Theory Test Changes in 2026
The 2026 theory test refresh adds CPR, electric-vehicle and night/fog content, and tightens the booking rules. Here is everything new.
What Is New
CPR & defibrillator questions
New first-aid questions covering CPR procedure and AED (defibrillator) use. Knowledge-only; no practical demonstration. Replaces some older first-aid questions.
Electric vehicle content
Questions on EV charging safety, regenerative braking, range anxiety, and energy-efficient driving styles.
Video-scenario questions
Short driving clips followed by multiple-choice questions about what to do next. Trialled at selected centres before wider rollout.
Enhanced hazard-perception clips
New clips filmed at night, in rain and in fog. Same scoring window, harder visual conditions.
Booking-amendment cap
From 31 March 2026, you can change a booking twice per booking. Further changes need a fresh booking and fee.
Learners must self-book
From 31 March 2026, instructors and parents can no longer book on the learner's behalf. The provisional licence holder must complete the booking themselves.
What Has NOT Changed
If you are revising for the test in 2026, the structure is the same as last year. Only the content mix and booking rules have shifted.
Fee
Still GBP23 for car and motorcycle, GBP60 total for LGV/PCV.
Pass marks
43/50 multiple choice and 44/75 hazard perception, both required in one sitting.
Number of questions
50 multiple-choice questions, 14 hazard clips with 15 hazards.
Test duration
Around 75 minutes total including the optional 3-minute break.
Certificate validity
2 years from the pass date, no extensions.
Wait between attempts
3 working days minimum.
Proposed: Mandatory Wait Between Theory and Practical
The Department for Transport opened a consultation in 2026 on whether to require a 3-6 month gap between passing the theory test and sitting the practical. The aim is to reduce the proportion of learners who rush the practical, fail, and book again. No decision yet; this is not law.
If implemented it would not affect existing certificates, only theory passes from the implementation date forward.
FAQ
FAQ 1Did the theory test fee increase in 2026?
No. The car and motorcycle fee remains GBP23. LGV/PCV is still GBP60 across the three parts. Fees were last increased in 2009.
FAQ 2Are the new CPR questions hard?
No. They cover basic CPR procedure (chest compressions, calling 999) and what an AED is for. Two or three questions on a 50-question paper.
FAQ 3Will I see video-scenario questions on my test?
Only if you book at a trial centre. The DVSA published a list of participating centres on gov.uk. Most candidates in 2026 will not see them yet.
FAQ 4Do I have to take the new test if I booked before 31 March?
The booking-rule changes apply from 31 March 2026 onwards. The content updates appear gradually as the question bank rotates. If you sat the test before April 2026, you took the older version.
FAQ 5Where can I see the latest DVSA announcements?
GOV.UK publishes Driving Test News updates and DVSA blog posts. Sign up to the email alerts on gov.uk/email-signup if you want every update.