Theory Test Centres in London, Greater London

Driving in London: what to expect in the theory test

Preparing for your theory test in London means understanding life on some of the UK’s busiest roads. Questions often reflect conditions on routes such as the M25 orbital motorway, the A406 North Circular and the A205 South Circular, where multiple lanes, frequent junctions and variable speed limits demand strong lane discipline and observation skills. You’ll also need to be confident with rules around box junctions, which are common at major intersections like those around Trafalgar Square and Holborn.

Urban hazards and vulnerable road users

Central areas such as the City of London, Westminster and Southwark are packed with pedestrians, cyclists and powered two-wheelers. Expect theory questions about sharing the road with cyclists in segregated lanes along Embankment, obeying advanced stop lines at traffic lights, and giving priority to buses pulling out from stops on routes like Oxford Street or the Strand. The Highway Code’s guidance on vulnerable road users is especially relevant in busy zones around London Bridge, King’s Cross and Shoreditch, where heavy footfall and complex junctions increase risk.

Congestion, restrictions and special road layouts

London’s Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) won’t be tested in terms of payment rules, but they do highlight the importance of understanding road signs, camera enforcement and bus lane regulations. You may see questions about bus lanes on corridors such as the A13 into East London or the A4 through Hammersmith, where incorrect use can lead to penalties. Learners should also be familiar with mini-roundabouts in residential areas like Clapham or Highgate, and with one-way systems in town centres such as Croydon and Kingston.

Weather, visibility and river-related conditions

Although London is inland, the River Thames can influence local weather, with early-morning mist and reduced visibility near the water in areas like Greenwich, Richmond and Putney. The theory test may include questions on using dipped headlights and keeping a safe distance in rain and fog, which are common on elevated sections of the A40 or around Heathrow. Potholes and standing water after heavy showers are frequent on urban side streets, so you’ll need to understand how to adjust speed and following distance in line with the Highway Code’s stopping distance guidance and advice on driving in wet conditions.