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%.

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.

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.

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.

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Motorbike
Study Questions
Motorway rules

Motorbike

LGV-HGV

BUS-PCV

Motorway rules

Question 1 of 49

When may you stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway?

Only in an emergency

Explanation:

"You mustn't stop on the hard shoulder, except in an emergency. If you're on a smart motorway, and the hard shoulder is in use as a running lane, try and reach an emergency refuge area or take the next exit. Never use the hard shoulder to have a rest or a picnic, answer a mobile phone or check a road map. Also, you mustn't travel back along the hard shoulder if you've gone past your exit."
If you feel tired and need to rest
If you've gone past your exit
To answer your mobile phone

Motorway rules

Question 1 of 49

When may you stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway?

Question 2 of 49

You're riding on the motorway. Where should you position your motorcycle well before you reach your exit slip-road?

Question 3 of 49

What should you do if you're joining a motorway from a slip road?

Question 4 of 49

What's the minimum engine size your motorcycle must have, if you want to ride it on the motorway?

Question 5 of 49

You're riding at 70 mph on a three-lane motorway. Which lane should you use if there's no traffic ahead?

Question 6 of 49

You're riding on a motorway. Unless signs show otherwise, what's the national speed limit?

Question 7 of 49

Why is it particularly important to carry out a check of your motorcycle before making a long motorway journey?

Question 8 of 49

You're joining a motorway from a slip road. How should you deal with traffic already on the motorway?

Question 9 of 49

What's the national speed limit on motorways for cars and motorcycles?

Question 10 of 49

Which vehicles should use the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?

Question 11 of 49

Which vehicles aren't allowed to use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?

Question 12 of 49

Your vehicle breaks down on a motorway and you need to call for help. Why might it be better to use an emergency roadside telephone rather than a mobile phone?

Question 13 of 49

Your vehicle broke down on the hard shoulder of a motorway, but has now been repaired. How should you rejoin the main carriageway?

Question 14 of 49

You're travelling along a motorway. Where would you find a crawler or climbing lane?

Question 15 of 49

What do these motorway signs mean?

Question 16 of 49

Where are amber reflective studs found on a motorway?

Question 17 of 49

What colour are the reflective studs between the lanes on a motorway?

Question 18 of 49

What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and a slip road?

Question 19 of 49

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

Question 20 of 49

Why is it important to make full use of the slip road as you join a motorway?

Question 21 of 49

How should you position yourself when you use the emergency telephone on a motorway?

Question 22 of 49

What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane of a motorway?

Question 23 of 49

On a three-lane motorway, which lane should you use if there's no traffic ahead?

Question 24 of 49

What should you do when going through a contraflow system on a motorway?

Question 25 of 49

You're on a three-lane motorway. Which lane are you in if there are red reflective studs on your left and white ones to your right?

Question 26 of 49

What should you do when you're approaching roadworks on a motorway?

Question 27 of 49

Which vehicles are prohibited from using the motorway?

Question 28 of 49

What should you do while you're driving or riding along a motorway?

Question 29 of 49

What should you do immediately after joining a motorway?

Question 30 of 49

When would you use the right-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?

Question 31 of 49

You're on a motorway that isn't subject to smart motorway regulations. When should you use the hard shoulder?

Question 32 of 49

You're in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway. What do these overhead signs mean?

Question 33 of 49

When are you allowed to stop on a motorway?

Question 34 of 49

You're travelling in the left-hand lane of a three-lane motorway. How should you react to traffic joining from a slip road?

Question 35 of 49

How should you use the lanes on a motorway?

Question 36 of 49

You're travelling along a motorway. When are you allowed to overtake on the left?

Question 37 of 49

When would you use an emergency refuge area on a smart motorway?

Question 38 of 49

Traffic officers operate on motorways and some primary routes in England and Wales. What are they authorised to do?

Question 39 of 49

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

Question 40 of 49