--- title: "Essential Documents Quiz: 35 Free Theory Questions" url: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/theory-test/essential-documents/practice-test/ updated: 2026-09-26 --- > Source: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/theory-test/essential-documents/practice-test/ — last reviewed 2026-09-26. Markdown version generated at build time from the same content the page serves. Free · 50 questions in the real test · Pass mark 43/50 # Essential Documents quiz: 35 free theory test questions DVSA-style multiple-choice questions with explained answers and Highway Code references. The real test is 50 questions in 57 minutes — you need 43 correct to pass. Quick answer Below is a free Essential Documents mock test for the UK DVSA car theory test: multiple-choice questions in the official four-option format, each with the correct answer, a plain-English explanation and a Highway Code reference. Licences, insurance, MOT and the paperwork you must have to drive legally. ## Essential Documents practice questions Checked against [The Highway Code](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code) as amended 22 October 2025 · last reviewed 26 September 2026. Spotted an error? [Report it](/corrections/). Or study below: tap any question to see its options, answer and Highway Code rule. **Q1. What is the minimum level of motor insurance required to drive on UK roads?** A. Fully comprehensive B. Third party only C. Third party, fire and theft D. No insurance is needed for vehicles over 40 years old **Answer: B.** Third-party cover is the legal minimum: it covers injury to others and damage to their property, but not damage to your own vehicle. Driving uninsured is a serious offence. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q2. When does a new car first need an MOT test?** A. After one year B. After two years C. When it's three years old D. Only when it's sold **Answer: C.** Cars normally need their first MOT three years after they were first registered, then every year. You mustn't drive a car that needs an MOT without a valid certificate — the only exceptions are driving to a pre-arranged test, or to a garage for repairs needed to pass it. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q3. Who can supervise a learner driver in a car?** A. Anyone with a full driving licence B. Anyone over 18 with any licence type C. A person at least 21 years old who has held a full licence for the category for at least 3 years D. Only a DVSA-approved driving instructor **Answer: C.** A supervising driver must be at least 21 and have held (and still hold) a full licence for that category of vehicle for a minimum of three years. The learner must also display L plates (or D plates in Wales) and be insured. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q4. What does a current MOT certificate actually confirm?** A. The vehicle will be roadworthy for the next 12 months B. The vehicle met the minimum road-safety and environmental standards on the day of the test C. The vehicle is insured D. The vehicle's service history is complete **Answer: B.** An MOT is a snapshot, not a warranty: it confirms minimum standards were met on test day. Keeping the vehicle roadworthy between MOTs remains the driver's responsibility. Reference: GOV.UK — MOT testing guide for test stations: introduction **Q5. You develop a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely. What must you do?** A. Nothing, if your doctor doesn't object B. Tell the DVLA C. Only tell your insurance company D. Stop driving for one month, then resume **Answer: B.** You must tell the DVLA about any health condition likely to affect your driving. If you don't, you can be fined up to £1,000, and you could be prosecuted if you're involved in a crash. If you're unsure whether a condition counts, check on GOV.UK or contact the DVLA. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 90 **Q6. What is the legal eyesight standard for driving?** A. Reading a number plate from 5 metres B. Reading a number plate (post-2001 style) from 20 metres, with glasses or lenses if you need them C. Passing an optician's test every year D. There is no legal standard after passing your test **Answer: B.** You must be able to read a current-style number plate from 20 metres. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do it, you must wear them every time you drive. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 92 **Q7. Your insurance policy has a £500 excess. What does that mean?** A. The policy costs £500 a year B. You must pay the first £500 of any claim yourself C. You're covered for a maximum of £500 D. You get £500 back if you don't claim **Answer: B.** The excess is the part of a claim you pay yourself. With a £500 excess, you cover the first £500 and the insurer only pays the amount of the claim above that. **Q8. What is a SORN?** A. A speeding penalty notice B. A Statutory Off Road Notification — a declaration that a vehicle is kept off public roads and untaxed C. A certificate of roadworthiness D. A short-term insurance policy **Answer: B.** Making a SORN tells the DVLA you're keeping a vehicle off public roads, so you don't need to tax or insure it. It mustn't be kept or used on a public road — the one exception is driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT or other test appointment, and it must be insured for that journey. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements; GOV.UK — When you need to make a SORN **Q9. What's the youngest age at which you can apply for your first provisional driving licence?** A. 15 years and 9 months B. 16 years C. 17 years D. 16 years and 9 months **Answer: A.