The pass mark in numbers
| Total questions | 24 |
|---|---|
| Pass mark | 18 correct (75%) |
| Max wrong answers | 6 |
| Time allowed | 45 minutes |
The pass mark is fixed — it doesn't change based on how other candidates perform on the day. Every test is scored the same way.
Do you lose marks for wrong answers?
No. There is no negative marking. A wrong answer and a blank answer score the same: zero. This means you should always guess if you're unsure — never leave a question blank.
Can you get a higher score than 18?
Yes — you can score anywhere from 0 to 24. But the result you receive is just pass or fail. You don't get a "grade." The Home Office only cares that you passed.
Inside the exam, however, knowing you've passed 18 questions confidently is reassuring — once you're sure of 18 you know you've passed, regardless of what you do on the remaining 6.
Are some questions worth more than others?
No. Every question is worth exactly one mark. There are no bonus or trick questions worth extra points.
How are the 24 questions chosen?
Each test is randomly generated from a much larger official question pool. The questions are drawn from all five chapters of the handbook in roughly the same distribution as the chapter weights:
- Chapter 1 (Values and principles): ~2-3 questions
- Chapter 2 (What is the UK): ~2-3 questions
- Chapter 3 (A long history): ~8-10 questions (biggest)
- Chapter 4 (Modern thriving society): ~5-6 questions
- Chapter 5 (Government and law): ~6-8 questions
This is why our mock tests use the same weighted distribution — so the difficulty matches what you'll actually face.
What if I fail?
If you score below 18 you fail. You can retake the test as many times as you need. However:
- You must wait at least 7 days before booking again.
- You pay the £50 fee again for each retake.
See our cost page for full details.
How likely am I to pass first time?
Government statistics show that around 70-75% of candidates pass first time. Pass rates vary widely by preparation:
- Candidates who only skim the handbook: ~50% first-time pass
- Candidates who read the handbook and take ~5 mock tests: ~90% first-time pass
- Candidates who consistently score 22+ on mocks: virtually guaranteed pass
Our free pass-probability estimator tracks your last 5 mock scores and gives you an estimated chance of passing on the day. Aim for 75%+ before booking.
Where the pass mark sits in context
75% is a higher bar than the UK driving theory test (43/50 = 86% — wait, that's actually higher) and most other UK exams. But remember: it's a closed pool of factual questions. Unlike English language tests or interviews, there's no subjective marking. If you know the answer, you get the mark.