England Driving Rules Study Guide 2026

The theory test in England

Learner drivers in England take the same DVSA car theory test as the rest of Great Britain. It has 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes (pass mark 43) and a separate hazard perception part of 14 video clips (pass mark 44 out of 75). You must pass both parts at the same sitting.

• Book on GOV.UK. You need a provisional driving licence, and a car theory test costs £23.
• You can take the test from your 17th birthday, or from 16 if you get, or have applied for, the higher rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment.
• Your pass lasts 2 years. Pass your practical test in that time or take the theory test again.

This guide covers rules and road charges that you meet in England but not everywhere in Great Britain, especially in London and some big cities.

In England, learner drivers display red L plates (D plates are only used in Wales). A learner may drive on a motorway only with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls. The supervisor on other roads must be at least 21 and have held a full licence for that type of car for at least three years.

Driving in London

Pavement parking ban

You must not park partly or wholly on the pavement anywhere in London, apart from limited exceptions shown by signs. Elsewhere in England there is no blanket ban, but the Highway Code says do not park on the pavement unless signs permit it, because it causes problems for pedestrians, wheelchair users, blind people and people with pushchairs.

Congestion Charge

The Congestion Charge applies in central London from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 12 pm to 6 pm at weekends and on bank holidays. There is no charge between Christmas Day and the New Year's Day bank holiday. Some vehicles are exempt or get a discount.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

The ULEZ covers all London boroughs, but not the M25. It operates 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. If your car does not meet the ULEZ emission standards and is not exempt, you pay a £12.50 daily charge.

The two charges are separate. If you drive a car that does not meet ULEZ standards into the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours, you must pay both.

Clean Air Zones in English cities

Some councils have set up Clean Air Zones to improve air quality. Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards may have to pay a charge to enter. Only class D zones charge private cars.

Cars that meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) do not pay. If you must pay, you can do so up to 6 days before you travel, or by 11:59 pm on the sixth day after you drove into the zone. If you do not pay in time, you may get a penalty charge notice.

The Dartford Crossing

The Dartford Crossing has a charge called the Dart Charge. You usually have to pay if you cross between 6 am and 10 pm, including weekends and bank holidays. You must pay by midnight the day after you cross, or in advance. Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes do not pay. There are several ways to pay, including online, by phone, by post and in cash at a Payzone shop. If you do not pay on time, you might get a fine.

How England compares with Scotland and Wales

These differences matter on cross-border journeys. If you drive from England into Scotland, the drink-drive limit becomes lower. If you drive into a Welsh town, most street-lit roads are 20 mph unless signs show 30 mph.