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 should you do before starting a journey in the snow

Accepted Answer

Consider whether your journey is essential

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

By checking the vehicle handbook

Question 3

Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing

Accepted Answer

Steady amber

Question 4

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 5

What does the term lifesaver mean

Accepted Answer

A rearward glance just before manoeuvring

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Keep the cable oiled

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Doors opening on parked cars

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Not on any occasion

Question 9

How is a learner motorcyclists licence restricted

Accepted Answer

They mustnt carry a pillion passenger

Question 10

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 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

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

Accepted Answer

Three years

Question 13

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 14

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 15

Whats the most important reason to keep your motorcycle well maintained

Accepted Answer

To keep the motorcycle roadworthy

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Open their airway and begin CPR

Question 17

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 18

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

Accepted Answer

Your ability to steer

Question 19

How do smart motorways prevent traffic bunching

Accepted Answer

By using variable speed limits

Question 20

Why should you ride with dipped headlights on in the daytime

Accepted Answer

They help other road users to see you

Question 21

How will you benefit from having your motorcycle serviced regularly

Accepted Answer

Reduced risk of it breaking down

Question 22

When should you increase the tyre pressures on your motorcycle

Accepted Answer

When carrying a heavy load

Question 23

Whats the maximum fine for driving or riding without insurance

Accepted Answer

Unlimited

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Four seconds

Question 25

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 26

Why should you test your brakes after this hazard

Accepted Answer

Your brakes will be wet

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

They lack experience and judgement

Question 28

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 29

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

Accepted Answer

Look for pedestrians

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

It will require a different riding technique

Question 31

What can cause a motorcycle to skid

Accepted Answer

Braking too hard

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Stop

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

Dippedbeam headlights

Question 34

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 35

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 36

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

Accepted Answer

Open their airway and begin CPR

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

Slow down and look both ways

Question 38

What would make a rainbowcoloured pattern on a wet road surface

Accepted Answer

Fuel spilt on the road

Question 39

Oil is leaking from your motorcycles forks Why is this dangerous

Accepted Answer

Your suspension will be ineffective

Question 40

What does this sign mean

Accepted Answer

No stopping

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Mock Test 6

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

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

Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing?

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

What does the term ‘lifesaver’ mean?

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

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

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

How is a learner motorcyclist’s licence restricted?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

How do smart motorways prevent traffic bunching?

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

How will you benefit from having your motorcycle serviced regularly?

When should you increase the tyre pressures on your motorcycle?

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

What can cause a motorcycle to skid?

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

What does this sign mean?

Not enough to pass :-(

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