The UK theory test in 2026 — everything you need to know

Before you can book a practical driving test in Great Britain you must pass the theory test. Here is exactly what it involves, what it costs, and how to prepare — for free.

The two parts of the test

You must pass both parts in the same sitting. Fail one and you retake the whole test.

Cost and booking

The car or motorcycle theory test costs £23. Book it only through GOV.UK — third-party booking sites charge extra fees for the same appointment. You will need your provisional licence number, an email address and a payment card. If you pass, your certificate is valid for 2 years.

What if English isn't my first language?

Since 2014 the test can only be taken in English or Welsh — no interpreters or foreign-language voiceovers. The proven way to prepare is to revise the English questions with a translation next to them, so the exam wording holds no surprises. That is exactly what Theory Hub does, free, in Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Polish, Romanian, Turkish and Hindi.

How to prepare (the short version)

1. Work through the revision questions topic by topic — all 50 topics are here, licensed by DVSA, the people who set the live test.
2. Read the explanation every time you get one wrong — that is where the learning happens.
3. When you score well in practice, switch to full mock tests under real exam conditions: 50 questions, 57 minutes.
4. Book the real test when your mocks are consistently above 45/50 — a safety margin over the 43 pass mark.