Read and get to know the Highway Code. You'll find that many of the theory questions relate directly to it. The theory test involves:

• 50 multiple choice questions covering a wide range of driving topics.
• To pass you must answer 43 or more questions correctly in 57 minutes.
• You have the option of working th rough a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test.
• The system has the option for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test being read in English through a headset. Voice-overs in 20 other languages are available.

You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

Remember dont try too many questions at once, and dont try to learn the answers by heart.

How to answer the questions

Each question has two, three or four possible answers. You must mark the boxes with the correct answer(s). Each question tells you how many to mark.

Study each question carefully, making sure you understand what it is asking you. Look carefully at any diagram, drawing or photograph. Before you look at the answers, decide what you think is the correct answer(s) might be. You can then select the answer(s) that matches the one you had decided on. If you follow this system, you will avoid being confused by the answers that appear to be similar.

Now why not try some of our mock tests below.

Mock Test 1

Mock Test 2

Practical test explained

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• Can drive safely
• Know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

What the test will include:

The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue).After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.

You can find source material in the DSA publication 'Driving the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.

Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.

Download vehicle safety questions for car test