Q. Can I take the practical test first?
A. No. You have to pass your theory test before you can book a practical test.

Q. Does everyone have to take the theory test?
A. Most people in the UK who are learning to drive will have to sit a theory test. However, you won't have to if

• you're upgrading within the same category i.e. B (car) to B+E (car with trailer)
• you already have a full B1 entitlement because you have a full motorcycle licence issued before 1 February 2001 (not applicable in Northern Ireland)

Any enquiries about whether you have to take a theory test should be addressed to the Customer Service Unit, Driving Standards Agency, PO Box 280, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1FP. Tel: 0115 901 2545, email: customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk . (For Northern Ireland, address enquiries to Driver & Vehicle Agency (Testing), Balmoral Road, Belfast BT12, Tel: 02890 681831).

Foreign licence holders:

If you hold a foreign driving licence issued outside the EC/EEA, first check with the Driver & Vehicle Licencing Agency (tel: 0870 240 0009, for Northern Ireland call 02870 341 469) to see whether you can exchange your driving licence. If you cannot exchange your licence, you will need to take both theory and practical driving tests.

Q. Why do the questions keep changing?
A. To make sure that all candidates are being tested fairly, questions and video clips are under continuous review. Some questions may be changed as a result of customer feedback. They may also be changed to reflect revised legislation, and DSA publications and Driving Theory 4 All are updated to reflect such changes.

Q. Can I take a mock test?
A. Yes, you can take as many mock tests as you need on Driving Theory 4 All.

Q. Where can I take the test?
A. There are over 150 theory test centres throughout England, Scotland and Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Most people have a test centre within 20 miles of their home, but this will vary depending on the density of population in your area.

Q. When are test centres open?
A. Test centres are usually open on weekdays, some evenings and some Saturdays.

Q. How do I cancel or postpone my test?
A. You can cancel or postpone your theory test online or by telephone. You should contact the booking office at least three clear working days before your test date, otherwise you'll lose your fee. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as documented ill-health or family bereavement, can this rule be waived.

Q. What if I don't receive an acknowledgement?
A. If you don't receive an acknowledgement within the time specified, please contact the booking office to check that an appointment has been made. The DSA will not take responsibility for postal delays. If you miss your test appointment you'll lose your fee.

Q. What's the pass mark?
A. The number of questions asked and the pass marks vary depending on the test you are taking.

For cars you must answer at least 43 questions correctly out of 50.
For bikes you must answer at least 43 questions correctly out of 50.
For the ADI test you must answer at least 85 questions correctly out of 100.
For the PCV test you must answer at least 85 questions correctly out of 100.
For the LGV test you must answer at least 85 questions correctly out of 100.

The pass mark for the hazard perception part for cars, bikes and ADI Part 1 is 44 out of 75 which is made up from 14 video tests. One of the videos contains 2 hazards worth a maximum of 10 points, the other 13 videos each contain a single hazard and carry a maximum score of 5 points each.

The pass mark for the hazard perception part for the LGV and PCV tests is 67 out of 100 which is made up from 19 video tests. One of the videos contains 2 hazards worth a maximum of 10 points, the other 18 videos each contain a single hazard and carry a maximum score of 5 points each.

Q. If I don't pass, when can I take the test again?
A. If you fail your test, you've shown that you're not fully prepared. You'll have to wait at least three clear working days before you take the theory test again. Good preparation will save you time and money.

Q. Why do I have to retake both parts of the test if I only fail one?
A. It's really only one test. The theory test has always included questions relating to hazard awareness - the second part simply tests the same skills in a more effective way. The two parts are only presented separately in the theory test because different scoring methods are used.

Q. Are all questions applicable to Northern Ireland?
A. No. Some questions will not be used on theory tests in Northern Ireland. Driving Theory 4 All will present questions which are relevant to your location based on your registration details.