New year, new skills! How to start your driving journey in 2026
Published 13 January 2026
Last updated 13 January 2026
Are you looking for ways to tick your driving goals off your New Year’s Resolution list in 2026? In this blog, we tell you what you need to know to get started on your driving journey and how to pass your car theory test!
Keep reading to see how you can prepare further by studying with the official apps and e-learning course alongside the source materials.
If one of your resolutions is to learn to drive in 2026, we’re here to help you get started! Imagine being able to drive to a friend’s house, get yourself to work or go shopping without walking or taking the bus. If that sounds as good to you as it does to us, take a look at our checklist and get started on your driving journey today!
How to learn how to drive in 2026
Make learning to drive your New Year’s resolution by following our Learn to Drive Checklist!
First up, you need to get your provisional licence. You cannot practise your driving without it, so make your application priority number one. You’ll also need to find an approved driving instructor (ADI). It’s unlikely that anyone except an ADI will have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you the skills required to pass your practical test, so make sure you invest time in choosing an instructor that’s right for you. For more information, take a look at our advice section or head over to the Ready to Pass? website.
OK, what’s this about a theory test? Well, yes, there’s a theory test, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, there’s no need to worry about it.
How to pass the car theory test
Step 1: Read the official DVSA source materials
To help you prepare for your theory test, you should read through the official DVSA source materials. These are The Official Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills. These books contain most of the traffic signs you’re likely to find on the roads, along with the rules of the road, detailed advice about driving skills and other essential information for drivers.
Keep reading to see how you can prepare further by studying with the official apps and e-learning courses alongside the source materials.
Step 2: Study for the multiple choice section of the theory test
The first section of your theory test has 50 multiple choice questions that you’ll need to answer in 57 minutes. You need to get at least 43 out of 50 right to pass this part of your theory test.
There are loads of ways to study for this part of the theory test, and using the official DVSA learning materials is a great way to get ready. You can study with The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers book, The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit app, or The Official DVSA Theory Test and Hazard Perception Kit for Car Drivers e-learning course.
Step 3: Practice hazard perception clips
After completing the multiple choice section of the theory test, you’ll need to complete the hazard perception part. In this part of the theory test you’ll watch 14 video clips from a driver’s point of view and will need to react to the developing hazards in each video. You need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass this part of the theory test.
To help you prepare for the final section of your car theory test, you can practice clips using an app, either The Official Hazard Perception App or The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit app. If you prefer, you can practice hazard perception clips in The Official DVSA Theory Test and Hazard Perception Kit for Car Drivers e-learning course.
Get Safe Driving for Life’s 2026 Learn to Drive Checklist for the Theory Test
Now that you know what you need to do so you can feel ready and prepared for your theory test, feel free to download a printable version of our 2026 Learn to Drive Checklist!
Tick off each task as you complete them and get the whole family involved by testing your parents’ or guardians’ knowledge on the latest updates in the theory test questions.
If you’re wondering what steps come after passing your car theory test, stay tuned for our next checklist blog!
