The multiple-choice section is the first half of your UK driving theory test. It checks your knowledge of rules, road signs, and safe driving practices in a structured, timed format. Below is what you need to know — plus tips from my instructor experience to help you pass confidently.
📋 What the Multiple Choice Section Involves
- You’ll be given 50 questions to answer via computer in a test centre.
- You have 57 minutes to complete all 50 questions.
- To pass, you need at least 43 correct answers (86%) in this section.
- Some of the questions may be based on a short video clip (e.g., a driving scene) and will ask about what you saw.
- You can flag questions to return to later during the allotted time.
- If you finish early, you don’t have to use the full 57 minutes.
🧠 Instructor Tips: How to Ace the Multiple Choice
- Practice regularly with mock tests that mirror the real format (same time, number of questions).
- Don’t rush: read each question and all answer choices carefully, especially words like must, should, and not.
- When you flag a question, mark why you flagged it (uncertainty, tricky wording) — then revisit with fresh eyes later.
- Use elimination: cross off obviously wrong answers to increase your chance if you need to guess.
- Take screenshots or notes of question types you struggle with – review them later.
- Try not to overthink simple questions; sometimes the straightforward answer is correct.
⚠ Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Skimming questions | Misreading crucial details (e.g., “only”, “unless”) | Take a moment to fully read each option before selecting |
| Spending too long on one question | Losing time for others | Flag and move on; return later if time allows |
| Ignoring video-based questions | Missing context clues that the clip provides | Treat those video questions as special — watch the clip carefully |
| Rushing at the end | Making careless errors | Leave a buffer (5–10 mins) to review flagged or uncertain answers |
📋 Preparation Checklist
- Complete at least 3–5 full mock multiple-choice tests under timed conditions
- Review incorrect answers and understand why you got them wrong
- Practice identifying “trap” wording (e.g. except, unless, only)
- Familiarise yourself with the format and navigation (flagging, reviewing)
- Use video-based mock questions so you’re ready for the multimedia format
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I skip a question and come back to it later?
A: Yes. The system allows you to flag questions and return to them later within 57 minutes.
Q: Will the multiple-choice and hazard perception tests be back-to-back?
A: Yes. After completing the multiple-choice section and any break, you move straight into the hazard perception section.
Q: What happens if I fail the multiple-choice section?
A: You must retake the multiple-choice section (and often the hazard perception too) before you can pass the full theory.
📚 Attribution & Sources
Some content here is adapted from DVSA / GOV.UK official guidelines. FQ Driving Academy is not affiliated with the DVSA. For the official description of multiple-choice theory test rules, see:
