Q: How hard is a theory test in the UK 2026?

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%.

Q: Is 46 out of 50 good on theory test 2026?

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.

Q: What does a UK theory test 2026 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.

Q: Is the theory test changing in 2026?

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.

Question 1

What lights should you use if youre riding at night on a busy main road

Accepted Answer

Dippedbeam headlights

Question 2

What can you do to prevent a cableoperated clutch from becoming stiff

Accepted Answer

Keep the cable oiled

Question 3

How will you benefit from having your motorcycle serviced regularly

Accepted Answer

Reduced risk of it breaking down

Question 4

How long after first registration must a motorcycle have its first MOT test

Accepted Answer

Three years

Question 5

At an incident how could you help a small child who isnt breathing

Accepted Answer

Open their airway and begin CPR

Question 6

Why should you ride with dipped headlights on in the daytime

Accepted Answer

They help other road users to see you

Question 7

Oil is leaking from your motorcycles forks Why is this dangerous

Accepted Answer

Your suspension will be ineffective

Question 8

What does this sign mean

Accepted Answer

No stopping

Question 9

Youre leaving your motorcycle parked and unattended on a road When may you leave the engine running

Accepted Answer

Not on any occasion

Question 10

How will riding a motorcycle and sidecar differ from riding a solo motorcycle

Accepted Answer

It will require a different riding technique

Question 11

At an incident someone is unconscious and you want to help What would be the first thing to check

Accepted Answer

Whether their airway is open

Question 12

What can cause a motorcycle to skid

Accepted Answer

Braking too hard

Question 13

Youre travelling behind a bus What should you do if it pulls up at a bus stop

Accepted Answer

Look for pedestrians

Question 14

Youve just passed your first practical driving test What will you have to do if you get six penalty points on your licence in the next two years

Accepted Answer

Retake your theory and practical tests

Question 15

Youre about to overtake a cyclist on a road that has a 30 mph speed limit How much room should you leave them as you overtake

Accepted Answer

At least as much room as you would if you were overtaking a car

Question 16

What would make a rainbowcoloured pattern on a wet road surface

Accepted Answer

Fuel spilt on the road

Question 17

Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing

Accepted Answer

Steady amber

Question 18

Whats the maximum fine for driving or riding without insurance

Accepted Answer

Unlimited

Question 19

Youre the first person to arrive at an incident where people are badly injured Youve switched on your hazard warning lights and checked all engines are stopped What else should you do

Accepted Answer

Make sure that an ambulance has been called

Question 20

Youre on a smart motorway What does it mean if a red cross is showing above the hard shoulder and mandatory speed limits above all other lanes

Accepted Answer

The hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown use only

Question 21

When should you increase the tyre pressures on your motorcycle

Accepted Answer

When carrying a heavy load

Question 22

Your indicators are difficult to see due to bright sunshine What could you do to let other road users know your intentions

Accepted Answer

Give an arm signal

Question 23

Youre on a smart motorway What does it mean when a red cross is displayed above the hard shoulder

Accepted Answer

You must not travel in this lane

Question 24

What could be affected if you fit a bulky tank bag to your motorcycle

Accepted Answer

Your ability to steer

Question 25

In winter road signs can become covered by snow What does this sign mean

Accepted Answer

Stop

Question 26

What should you do before starting a journey in the snow

Accepted Answer

Consider whether your journey is essential

Question 27

How do smart motorways prevent traffic bunching

Accepted Answer

By using variable speed limits

Question 28

What does the term lifesaver mean

Accepted Answer

A rearward glance just before manoeuvring

Question 29

What should you do when youre following a learner driver who stalls at a junction

Accepted Answer

Be patient as you expect them to make mistakes

Question 30

Why should you test your brakes after this hazard

Accepted Answer

Your brakes will be wet

Question 31

At an incident how could you help a small child who isnt breathing

Accepted Answer

Open their airway and begin CPR

Question 32

How is a learner motorcyclists licence restricted

Accepted Answer

They mustnt carry a pillion passenger

Question 33

Whats the minimum time gap you should leave when following a vehicle on a wet road

