The theory test:
The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
Taking your theory test
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, ie a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
Part one - multiple choice
Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works.
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.
For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.
For lorries and buses you'll be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes and the pass mark is 51 out of 60.
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.
Part two - hazard perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.
The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. For lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
Booking your theory test
Master Card, Visa, Switch, Delta, Solo and Electron are accepted.
Application forms are available from test centres, Forms need to be sent with a cheque, postal order or credit or debit card details. Theory tests can be taken in Northern Ireland at the following locations: Belfast; Ballymena; Londonderry; Newry; Omagh and Portadown. The current price is £28.50 and you can book a test at any of these centres by phoning 0845 600 6700, making sure you have your driver number and credit/debit card details to hand. Tests taken in other parts of the U.K. are acceptable in Northern Ireland and vice versa.
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you will need:
- a valid UK driving licence
- a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
You can book a theory test over the phone on 
0845 600 6700 local rate, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday, and Saturday between 8.ooam and 4.00pm, except on Bank Holidays. Text phone is also available by calling 0870 0106 372.
When you book your test you will be given a reference number and sent an appointment letter that you should expect to receive within four working days of your call. If you do not receive your appointment letter within this time then contact the booking office.
To book a theory test online you will need:
- a valid UK driving licence
- a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
Payments
To book a test online, in addition to your Northern Ireland or GB Driving Licence number you need a valid credit or debit card. The DVA and it's agents use the same level of security as banks and other financial institutions to protect your personal details during and after the transaction.
To use a credit or debit card to make a payment, you need to be the actual card holder.
All payments on this site are in pounds sterling.
The following credit and debit cards are accepted.
