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
LGV/HGV
Study Questions
Braking systems

Motorbike

LGV-HGV

BUS-PCV

Braking systems

Question 1 of 59

When is trailer swing most likely to occur on a lorry and drawbar combination?

While you're braking on a bend

Explanation:

"The forces that act on your vehicle if you brake while cornering can lead to instability and may cause trailer swing. You should try to plan ahead so that you brake smoothly and in good time as you approach a bend."
While you're using an endurance brake
While you're steering at slow speed and fully loaded
While you're moving off at an angle

Braking systems

Question 1 of 59

When is trailer swing most likely to occur on a lorry and drawbar combination?

Question 2 of 59

Your vehicle is fitted with a 'diff-lock'. When would you normally use it?

Question 3 of 59

What colour is the auxiliary line on a three-line braking system?

Question 4 of 59

The emergency line is common to both two-line and three-line brake systems. What colour is it?

Question 5 of 59

Air-brake systems usually have two lines. Which additional line is fitted on a three-line system?

Question 6 of 59

In frosty weather, what precaution could a lorry driver take to prevent moisture from freezing in the air-brake system?

Question 7 of 59

How can a lorry driver avoid brake fade?

Question 8 of 59

When are exhaust brakes most efficient?

Question 9 of 59

What's the principal braking system on a lorry called?

Question 10 of 59

You're driving an articulated lorry. What could happen if you change to a lower gear while you're going too fast?

Question 11 of 59

When is an articulated vehicle most at risk of jack-knifing?

Question 12 of 59

Your lorry is stuck in snow. You use the diff-lock to move off. When should you switch the diff-lock off?

Question 13 of 59

Your tractor unit has three air lines. You're connecting to a trailer that has two air-line couplings. What colour is the line you shouldn't connect to the trailer?

Question 14 of 59

You're driving an articulated lorry that has three air lines connected to the trailer. What's the purpose of the red line?

Question 15 of 59

You're driving a tractor unit fitted with two air lines. You want to couple to a trailer that has three air-line couplings. How should the air lines be connected?

Question 16 of 59

Your lorry is equipped with anti-lock brakes. What's the correct procedure for stopping in an emergency?

Question 17 of 59

What does changing to a lower gear on a long downhill gradient help to avoid?

Question 18 of 59

You have to drive onto a muddy building site. Why should you switch on your diff-lock?

Question 19 of 59

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

Question 20 of 59

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

Question 21 of 59

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

Question 22 of 59

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

Question 23 of 59

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

Question 24 of 59

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

Question 25 of 59

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

Question 26 of 59

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

Question 27 of 59

What's 'brake fade'?

Question 28 of 59

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

Question 29 of 59

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

Question 30 of 59

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

Question 31 of 59

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

Question 32 of 59

Where would you see an escape lane?

Question 33 of 59

When would you use an escape lane?

Question 34 of 59

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

Question 35 of 59

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

Question 36 of 59

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

Question 37 of 59

When should an endurance brake (retarder) be used?

Question 38 of 59

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

Question 39 of 59

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 40 of 59