** You can apply for a provisional licence from 15 years and 9 months old, so it can be ready in good time. Most people can't start driving a car on the road until they're 17. Reference: GOV.UK — Apply for your first provisional driving licence **Q10. You're a learner driver in England. When are you allowed to drive on a motorway?** A. Never, until you've passed your practical test B. With any supervisor who's over 21 C. Once you've passed your theory test D. With an approved driving instructor, in a car with dual controls **Answer: D.** Learners in England, Scotland and Wales may drive on motorways only with an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls. Practising on a motorway with family or friends is illegal, however experienced they are. Reference: GOV.UK — Driving lessons and learning to drive **Q11. You're driving with L plates on a dual carriageway in Scotland where the national speed limit applies. What's your speed limit?** A. 70 mph, the same as for any car driver B. 45 mph, the learner limit C. 50 mph, until you pass your test D. 60 mph, which is 10 mph below the normal limit **Answer: A.** In England, Scotland and Wales, learners keep to the same speed limits as qualified drivers, so the normal 70 mph dual-carriageway limit applies. Only Northern Ireland has a special learner limit, of 45 mph. Reference: GOV.UK — Driving lessons and learning to drive **Q12. You're learning to drive in Wales. Which plates may you display?** A. Red L plates only — D plates aren't legal B. Green D plates on the front and back C. Red D plates, red L plates, or both D. Green P plates **Answer: C.** Learners MUST display red L plates, but in Wales red D plates, red L plates or both can be used. Whichever you choose, they must be clearly visible to others from in front of the car and from behind. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q13. You're practising with your mum supervising. She wants to reply to a text on her hand-held phone while you drive along a quiet road. Is that allowed?** A. Yes, because she isn't the one driving B. Yes, as long as the road is quiet and she's quick about it C. Yes, if she keeps one hand free to help you D. No — a supervisor mustn't use a hand-held phone **Answer: D.** You MUST NOT use a hand-held phone or similar device when driving or when supervising a learner driver. A supervisor needs to watch the road and be ready to help — replying to a text makes that impossible. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 149 **Q14. Your uncle is 45 and has held a full licence for 20 years, but only for automatic cars. Can he supervise you in a manual car?** A. Yes, his age and experience are enough B. No — he must be qualified to drive a manual car C. Yes, as long as he sits in the front passenger seat D. Only if he's also a driving instructor **Answer: B.** A supervisor must be at least 21, have held a full licence for 3 years, and be qualified to drive the type of car you're learning in. An automatic-only licence doesn't qualify someone to supervise you in a manual car. Reference: GOV.UK — Driving lessons and learning to drive; The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q15. How often must you renew a photocard driving licence?** A. Every 10 years B. Every 3 years C. Every 5 years D. Only when you reach 70 **Answer: A.** You must renew a photocard licence every 10 years, and DVLA sends a reminder before the current one ends. There's a separate process for renewing your licence once you're 70 or over. Reference: GOV.UK — Renew your driving licence **Q16. You've just passed your practical test. What must you have before you drive on your own?** A. Your new full licence, which DVLA sends in the post B. Green P plates on the car C. Insurance that lets you drive without supervision D. A pass certificate from your theory test **Answer: C.** You can start driving as soon as you pass — you don't need to wait for your full licence to arrive. But you must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision. Reference: GOV.UK — Learn to drive a car: step by step **Q17. You've moved house and you're the registered keeper of a car. What must you update with DVLA?** A. Only your driving licence B. Only the log book (V5C) C. Your driving licence and the vehicle's log book (V5C) D. Nothing — your insurer tells DVLA for you **Answer: C.** You MUST tell DVLA when you change address. As registered keeper you need to update both your licence and your V5C. Changing the address on your licence is free, but you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA. Reference: GOV.UK — Change the address on your driving licence; The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q18. Your doctor tells you to stop driving for four months because of a medical condition. What must you do?** A. Surrender your licence to DVLA B. Keep your licence but avoid motorways C. Tell only your insurance company D. Wait until the four months are up, then tell DVLA **Answer: A.** You must surrender your licence to DVLA if your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more. You can apply to get it back once you meet the medical standards for driving again. Reference: GOV.UK — Medical conditions, disabilities and driving **Q19. At the start of your practical driving test, you can't correctly read the number plate on a parked vehicle. What happens?** A. The test continues, but you must wear glasses for the rest of it B. You get a minor fault and the test carries on as normal C. The examiner lets you retake the eyesight check at the end D. You fail, the test ends, and your licence is revoked **Answer: D.** GOV.UK says you must correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle at the start of the practical test. If you can't, you fail, the test doesn't continue, DVLA is told and your licence is revoked. When you reapply, DVLA will ask you to take an eyesight test with DVSA. Reference: GOV.UK — Driving eyesight rules **Q20. You have your car resprayed a different colour. What must you do?