How hard is a theory test in the UK 2025?

We've analyzed responses from hundreds of learners on Theorypass to identify the most challenging questions. Put simply, without studying, your odds to answer all questions correctly are just 1 in 3,800. This could explain the disappointing national theory test pass rate of 46.1%.

Is 46 out of 50 good on theory test 2025?

What is the UK theory test pass mark? The theory test pass mark is 86%. This means you need to score 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions to pass this section of the test. You have 57 minutes to answer all of the questions in the multiple-choice test.

What does a UK theory test 2025 consist of?

The theory test for car and motorcycle drivers is made up of two parts taken at the same time - multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass both parts of the test to get a test certificate.

Is the theory test changing in 2025?

The Driver Theory Test has been revised and the updated version went live on the 1st of July 2024. The changes made are to enhance your experience with new and improved images, updated and more relevant questions surrounding road safety and legislation.

Reduction of braking effectiveness

Dashboard
BUS/PCV
Study Questions
Braking systems

Motorbike

LGV-HGV

BUS-PCV

Braking systems

Question 1 of 47

How will anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle's safety?

They allow you to follow other vehicles more closely
They help you keep steering control while braking heavily

Explanation:

"When your steering wheels are locked - as can happen in a skid - you can't steer the vehicle. Anti-lock brakes help you to keep steering control while you're braking heavily, but they aren't a substitute for good forward planning. Anticipation and planning ahead will minimise the risk of skidding more effectively than relying on your braking system."
They let you drive faster on wet roads
They enable you to brake later than normal

Braking systems

Question 1 of 47

How will anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle's safety?

Question 2 of 47

What could prevent air pressure from building up in an air-brake system in frosty weather?

Question 3 of 47

What should you do if the brake air-pressure warning light comes on while you're driving?

Question 4 of 47

You've just started the engine. What must you do if the brake air-pressure warning light is showing?

Question 5 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with an anti-lock braking system. What's it designed to allow you to do?

Question 6 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with an anti-lock braking system. When should you check that it's working properly?

Question 7 of 47

What will 'pumping' the brake pedal in a vehicle fitted with anti-lock brakes cause?

Question 8 of 47

You're driving a vehicle fitted with anti-lock brakes. What should you do when braking in an emergency?

Question 9 of 47

What's 'brake fade'?

Question 10 of 47

'Brake fade' is a loss of effectiveness of the brakes when they overheat. When would 'brake fade' be most likely to happen?

Question 11 of 47

What should you do when driving a large vehicle down a steep hill?

Question 12 of 47

What should anti-lock brakes let you do when you have to stop in an emergency?

Question 13 of 47

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. How does this affect you when you're braking normally?

Question 14 of 47

Where would you see an escape lane?

Question 15 of 47

When would you use an escape lane?

Question 16 of 47

When can an endurance brake (retarder) be especially useful?

Question 17 of 47

You're driving down a long hill. What should you use to prevent the brakes from overheating?

Question 18 of 47

What system is used to control a vehicle's speed without using the footbrake?

Question 19 of 47

When should an endurance brake (retarder) be used?

Question 20 of 47

Your vehicle is fully loaded. Where should you be braking when dealing with bends?

Question 21 of 47

A lorry is overtaking you on a two-lane motorway. What should you do if it doesn't have the speed to get past?

Question 22 of 47

What should you do after driving through a flood?

Question 23 of 47

What can coasting downhill seriously affect?

Question 24 of 47

When does 'brake fade' occur?

Question 25 of 47

How can you help to prevent 'brake fade'?

Question 26 of 47

What causes 'brake fade'?

Question 27 of 47

Where must extra care be taken when using an endurance brake (retarder)?

Question 28 of 47

You're stationary. The brake air-pressure warning light comes on. Why should you keep the parking brake on?

Question 29 of 47

You're about to drive a vehicle fitted with air-assisted hydraulic brakes. Why might the brake pedal feel hard when you press it?

Question 30 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with an air-assisted hydraulic braking system. What would warn you that the vacuum pump isn't working?

Question 31 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with hydraulic brakes. Why might the brake pedal go down too far when it's pressed?

Question 32 of 47

You're about to drive a vehicle fitted with hydraulic brakes. What should you check before driving the vehicle?

Question 33 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with air-assisted hydraulic brakes. What would warn you that there isn't enough air in the system?

Question 34 of 47

Which coloured band on the rev counter makes the best use of engine braking?

Question 35 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with air brakes. What does it mean if a brake warning light shows when you've just started the engine?

Question 36 of 47

Your vehicle is fitted with air-assisted hydraulic brakes. What fault would you suspect if the brake pedal becomes hard to press?

Question 37 of 47

Which component will last longer when you use a retarder?

Question 38 of 47

What should you do when an air-pressure warning device activates?

Question 39 of 47

You're driving down a snow-covered hill. Why should you take care when using an independent endurance brake (retarder)?

Question 40 of 47