How to prepare for your theory test

To prepare for your theory test, the Driver & Vehicle Agency recommends that you study the source material, including information about motoring on nidirect.

Preparing for the theory test

The driving theory test has two parts:

Multiple Choice Questions
Hazard Perception

The multiple choice part

To prepare for the multiple choice part of the theory test you should refer to the source material detailed below.

The Highway Code

The Highway Code is essential reading.

Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties.

The Highway Code

Know Your Traffic Signs

Traffic signs play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling road users’ behaviour. This is to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone and makes having knowledge of traffic signs vital.

There are three basic types of traffic sign – signs that give orders, signs that warn and signs that give information. Each type has a different shape. A further guide to the function of a sign is its colour.

You can practise the multiple choice part of the theory test online to test your knowledge and understanding of the source material.

Take an official practice theory test (do it online section)

The Essential Skills

DSA produces books in the essential skills range. The books provide everything you need to learn about, and maintain, safe driving or riding skills for life.

You can buy the essential skills range from most high street book shops. They are also available to order online or over the phone from The Stationery Office.