** A. Update the colour on your V5C with DVLA B. Nothing, as colour isn't recorded anywhere C. Tell the police within 7 days D. Take the car for a new MOT **Answer: A.** Your V5C log book describes your vehicle, and colour is one of the changes you must update on it — along with the engine, cylinder capacity, fuel type and seating capacity. Reference: GOV.UK — Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate (log book) **Q21. What does third party, fire and theft insurance give you that third-party-only cover doesn't?** A. Cover for accident damage to your own car, whoever is at fault B. Cover for your own injuries in a crash C. Cover if your car is stolen or damaged by fire D. Free breakdown recovery **Answer: C.** Third party, fire and theft is like third-party cover but also protects you if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire. It won't pay to repair your own car after a crash — for that you need comprehensive insurance. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q22. Which type of insurance would pay to repair your own car after a crash you caused?** A. Third party only B. Third party, fire and theft C. Any policy, once you've paid the excess D. Comprehensive **Answer: D.** Comprehensive insurance covers other people and their property, and also damage to your own vehicle (up to its market value) and injury to yourself. Third-party policies, including fire and theft, don't pay for crash damage to your own car. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements **Q23. Police stop you driving a car you're not insured to drive. What fixed penalty could they give you?** A. £300 and 6 penalty points B. £100 and 3 penalty points C. £1,000 and 12 penalty points D. A verbal warning for a first offence **Answer: A.** Police can issue a £300 fixed penalty and 6 penalty points for driving uninsured. If the case goes to court you could get an unlimited fine and be disqualified, and police can seize and, in some cases, destroy the vehicle. Reference: GOV.UK — Vehicle insurance: driving without insurance **Q24. Your car is parked on your driveway. It's untaxed and uninsured, and you haven't made a SORN. What's the problem?** A. None — it's on private land, so the rules don't apply B. None, as long as nobody drives it C. It must be insured unless it's declared off the road D. It only needs a valid MOT to be legal **Answer: C.** Under continuous insurance enforcement, a vehicle must be insured unless it's been declared off the road with a SORN. As registered keeper you could be fined £100, and the car could be clamped, impounded or destroyed. Reference: GOV.UK — Vehicle insurance: uninsured vehicles; GOV.UK — When you need to make a SORN **Q25. A friend offers to let you drive their car, which is insured for them. What should you check before you drive?** A. Nothing, because their policy automatically covers any driver B. That the MOT has at least six months left C. That you've held your licence for three years D. That there's insurance cover for you to drive it **Answer: D.** Before driving any vehicle, make sure it has insurance cover for your use. Even if the car itself is insured, you can be penalised if you personally aren't correctly insured to drive it. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements; GOV.UK — Vehicle insurance **Q26. Your car's MOT certificate has run out. When may you drive it on the road?** A. For up to 14 days after it expires B. To a pre-arranged MOT test, or to a garage for repairs needed to pass C. On roads with a 30 mph limit or lower D. Whenever it's taxed and insured **Answer: B.** You MUST NOT drive a vehicle without a valid MOT when it needs one. The exceptions are driving to a pre-arranged test or to a garage for repairs required for the test. Otherwise you could be fined up to £1,000. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements; GOV.UK — Getting an MOT **Q27. How early can you have your car's MOT done and still keep the same renewal date?** A. Up to three months before the current certificate runs out B. Up to a week before it runs out C. Up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out D. Only on the day it runs out **Answer: C.** You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date — for example, from 21 May if it expires on 20 June. Testing earlier than that moves your renewal date. Reference: GOV.UK — Getting an MOT **Q28. Your car was first registered more than 40 years ago and hasn't been substantially changed. What's the MOT rule?** A. It needs an MOT every six months B. It needs an MOT every two years instead of every year C. It can't be used on public roads D. It's exempt, but must still be kept roadworthy **Answer: D.** Cars built or first registered more than 40 years ago don't need an MOT unless they've been substantially changed. You must still keep the vehicle roadworthy — using one in a dangerous condition can bring a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements; GOV.UK — Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT and vehicle tax **Q29. Your vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax, so there's nothing to pay. What must you still do?** A. Tax it with DVLA anyway B. Nothing — exempt vehicles don't need taxing C. Make a SORN every year D. Display an exemption disc in the windscreen **Answer: A.** You must tax your vehicle even if you don't have to pay anything because it's exempt. If you keep a vehicle off the road instead, you make a SORN — and a SORN doesn't need renewing. Reference: GOV.UK — Tax your vehicle; GOV.UK — When you need to make a SORN **Q30. You've just bought a used car and the seller says there are five months' tax left on it. What must you do before driving it away?