches. Our practice is organised into these topics:

Carrying loads applies to lorry drivers and Carrying passengers to bus and coach drivers. When you're ready, try the 100-question HGV mock test or PCV mock test.

ADI part 1: four bands

The approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test has 100 questions, with 25 in each of four categories. You need at least 20 out of 25 in each, and 85 out of 100 overall (GOV.UK):

• Road procedure
• Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
• Driving test, disabilities, and the law
• Publications and instructional techniques

How to use the topics to revise

1. Start with a mock test to see where you stand. Our mock theory test shows your score by topic at the end.
2. Work on your weakest topics first. Read the relevant section of The Highway Code, then practise.
3. Read every explanation, including for questions you got right.
4. Cycle back through all 14 topics so nothing gets rusty.
5. Finish with full mocks until you score well above 43 out of 50 every time.

For more ideas, read our theory test revision tips or browse all theory test questions and answers.

Don't forget hazard perception

Hazard perception isn't one of the 14 topics. It's a separate part of the test with 14 video clips, and you need 44 out of 75 to pass. Practise with our hazard perception test.

MockTheory uses original practice questions based on The Highway Code. Not the real test questions. MockTheory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.