The best driving theory test books you can buy in the UK (2023 update)
If you're sitting your driving theory test, it can be tempting to just try and wing it. But trust us when we say that you really need to revise for this test. It might not be as tense as the practical driving test, but it's still very difficult, especially in 2023 when the laws of the road are stricter than ever.
The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers
Know Your Traffic Signs
When you sit your theory test, it'll be split into a hazard perception section and a multiple choice section. You're guaranteed to have at least a few questions in the multiple choice section relating to signs and what they mean, and you might even find a few traffic signs popping up in the hazard perception section too. So it's absolutely essential that you know your road signs, which is why we think this book is so useful. It's from the Department for Transport and has information about every sign that you'd find on UK roads. It's also only £5 for the book, so we think it's well worth a flick through before your theory test. Learn more and buy it here - waterstones.com
AA Driving Theory Test & Highway Code
What we'd say about the AA book is that it's very dense, but everything is very clearly explained. It has all of the information that you'll find in the official book from the DVSA, but it's slightly cheaper. The information is laid out in question format, so rather than learning screeds of text, you learn by answering questions (there are more than 700 questions in the book). This books also has information about the Highway Code which we didn't find in the DVSA book. This is the 12th Edition of the book, which has everything that you'd need to sit your theory test in 2023. This book also has the added bonus of giving you a £40 discount on AA driving lessons when you buy it, so you could argue that buying this book is a bit of a no-brainer if you're planning to take lessons with the AA. Learn more and buy it here - whsmith.co.uk
Essential Skills Driving by the DVSA
we'll be honest - all you need to do is pass your theory test, and as long as you get enough correct answers to pass, it makes no difference how many correct answers you get. However, if you're wanting to do more than just pass and you actually want to gain real expertise on the theory side of driving, then we'd recommend adding this book to your pile of theory test revision books. It's another official book from the DVSA, and it doesn't include any practice questions as it's more of a general guide than a test book. But this is actually quite nice and makes it feel much lighter compared to some of the other books we've included in this guide. Learn more and buy it here - amazon.co.uk
We hope this guide helps you to find a book to help you pass your driving theory test. Let us know if you've read any of these books or if you have any other suggestions for us to read! If you've passed your theory test and you're ready to sit your practical test, why not download one of these driving test cancellation apps to get an earlier test?
Finn H
Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.