Changes To The Theory Test From 23rd January 2012

From 23rd January 2012 the multiple-choice questions used in the Theory Test will no longer be published.


Alternative questions to assist in learning and revision can be found in commercially available books, software and other Theory Test study materials.


The format of the Theory Test itself will not change.


See Changes to the theory test: the facts for more information.

Changes To Theory Test: DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests

The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests. This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers. 

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.

"No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.

"I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads."

In September 2011 DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.

Then, from 1 January 2012, DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.

Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.

Other companies which publish products containing DSA theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions used in the tests.

Source: http://dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX728C-A78385E5

Example Case Study Questions For The Theory Test From 28 September 2009

From the 28th September 2009 you will need to answer a case study-style question as part of your Theory Test.

You will be presented with one case study where you will be required to answer 5 questions that are related to the scenario displayed on screen.

Each question will still be in the multiple choice format as with the other Theory Test questions.

You will still need to answer 50 multiple choice questions that are broken down as follows:

45 multiple choice questions
5 multiple choice questions that relate to the case study

The pass mark for the multiple choice section of the Theory Test remains at 43/50.

Click this link to see some examples of Case Study questions

The case study questions will test the knowledge of road signs, proceedures, laws etc you will have already gained while studying for your Theory Test, so provided you have prepared thoroughly, the case study shouldn't prove any more of a problem that the "standard" multiple choice questions!

For more information on what is involved in the Theory Test, how to prepare for it and suggested study materials, please see:

Theory & Hazard Perception Test

Changes To The Theory Test From 28 September 2009

From 28 September 2009 a "case study" will be incorporated into the Theory Test.


The DSA state that this change has been made in order for "candidates to be tested on understanding as well as knowledge" and to "put learning into context".

The theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based.

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates’ understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess knowledge of the subject.

Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.

For more information please see; http://dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX12B7-A7832722