DVSA theory test centre

Ilford

Car theory test pass rates for Ilford, taken straight from DVSA's published figures, with what the test involves and driving instructors teaching around Ilford.

40.20% of car theory tests taken at Ilford were passed across 92,249 tests (DVSA figures, 2025-26). It ranks 184 of 193 theory test centres in Britain for pass rate.

Official DVSA figures

40.20%

Pass rate

184 of 193 theory test centres

92,249

Tests taken

In 2025-26

37,070

Passes

Candidates who passed here

#184 of 193 in Britain

The numbers

How hard is the theory test at Ilford?

40.20% of car theory tests taken here were passed in 2025-26, 6.3 points below the 46.5% average across theory test centres. Pass rates vary by centre far less than people expect - the test is identical everywhere, so what moves the number is who books there.

Pass rate

40.20%

184 of 193 theory test centres

Tests taken

92,249

In 2025-26

Passes

37,070

Candidates who passed here

Women vs men

42.70% / 38.60%

Women passed 42.70% of 35,781 tests, men 38.60% of 56,468.

Since 2007

Theory pass rate year by year

Every year DVSA have published for Ilford, from 2007-08 to 2025-26

2007-082008-092009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-172017-182018-192019-202020-212021-222022-232023-242024-252025-26

Financial years 2007-08 to 2025-26, ranging between 38.8% and 60.6%

This year

Month by month at Ilford

DVSA publish the monthly detail for 2025-26. The month you book matters far less than whether you have worked through the question bank and the hazard clips.

Monthly car theory test figures for Ilford
MonthTestsPassesPass rate
Apr 20257,2792,77938.2%
May 20257,7793,01238.7%
Jun 20257,2302,89140%
Jul 20258,2563,41641.4%
Aug 20258,2073,48542.5%
Sep 20258,3853,55542.4%
Oct 20258,5943,38639.4%
Nov 20257,4362,88638.8%
Dec 20255,9692,37139.7%
Jan 20267,7813,12340.1%
Feb 20267,3632,92939.8%
Mar 20267,9703,23740.6%
The test itself

What the car theory test involves

The test is the same at every centre. Two parts, taken in one sitting, both of which have to be passed together.

Multiple-choice questions

50

You need 43 correct to pass this part.

Time for the questions

57 min

There is a practice session first if you want one.

Hazard perception clips

14

15 scoreable hazards, scored 0-5 on how early you spot each.

Hazard perception pass mark

44/75

Both parts have to be passed in the same sitting.

What to bring

Your UK photocard driving licence. Without it the test is cancelled and the fee is lost. Arrive around 15 minutes early, and expect to leave phones and bags in a locker.

How long the pass lasts

Two years. If you have not passed your practical test by then you take the theory again - which is why booking lessons while you revise, rather than after, is worth doing.

Book a theory test on GOV.UK
Local instructors

Driving instructors near Ilford

Most learners book lessons while they are revising for the theory test, not after it - the practical waiting list is measured in months and a theory pass only lasts two years. These instructors teach within 10 miles of Ilford.

Featured

Bms Driving School

Male

Greater London3 miles

BD
£42-£45per hour
Email
Experience
27+ years
Avg. to pass
38-46 lessons
Gearbox
Manual
Block bookingsMock tests
About Bms

bms driving school has been around for the last 29 years. We have also focused on helping students to have a safe journey and training when you join . Not only we have a high pass rate but we also focused on your needs. We offer the best rates Intensive training courses so you can get on the road around 3 weeks from start to finish. We give you mock tests as part of your training to become a safe driver. We cover the test routes which helps you get comfortable before the driving test. So what happens if you fail the 1st time? Well we NOW pay for your second test so you have a peace of mind and hassle free ( t & c applies ) We cover most Essex and East London Centres .So what you waiting for

SpeaksEnglishHindiPunjabiUrdu
MoTuWeThFrSaSuMorningAfternoonEvening

Mohamed Patel

Male

Greater Londonunder 1 mile

See Mohamed's full profile
MP
£0-£35per lesson
Email
Experience
22+ years
Avg. to pass
10-30 lessons
Gearbox
BothManual & auto
Block bookingsMock tests
Vehicle
Unknown
Dual controlsSensorsCameraHill assist
SpeaksEnglishHindiUrduGujarati

