Pass mark
UK theory test pass mark, explained
Last updated
To pass the UK car driving theory test you need at least 43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception section, in a single sitting. Both parts must be passed independently — there is no combined-score path.
You must pass both parts to pass the test.
Multiple-choice section: 43 out of 50
The car theory test multiple-choice section is 50 questions in 57 minutes. The pass mark is 43 out of 50. Three of those 50 questions are based on a short, silent driving video clip — you can replay the clip as many times as you like during the test before answering. The remaining questions are single-answer multiple choice drawn from the official DVSA syllabus.
Hazard perception section: 44 out of 75
After an optional break of up to 3 minutes, you move to the hazard perception test. You watch 14 short CGI video clips. Thirteen of them contain one developing hazard each; one clip contains two — giving you 15 scoring opportunities. Each developing hazard is worth up to 5 points, for a maximum total of 75. You need 44 out of 75 to pass.
The earlier you click after a hazard begins to develop, the higher you score on that hazard (5 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1, then zero if you click too late). You won’t lose points for a wrong click, but the system zeros the entire clip if it detects continuous clicking or a rhythmic pattern. There is no on-screen score during the test — you only see your score at the end.
Pass marks by test category
| Test | Multiple-choice | Hazard perception |
|---|---|---|
| Car | 43 / 50 (57 min) | 44 / 75 |
| Motorcycle | 43 / 50 (57 min) | 44 / 75 |
| Lorry / Bus (Driver CPC Part 1) | 85 / 100 (1 h 55 min) | 67 / 100 (19 clips, 20 hazards) |
| ADI Part 1 (instructor) | 85 / 100 overall, and at least 20 / 25 in each of 4 bands | 57 / 75 |
Both sections must be passed
Failing either part fails the whole test, and you cannot retake one section in isolation. The next sitting requires you to do both parts again, with a fresh fee (£23 for the car or motorcycle test) and a minimum wait of 3 working days between attempts. The pass certificate is valid for 2 years from the day you pass — if you don’t pass the practical test in that window, you’ll need to retake the theory test. See the dedicated 2-year certificate expiry guide for the rules in detail and a date calculator.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Theory test: pass mark and result
- GOV.UK — Theory test: multiple-choice questions
- GOV.UK — Theory test: hazard perception test
- GOV.UK — Motorcycle theory test: pass mark and result
- GOV.UK — Driver CPC Part 1 theory test
- GOV.UK — ADI Part 1: pass mark and result