Accepted Answer

Four seconds

Question 34

How would you find out the correct air pressure to use in your motorcycles tyres

Accepted Answer

By checking the vehicle handbook

Question 35

What should the driver of the grey car be especially aware of

Accepted Answer

Doors opening on parked cars

Question 36

Whats the most important reason to keep your motorcycle well maintained

Accepted Answer

To keep the motorcycle roadworthy

Question 37

Your vehicle has broken down on a motorway In which direction should you walk to find the nearest emergency telephone

Accepted Answer

In the direction shown on the marker posts

Question 38

Youre approaching an unmarked crossroads How should you deal with the junction

Accepted Answer

Slow down and look both ways

Question 39

Youre riding a motorcycle that has an engine of less than 50 cc What should you do if you see a queue of traffic building up behind

Accepted Answer

Pull in when you can to let faster vehicles behind you overtake

Question 40

Why are young and new motorcyclists involved in more incidents than other motorcyclists

Accepted Answer

They lack experience and judgement

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Mock Test 6

What lights should you use if you're riding at night on a busy main road?

What can you do to prevent a cable-operated clutch from becoming stiff?

How will you benefit from having your motorcycle serviced regularly?

How long after first registration must a motorcycle have its first MOT test?

At an incident, how could you help a small child who isn't breathing?

Why should you ride with dipped headlights on in the daytime?

Oil is leaking from your motorcycle's forks. Why is this dangerous?

What does this sign mean?

You're leaving your motorcycle parked and unattended on a road. When may you leave the engine running?

How will riding a motorcycle and sidecar differ from riding a solo motorcycle?

At an incident, someone is unconscious and you want to help. What would be the first thing to check?

What can cause a motorcycle to skid?

You're travelling behind a bus. What should you do if it pulls up at a bus stop?

You've just passed your first practical driving test. What will you have to do if you get six penalty points on your licence in the next two years?

You’re about to overtake a cyclist on a road that has a 30 mph speed limit. How much room should you leave them as you overtake?

What would make a rainbow-coloured pattern on a wet road surface?

Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing?

What's the maximum fine for driving or riding without insurance?

You're the first person to arrive at an incident where people are badly injured. You’ve switched on your hazard warning lights and checked all engines are stopped. What else should you do?

You're on a smart motorway. What does it mean if a red cross is showing above the hard shoulder and mandatory speed limits above all other lanes?

When should you increase the tyre pressures on your motorcycle?

Your indicators are difficult to see due to bright sunshine. What could you do to let other road users know your intentions?

You're on a smart motorway. What does it mean when a red cross is displayed above the hard shoulder?

What could be affected if you fit a bulky tank bag to your motorcycle?

In winter, road signs can become covered by snow. What does this sign mean?

What should you do before starting a journey in the snow?

How do smart motorways prevent traffic bunching?

What does the term ‘lifesaver’ mean?

What should you do when you're following a learner driver who stalls at a junction?

Why should you test your brakes after this hazard?

At an incident, how could you help a small child who isn't breathing?

How is a learner motorcyclist’s licence restricted?

What's the minimum time gap you should leave when following a vehicle on a wet road?

How would you find out the correct air pressure to use in your motorcycle's tyres?

What should the driver of the grey car be especially aware of?

What's the most important reason to keep your motorcycle well maintained?

Your vehicle has broken down on a motorway. In which direction should you walk to find the nearest emergency telephone?

You're approaching an unmarked crossroads. How should you deal with the junction?

You're riding a motorcycle that has an engine of less than 50 cc. What should you do if you see a queue of traffic building up behind?

Why are young and new motorcyclists involved in more incidents than other motorcyclists?

Not enough to pass :-(

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