Lesson availability

MoTuWeThFrSaSuMorningAfternoonEvening

Tauhir Alam

Male

Greater Londonunder 1 mile

See Tauhir's full profile
TA
£32-£37per lesson
Email
Experience
12+ years
Avg. to pass
10-40 lessons
Gearbox
Manual
Block bookingsMock tests
Vehicle
Unknown
Dual controlsSensorsCameraHill assist
SpeaksEnglishBengali

Lesson availability

MoTuWeThFrSaSuMorningAfternoonEvening

Mohammed Chowdhury

Male

Greater London1 mile

See Mohammed's full profile
MC
£35-£40per lesson
Email
Experience
13+ years
Avg. to pass
25-45 lessons
Gearbox
Automatic
Block bookingsMock tests
Vehicle
2020 Toyota CorollaAutomatic · Hybrid
Dual controlsSensorsCameraHill assist
SpeaksEnglishHindiBengaliUrdu

Lesson availability

MoTuWeThFrSaSuMorningAfternoonEvening

Miss Kay

Female

Greater London1 mile

See Miss's full profile
MK
£37-£45per lesson
Email
Experience
16+ years
Avg. to pass
10-45 lessons
Gearbox
Manual
Block bookingsMock tests
Vehicle
Unknown
Dual controlsSensorsCameraHill assist
SpeaksHindiUrduEnglishPunjabi

Lesson availability

MoTuWeThFrSaSuMorningAfternoonEvening

Saadat Hussain

Male

Greater London1 mile

See Saadat's full profile
SH
£33-£310per lesson
Email
Experience
35+ years
Avg. to pass
1-2 lessons
Gearbox
BothManual & auto
Block bookingsMock tests
Vehicle
Unknown
Dual controlsSensorsCameraHill assist
SpeaksEnglishHindiUrduPunjabi

Lesson availability

MoTuWeThFrSaSuMorningAfternoonEvening
All driving instructors in Ilford
FAQ

Common questions about Ilford

Pass rates, what the test involves, and how the theory test fits around booking lessons and a practical test.

40.20% of car theory tests taken at Ilford were passed in 2025-26, across 92,249 tests of which 37,070 passed. That is 6.3 points below the 46.5% average across theory test centres. It ranks 184 of 193 theory test centres for pass rate.

At Ilford, 42.70% of tests taken by women were passed against 38.60% of tests taken by men in 2025-26. The figures cover 35,781 and 56,468 tests respectively. DVSA publish this split for every theory test centre.

The car theory test has two parts taken in one sitting. First, 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes, of which you need 43 correct. Then the hazard perception test: 14 video clips containing 15 scoreable developing hazards, scored 0 to 5 depending on how early you spot each one, with a pass mark of 44 out of 75. You have to pass both parts in the same sitting; passing one and failing the other means retaking the whole test.

Yes. You cannot book a practical driving test until you hold a theory test pass certificate, and the certificate is valid for two years. If it expires before you pass your practical, you have to take the theory test again - which is why most people book lessons and the theory test in the same few weeks rather than waiting.

Yes - we list driving instructors within 10 miles of Ilford on this page. Most learners book lessons while they are studying for the theory test rather than after it, because the practical waiting list is measured in months and a theory pass certificate only lasts two years.

Latest Driving Tips & Articles

Dec 30, 2024•Admin

How to Find the Best Driving Instructor: The Ultimate Guide

Discover everything you need to know about finding the best driving instructor, from qualifications and teaching style to costs and red flags to watch out for.

Dec 30, 2024•Admin

The Quickest Way to Learn to Drive: A Complete Guide for New Drivers

Discover the most effective strategies to learn to drive quickly without compromising safety or skill. From choosing the right instructor to using online resources and maintaining consistency, this guide covers it all.

Dec 30, 2024•Admin

UK Driving Test Statistics: Trends, Insights, and How to Maximise Your Chances of Passing

Discover key insights from the latest UK driving test statistics, including pass rates, urban vs rural trends, best test centres, and actionable tips for learners. Understand how factors like time of day, season, and test centre choice impact success.

Dec 30, 2024•Admin

Is It Better to Learn Manual or Automatic Driving? The Ultimate Guide

Discover the pros and cons of learning manual vs automatic driving, cost comparisons, real-world examples, and future trends to help you make the best choice for your driving lessons.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. Learn more about our cookie policy