Discover how I passed the UK driving theory test on my first attempt with a near-perfect score. Tips, study methods, and advice for foreign drivers in the UK.
How I Passed the UK Driving Theory Test as a Foreign Driver
After moving from Indonesia to the UK, I knew that sooner or
later I would need to get a UK driving license. It’s been 10 months in the UK, and
after careful consideration, I decided to get a driving license here. I had
been driving for over ten years back home, so I thought passing the theory test
wouldn’t be something new for me. However, living in Birmingham for the past
ten months taught me that UK roads have their own rules, signs, and driving
culture. People have a better driving attitude here than in my home country. Anyway,
I still found some people drive like a**holes, which is a normal thing we’re
going to find anywhere. I successfully booked my test, and the earliest
available was at the Dudley theory test centre. Getting an appointment schedule
for the test was so frustrating. You need a good luck to get the day and
location as you wish. Mine was actually in the city centre, but that would be within
a month, so I changed to the earlier schedule, which was a bit far from where I
live. The test itself costs you £23. Anyway, with proper preparation, I
passed on my first attempt with 49/50 (98%) in the multiple-choice section and 64/75
(85%) in hazard perception.
Adjusting from Driving in Indonesia to Driving in the UK
My experience in Indonesia gave me confidence, but the UK
driving system was much different in ways I hadn’t expected. One thing I found
it confusing was the roundabout (which exists everywhere). Roundabouts are
everywhere and come in different types, mini and normal sizes. Some have traffic
lights before the entry, and some have traffic lights in the middle of the
roundabouts. It demands precise lane positioning and signalling. Other than
that, speed limits can change frequently, and there are strict default
limits—such as 30 mph in built-up areas—that you need to memorise. Some roads
have speeding cameras that will secretly snapshot you speeding and later send
you a ticket and fines. You may even possibly receive points for your license. Road
markings are more detailed, and certain signs have no direct equivalent in
Indonesia. The UK has tonnes of rules on the road. Signs in the UK are
different than those in my home country. I need to memorise them one by one. The
hazard perception test, which assesses your ability to spot developing hazards
quickly, was something I had never experienced before. It is just common sense when
driving, but one still needs to learn how people behave on the road.
How I Prepared for the UK Driving Theory Test
I gave myself about some days of dedicated study (I don’t recall
it, but I spent my spare time reading and learning the mock test in the app).
My main tool was the official DVSA Theory Test app I downloaded from the Apple
Store. I purchased the bundle of four applications, namely Theory Test, Traffic
Signs, Highway Code, and Hazard Perception, for £11.45. The test in the app
mirrors the exact question style and answer choices you’ll see on test day. For
hazard perception, I practised with DVSA-approved video clips daily, training
myself to click at the right moment when a hazard begins to develop.
Reading the UK Highway Code was essential for understanding the fine details of road rules. Some multiple-choice questions require knowledge that can only come from the Highway Code, not from guesswork. I also took several full-length mock theory tests under timed conditions, which helped me manage both my pace and nerves during the real test. You also need to check the Traffic Signs app and memorise the signs they use in the UK.
Test Day Experience at the Dudley Theory Test Centre
On the day of the test, I arrived early at the Dudley theory test centre, 30 minutes before the test schedule. I waited in the waiting room until a staff member called me. After checking in with my provisional driving license, I was asked to store my belongings in a locker before being escorted to a quiet room with individual computer stations. I do not remember exactly, but I think there are 15 computers for the test. They were all being occupied when I entered the room. The staff member gave me the computer number and handed back my license and locker key. She asked me to empty my pockets. I had a one-pound coin and she took it (later, I forgot to take it back :( LOL)
The test consists of a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception section. The multiple-choice section gave me 50 questions and 57 minutes, but I finished in about 30 minutes and spent the rest of the time double-checking my answers. I did flag some questions for which I was unsure of my answer. I later checked it back before submitting and closing the section. After a 3-minute break, I started the hazard perception test. I was feeling a bit anxious this time because I did not want to miss a click or click too many! In less than one hour I finished all the tests. I walked out the room and reported to the staff member. She asked me to take my belongings from the locker and wait some minutes, just to let her check the test result and print it. She later handed a paper (which was the certificate). I carefully checked and voila! I passed!! I was thrilled to see I scored 49 out of 50. Guess what, I got one answer wrong because I changed the choice to the wrong one in the last minute (feel so bad!). The hazard perception section had 14 video clips, one with two hazards, and my consistent practice paid off with 64 out of 75, comfortably above the pass mark of 44. You can see the score in the picture below.
Tips for Passing the UK Driving Theory Test First Time
If you’re a foreign driver in the UK, don’t underestimate
the theory test. Even with years of driving experience, the UK has unique road
rules that require focused study. Make hazard perception practice part of your
daily routine—many people find this section trickier than expected. Just for
your information, the DVSA car theory test pass rate typically sits between 46%
and 49%, which I think is not a good passing rate. Therefore, I recommend you always
use the official DVSA resources to prepare for the test, and focus on
understanding the reasoning behind each answer rather than simply memorising
it. This not only helps in the test but also makes you a safer driver on UK
roads.
Passing the UK driving theory test was more than just a step
towards getting my UK licence. It was an opportunity to become a more skilled
and aware driver in a new country. For foreign drivers, preparation is the key
to success. With daily practice, the right resources, and a clear understanding
of the Highway Code, you can pass the theory test on your first try—just like I
did.
Now I am preparing for the driving practical test (while getting frustrated to get a test appointment!).
Thanks for reading. Leave your comments below if there’s anything you want to ask.
-frochadi