News story

Changes to the theory test: the facts

From 23 January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials.

The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote.

Revision materials still available

New official driving and riding theory books were published in September 2011 to help candidates prepare for the test and for life on the road.

The new books contain:

  • new sections of text for motorcyclists, a free e-book for car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise
  • questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies
  • the official Driving Standards Agency explanations for every revision question, helping candidates fully understand the answer

This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, reworded live questions used in the actual test.

No changes to the format of the test

No changes are being made to the format of the theory test. It will still be made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part.

The time allowed and the pass marks will stay the same.

Find out more

You can find details about the new official learning materials at: tsoshop.co.uk/dsa.

Find out more about how the theory test works.

Updates to this page

Published 12 December 2011