** A. Nothing until the five months run out B. Ask the seller to send you the tax disc C. Tell DVLA within 14 days of buying it D. Tax it yourself **Answer: D.** Vehicle tax isn't transferred when a vehicle changes hands. You must tax a vehicle you've bought before you drive it, or declare it off the road. The seller gets a refund for any full months left once DVLA is told about the sale. Reference: GOV.UK — Tell DVLA you've sold, transferred or bought a vehicle **Q31. Your car's tax is due for renewal, but its MOT ran out last week. What's the problem?** A. You can't renew the tax until it passes an MOT B. None — tax and MOT are completely separate C. You must pay a surcharge on the tax for the late MOT D. You can only tax it for six months **Answer: A.** You can't renew vehicle tax if the MOT has expired. Get the vehicle tested and passed first — and if the tax is about to run out meanwhile, register the vehicle as off the road (SORN) rather than leaving it untaxed. Reference: GOV.UK — Getting an MOT **Q32. You passed your first driving test 18 months ago and have just reached 6 penalty points. What happens?** A. You get a warning letter from DVLA B. You must attend a speed awareness course C. Your licence is revoked and you must pass both tests again D. Nothing yet — disqualification only happens at 12 points **Answer: C.** Under the New Drivers Act, reaching 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your first test means your licence is revoked. You'd need a new provisional licence and to pass both the theory and practical tests again. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 5: Penalties; Annex 8: Safety code for new drivers **Q33. As a learner you got 3 penalty points. A year after passing your test you get 3 more. What happens?** A. Your licence is revoked, because the total is now 6 B. Nothing — learner points are wiped when you pass C. You'll get a warning, as only points after the test count D. You must retake the practical test only **Answer: A.** Unexpired points on a provisional licence carry over to your full licence. If further points bring the total to 6 or more within 2 years of passing your test, your licence is revoked — points from before the test count too. Reference: GOV.UK — Penalty points (endorsements): new drivers **Q34. A driver who passed their test years ago reaches 12 penalty points within 3 years. What will happen?** A. A fine, with the points staying on their licence B. A compulsory eyesight test C. Their points reset to zero D. Disqualification for at least 6 months **Answer: D.** Anyone who builds up 12 or more penalty points within 3 years MUST be disqualified, for a minimum of 6 months — or longer if they've been disqualified before. Points act as a warning that a ban is getting close. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 5: Penalties **Q35. You're stopped at a routine police check on your way home from work. You've left your licence and insurance certificate at home. What may the officer ask you to do?** A. Accept 3 penalty points on the spot B. Take them to a police station within 7 days C. Email copies to the officer within 24 hours D. Leave your car at the roadside until you fetch them **Answer: B.** You MUST be able to produce your licence, a valid insurance certificate and, where relevant, an MOT certificate when a police officer asks. If you can't do this there and then, you may be asked to take them to a police station within seven days. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 3: Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements ## Frequently asked questions **### How many Essential Documents questions are in the real theory test?** The DVSA doesn't publish per-topic counts. Your 50 questions are drawn across all 14 official topics, so revise every category. **### What is the pass mark for the UK theory test?** You need 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correct (86%), plus 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception clips. You must pass both parts in the same sitting. **### Are these real DVSA questions?** No — these are original practice questions written to the current DVSA syllabus and The Highway Code. Official revision questions are Crown Copyright and only available from licensed providers. ## Revise the other theory test topics Your 50 test questions are drawn from all 14 official DVSA topics — revise every category, not just this one. - [Alertness](/theory-test/alertness/practice-test/) - [Attitude](/theory-test/attitude/practice-test/) - [Hazard Awareness](/theory-test/hazard-awareness/practice-test/) - [Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies](/theory-test/incidents-accidents-emergencies/practice-test/) - [Motorway Rules](/theory-test/motorway-rules/practice-test/) - [Other Types of Vehicle](/theory-test/other-types-of-vehicle/practice-test/) - [Road & Traffic Signs](/theory-test/road-and-traffic-signs/practice-test/) - [Rules of the Road](/theory-test/rules-of-the-road/practice-test/) - [Safety & Your Vehicle](/theory-test/safety-and-your-vehicle/practice-test/) - [Safety Margins](/theory-test/safety-margins/practice-test/) - [Vehicle Handling](/theory-test/vehicle-handling/practice-test/) - [Vehicle Loading](/theory-test/vehicle-loading/practice-test/) - [Vulnerable Road Users](/theory-test/vulnerable-road-users/practice-test/) Don't forget part two: read [how hazard perception is scored](/hazard-perception/). Booked your test? Find your [nearest theory test centre](/theory-test-centres/), or book on the official [GOV.UK booking service](https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test) (£23). All practice questions are original study material written to the current DVSA car theory test syllabus and The Highway Code. They are not actual DVSA exam questions. This site is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.