Theory test changes: 28th September 2020

The theory test in England, Scotland and Wales will change from 28th September 2020. The change has been designed to make the test more accessible, especially to people with:

• reading difficulty (like dyslexia)
• learning disability
• developmental condition (like autism)

The change only applies to car theory tests to begin with. It was supposed to happen on 14th April 2020 but was postponed due to Coronavirus.

So what is different?

Currently, you have to read a case study and then answer 5 questions about it. This tests your knowledge and understanding of the rules of the road. As from 28th September 2020, this will change and you will instead watch one video clip and answer three questions about it which will replace the case study.

How it will work

You will watch a short, silent, video clip and answer 3 multiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the clip as often as you like during the multiple choice part of the theory test, which means you can watch the video, answer a question then replay the video again before answering the next question.

What will the video clip look like?

The video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road. The type of questions you could be asked would be something like:

1. Why are motorcyclists considered vulnerable road users?
2. Why should the driver, on the side road, look out for motorcyclists at junctions?
3. In this clip, who can cross the chevrons to overtake other vehicles, when it’s safe to do so?

For each of the 3 questions, you’ll have to choose the correct answer from 4 possible answers.

What will the screen will look like?

The left-hand side of the screen will show the video clip, with controls to:

• play the video
• pause the video
• move to a specific part of the video on a progress bar
• watch the video using the full screen

The right-hand side of the screen will show the question and 4 possible answers.

All car theory tests will use video clips from 28 September 2020. This includes if:

• you fail a test before then and retake it from 28th September 2020
• your test is cancelled or moved for any reason, and your new test date is from 28th September 2020

This is the only change to the theory test at the moment which means you will still need to revise using books and software to prepare yourself.

You will still:

• answer 50 multiple-choice questions within 57 minutes
• get 43 out of the 50 questions right to pass the multiple-choice part of the test

The hazard perception part of the test remains unchanged

Tests that are not changing

The change does not yet apply to the Approved driving instructor test (ADI pt 1)