The Theory Test was introduced in 1996, and replaced the 'highway code questions' at the end of the Practical test. You must pass the Theory Test before applying for your Practical Test, and you must take your Practical Test within 2 years of passing the Theory Test.

It is a multiple-choice test of 35 questions, which used to be on paper, but is now on a simple touch screen.

You need to be well prepared for the Theory Test, as it carries a pass mark of 30 out of 35.

In November 2002 the Hazard perception test was added to the theory test. This is a test of the candidates awareness of developing hazards in video clips. It is taken at the same time as the original multi-choice test.