UK Driving Theory Test Cheat Sheet 2026
Pass marks, stopping distances, speed limits, road signs, first aid and key numbers — at a glance.
Exam at a glance
Pass both parts
50Questions
57 minTime
43/50Multiple choice
14Clips
15Hazards
44/75Hazard perception
£23Test fee
2 yrsCertificate
Retake: wait at least 3 working days
Stopping distances
| Speed | Thinking | Braking | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 6 m | 6 m | 12 m |
| 30 mph | 9 m | 14 m | 23 m |
| 40 mph | 12 m | 24 m | 36 m |
| 50 mph | 15 m | 38 m | 53 m |
| 60 mph | 18 m | 55 m | 73 m |
| 70 mph | 21 m | 75 m | 96 m |
Wet≥2×Total distance
Ice / snowUp to 10×Total distance
Speed limits
Cars · mph
| Road | Car | Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Street-lit: England / Scotland | 30 | 30 |
| Street-lit: Wales | 20 | 20 |
| Single carriageway | 60 | 50 |
| Dual carriageway | 70 | 60 |
| Motorway | 70 | 60 |
Signed limits override.
Towing: no right lane on motorways with 3+ lanes.
Road signs
TriangleWarning
CircleOrder
RectangleInformation
OctagonSTOP
Inverted triangleGIVE WAY
Red ringProhibition
Blue circleInstruction
Black diagonalNational limit
Key numbers
1.6 mmTyre treadCentral ¾ · full circumference
2 secDry gap
≥4 secWet gap
≥1.5 mCyclists≤30 mph · More when faster
≤10 mphPassing horses≥2 m clearance
≥6 ptsLicence revokedWithin 2 years of passing
3 yrsFirst MOTMost cars
≥45 m behindWarning triangleNever on motorways
<100 mReduced visibilityHeadlights on
10 mJunction parkingNot opposite / within 10 m · except authorised spaces
23:30–07:00No horn · built-upAlso when stationary · except danger
12 yrs / 135 cmChild seatWhichever comes first
Within 24 hrsPolice reportIf details not exchanged
Hazard perception
Developing hazard = action needed
ClickAs it develops
5 → 1Earlier = more
No penaltyWrong click
Continuous or patterned clicking: 0 for the clip.
Hazard scoring guide →First aid essentials
2026 focusDR ABC
DDanger
RResponse
AAirway
BBreathing
CCirculation
999Unresponsive + not breathingCall · CPR · AED
5–6 cmAdult CPR depth
≈2/secChest compressions
AnyonePublic AEDFollow its instructions
Do not move casualties unless there is danger.
Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless essential.
Motorway essentials
Red XDo not enter
Keep leftUnless overtaking
Hard shoulderEmergency · or when signs open it
NeverReverse · U-turn · cross reservation
LearnersADI · dual-control car · L plates · D allowed in Wales
BreakdownGo left · hazards · exit away from traffic
Live lane / unsafe exitStay belted · call 999
Reflective road studs
Lanes / road centre
Left edge
Central reservation
Slip roads / lay-bys
Temporary lanes
Practice by topic (14)
Sources
Covers the DVSA car theory test in England, Scotland and Wales.
Last checked: September 2026
Independent revision aid — not affiliated with DVSA.