- You get your result at the test centre, with a letter showing a pass certificate number.
- The pass certificate number is valid for 2 years and is needed to book and take the practical test.
- Car pass marks: 43 out of 50 for multiple choice and 44 out of 75 for hazard perception; you must pass both.
- If you fail, you must wait at least 3 working days before taking the test again.
What you receive
At the test centre you are told your result straight away. If you pass, you receive a letter with a pass certificate number. That number, not the paper, is what DVSA holds against your licence, and it is what you give when you book and sit the practical test. GOV.UK says it lasts two years. The clock starts from the pass, so a long wait for a practical slot uses up the time.
| Item | Position on GOV.UK |
|---|---|
| Result | Given at the test centre after the test |
| Pass certificate number | Valid for 2 years |
| Needed for | Booking and taking your driving test |
| After a fail | Retake the whole test; wait at least 3 working days |
The pass marks above are for the car test. We did not find the validity period or marks for lorry and bus theory tests, which are covered on the HGV theory test.
If the two years run out
- Check the date of your pass and count two years from it.
- If you are near the end, book the practical test early, because it has to be passed within the period.
- If it has expired, book and take the theory test again; fees are on theory test cost.
- Keep the letter, since the number is asked for at booking.
- Book only through GOV.UK.
What this does to the scams
Sellers of 'theory test certificates' imply a paper you can hold and use whenever you like. The real thing is a number on DVSA's record, valid for two years from a pass you sat. A certificate bought from a stranger is not that record, so it gives you nothing to use. Which? found social media sellers promising licences without tests, and DVLA said they were recognised scams. The offence a seller commits is fraud, with up to 10 years on indictment under the Fraud Act 2006. See fake theory test certificates.
Waiting times and booking scams
Long waits for practical slots are one reason people run past the two years, and they are what booking scammers prey on. Resellers who charge extra for slots are covered on driving test booking scams. The route for a genuine pass certificate is on the driving test pass certificate, which covers what you receive after the practical test.
- You passed the theory test yourself, at a test centre.
- The date of your pass is written down and the two years counted.
- The practical test is booked on GOV.UK within that period.
- Nobody has been given your pass number to 'arrange' a slot.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a theory test pass valid?
2 years, according to GOV.UK. You need the pass certificate number when you book and take your driving test, and you must pass the practical test within that time.
What happens if my theory pass expires?
You must pass the theory test again. That means rebooking and paying the fee, so book the practical test while the pass is still valid.
Can I buy a theory test certificate?
No. The pass is recorded by DVSA against your own test. A certificate for sale is not that record and cannot extend your two years. The seller commits fraud, with up to 10 years on indictment.
What are the car pass marks?
43 out of 50 for the multiple-choice part and 44 out of 75 for hazard perception, and you must pass both. These are car marks; lorry and bus parts are separate.
How soon can I retake after a fail?
GOV.UK says you must wait at least 3 working days. You retake the complete test, even if you passed one section, and you receive written feedback showing where to improve.