How I Passed the Theory Test First Time

Not long after I started working for Leo Driving School, I decided to begin my own driving journey. Before I started taking lessons, however, I focused on passing the theory test first. As you might already know, learners need to pass the theory test before they can book their practical driving test. With that in mind, I hit the books and challenged myself with mock tests in the hopes of passing on the first attempt.

In this article, I’ll walk you through my revision process and share how I passed my theory test first time. I’ll even provide some tips and tricks to help you ace yours!

The lowdown

I started working for Leo Driving School in 2017 and decided it was finally time to get behind the wheel. First things first, though, I needed to pass the theory test. While you can start taking driving lessons before passing the theory, you won’t be able to book your practical test until you have a theory test pass certificate.

Rather than revise for the theory test while starting driving lessons, I decided to tick it off the list first. As certain theory test centres have longish waiting times, I booked my theory test early so that I had a date to work towards. (When you’re ready to take your theory test, you might prefer to do some revision first before booking a test date.)

Booking the test

To book the theory test, I went straight to the DVSA’s online booking system. As I live near Salford, I searched for available test dates at Salford theory test centre. When you log into the booking system, you can view test dates at your chosen centre. If you don’t see a suitable slot, you can refresh the page until one appears or return later to check again.

When I first logged in, I found a test date just a week away. Not wanting to delay, I booked it immediately (it cost £23). By this point, I was already familiar with the theory test format through my work with Leo Driving School, so I felt comfortable revising within a short timeframe.

Top tip: If you’re unsure about booking so soon, start revising for your theory test first. Once you’re about halfway through your revision, or feeling confident with the material, go ahead and book it. Don’t feel pressured to rush into it.

Knowing the test

With my theory test scheduled for 16th September 2017, I set out to familiarise myself with the test format. Despite some popular misconceptions, the theory test isn’t a walk in the park. It can be tough to pass if you’re not properly prepared or don’t understand how the test works.

The theory test is divided into two sections:

  1. 50 multiple-choice questions (pass mark: 43 out of 50).
  2. Hazard perception test (pass mark: 44 out of 75).

You need to pass both sections to receive an overall pass.

I knew that passing first time would require a combination of resources—books, online tools, and mobile revision apps. Below, I’ll explain how I structured my revision over the course of a week.

Top tip: Before diving into revision, make sure you’re familiar with the theory test format. If you’re unsure, check out guides on passing your theory test for a clear overview.

Hitting the books

According to the DVSA, the multiple-choice section is based on three essential books:

  1. The Highway Code
  2. Know Your Traffic Signs
  3. Driving - The Essential Skills

The first two are available online for free, so you won’t need to spend a penny. The last book is available to purchase for around £15, but it’s not mandatory. Leo Driving School already had a copy of the AA theory test revision guide, so I used that instead.

There are plenty of theory test revision guides available at affordable prices, so don’t feel pressured to buy a specific one. Alternatively, you can use online or mobile resources instead—more on that later.

I started with road signs, as it’s one of the easier sections to learn but still very important. Next, I tackled the Highway Code. It’s not the most exciting read, but it forms the foundation for most multiple-choice questions. You can get through it in a couple of hours depending on your reading speed and focus.

Once I completed those, I worked through the AA revision guide, which covered all theory test topics and included sample questions with explanations. This helped me understand the format and reasoning behind the questions. After finishing the guide, I felt ready to test myself.

Going mobile

After asking colleagues at Leo Driving School for revision tips, I was recommended a mobile app. I opted for the Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 Kit app, which cost £4.99. It included a huge bank of practice questions, hazard perception clips, the Highway Code, and road signs. However, there are plenty of free apps available too, so you don’t need to spend money if you’d rather not.

Practice questions

The app allowed me to work through practice questions by category or all at once. I focused on answering as many as possible, revising questions I’d answered incorrectly and progressing until I reached 100%.

Mock tests

Once I was confident with the question bank, I moved onto the app’s mock tests. These replicated the actual test format, with 43 out of 50 needed to pass. Since I had already revised thoroughly, I found that I passed most of these tests easily.

Hazard perception

The app also featured hazard perception clips, which I initially found tricky. In these clips, you need to tap the screen as soon as you spot a developing hazard. Timing is key—clicking too early or too late results in fewer points. After watching the DVSA’s explanation video and practising several clips, I got the hang of it.

Revising online

In addition to the mobile app, I used various websites offering free theory test resources. These included practice questions, mock tests, and hazard perception videos. The DVSA also offers an official mock test, which I saved for the end of my revision.

I practised hazard perception on a desktop as well because, during the actual test, you’ll use a mouse instead of a touchscreen. This helped me adapt to the motion and improved my timing.

Top tip: Not sure where to start? Look for online guides and revision resources to simplify your search.

Sticking to a schedule

I had a week to revise for the test, so I structured my time carefully. I spent around 2 hours each day revising in smaller chunks—30 minutes on the app during my morning commute, 30 minutes on the way home, and an hour on my desktop later in the day. Spacing out my revision prevented me from cramming last-minute and helped reinforce what I learned.

Test day

Date: 16th September 2023 Time: 8:00am

I arrived at Salford theory test centre 15 minutes early, as recommended. After signing in and storing my belongings in a locker, I was guided to my desk.

  • The multiple-choice section felt straightforward thanks to the revision I’d done. I completed it quickly and double-checked my answers.
  • The hazard perception test lasted 14 minutes and felt similar to the practice clips I’d completed, although timing remained a slight challenge.

The result

I was thrilled to find out I’d passed! I scored 46 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section and 58 out of 75 on the hazard perception test. While I could have refined my timing further, I was pleased overall.

With the theory test successfully crossed off my list, I was ready to move on to the next step—sorting out my driving lessons with Leo Driving School.

Struggling with revision? At Leo Driving School, we offer support to help learners ace their theory test. With the right tools and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to success!