Make and sell driving theory test revision products
How to get a licence to make apps, websites, software or books to help people prepare for theory tests, how much it costs, and the rules you must follow.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
You must apply for a copyright licence from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) before you make a product that includes:
- revision theory test questions
- practice hazard perception clips
When you get a licence, you will:
- get copies of theory test revision questions and answers
- be able to buy practice hazard perception clips to include in your product
It’s a criminal offence to use DVSA theory test questions or hazard perception clips in a product without a licence. You can be prosecuted and fined.
What you need to do
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Apply for a licence. You’ll need to explain what your product is and what type of licence you want.
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Make your product.
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Send your product artwork to DVSA to get it approved.
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Start selling your product.
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Pay royalties to DVSA every 3 months.
You do not need to apply for a licence if you only want to use content from The Highway Code or traffic sign images. However, you must follow the rules in the Open Government Licence.
Check which licence you need
There are different types of licences. The one you need depends on what you’re making.
| Licence name | Languages covered | How long the licence lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | English and Welsh | 3 years |
| British Sign Language (BSL) | British Sign Language | 3 years |
| Translation | Any other languages | 3 years |
Foreign language products
If you’re making a foreign language product, it might also include elements such as learning English for theory and driving tests, if you want to include this.
You can promote your translated products made under the licence for free on the Safe Driving for Life website.
If you’re not making and selling a product
If you’re not making and selling a product you might be able to get a licence. The licence you can get depends on your organisation.
| Licence name | Who this licence is for | How long the licence lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Education licence | School, college or university - you must not charge pupils or make money from your product or training course | 3 years |
| Research licence | Research project or coursework - you must not copy, sell, publish electronically or make your finished product available for sale | 3 years |
| Memorandum of understanding | UK or non-UK government organisation | 3 years |
Apply for a copyright licence
Apply online to get a licence. There is no cost to apply.
What happens next
DVSA will review your application and tell you its decision within 10 working days.
Before awarding your licence, DVSA will invite you to a video call where they will discuss your product and business plan.
When you have been awarded your licence
You’ll get a legal contract (called a ‘Crown copyright licence agreement) which tells you more about the rules you need to follow.
You’ll need to sign this and send a copy to DVSA.
DVSA will then send you copies of theory test revision questions and answers so you can start making your product.
Make your product
You need to:
- decide if your product will include revision theory test questions, practice hazard perception clips, or both
- design how your product looks
- include an acknowledgment that you’re using Crown copyright material in your product
Theory test revision questions
You will get revision questions for these test types:
- car
- motorcycle
- large goods vehicle (LGV) and passenger carrying vehicle (PCV)
- approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1
They’re not the exact questions that are used in the real test, but they’re very similar.
You will also get ‘knowledge and understanding text’ with each question. This is included with the questions and answers you’ll download. This text:
- explains the context of a question
- must be included with every question in your product
Hazard perception practice clips
You can get hazard perception practice clips for all types of theory tests. The clips are the same for each type of test.
They’re not the exact clips that are used in the real test, but they’re very similar.
The clips feature everyday road scenes and ‘developing hazards’. This is something that would cause the user to take action, like changing speed or direction. The user gets points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.
The clips include scoring window timeframes.
All the files are in MPEG-4 video file format.
Prices range from £550 to £1200, depending on how many clips you buy. DVSA will send you an invoice and details on how to pay for the clips when you get your licence.
Get your product approved
Your product must:
- not look like an official DVSA product
- not display the DVSA logo
- not imply or suggest that it’s recommended, endorsed or approved by DVSA
- not mislead the public in any way about its content
Your product must include this statement:
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has given permission for the reproduction of Crown copyright material. DVSA is not responsible for the accuracy of the reproduction.
Send your product artwork to DVSA when you’ve finished designing it.
DVSA will then approve the artwork if it meets the rules.
Selling your product
You’ll then be able to start selling your product.
Your advertising and marketing must meet the rules set out in the UK advertising codes.
Pay royalties every 3 months
You need to pay royalties every 3 months if you have either:
- a standard licence
- a foreign language translation licence
What you will have to pay every 3 months
| How much of your product is made from DVSA material | What you have to pay |
|---|---|
| 50% or more | 13% of net sales |
| Less than 50% | Lower rate (the guide explains later how this is calculated) |
Send a signed statement to DVSA
You have to send a signed statement to DVSA within 30 days of the end of each financial quarter to say:
- how many products you sold
- how much money you need to pay to DVSA
| Quarter | Date your statement is due |
|---|---|
| April to June | 30 July |
| July to September | 30 October |
| October to December | 30 January |
| January to March | 30 April |
You have to send a nil statement if you did not sell any products.
Work out how much you have to pay
The way you work out how much you have to pay depends on how much of your product is made up of licensed material.
50% or more of your product is licensed material
You have to pay 13% of ‘net sales’ of each product you sell. This is the income you earned from sales of the product after you’ve deducted tax.
Example 75% of your product is made up of licensed material.
Your net sales during the quarter are £500. 13% of £500 = £65.
Your business is based in the UK, so you need to add VAT of 20% to that amount. 20% of £65 = £13.
Your total payment is £65 + £13 = £78.
Less than 50% of your product is licensed material
You pay a lesser rate if less than 50% of your product is licensed material. The amount you pay depends on how much of your product is made up of licensed material.
Example
20% of your product is made up of licensed material.
Your net sales during the quarter are £500. 13% of £500 = £65.
Because your product is only 20% made up of licensed material, you need to work out 20% of that amount. 20% of £65 = £13.
Your business is based in the UK, so you need to add VAT of 20% to that amount. 20% of £13 = £2.60.
Your total payment is £13 + £2.60 = £15.60.
Getting an invoice
DVSA will send you an invoice within 30 days of getting your statement.
You then have to pay DVSA within 30 days of the invoice date.
DVSA will charge you interest if you do not pay on time.
You’ll be charged interest at the Bank Rate + 2.5%. For example, if the Bank Rate is 4%, you’ll be charged 6.5% interest per year from the date you should have paid until you actually pay.
The charge will be from the date you should have paid until the date you actually pay.
You can pay the invoice by bank transfer.
Other ways to pay
Email DVSA to arrange a call to pay your royalties by MasterCard, Visa, Delta and UK Electron cards if you cannot pay by bank transfer.
DVSA Intellectual Property team
crowncopyright@dvsa.gov.uk
Complain about how DVSA has handled your application
DVSA has to follow the rules in the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 when it gives you documents to reuse.
However, DVSA has special permission (called a ‘delegation of authority’) from the National Archives to let it license its information to you.
If you think DVSA has not followed the rules
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Email the crowncopyright@dvsa.gov.uk if you think DVSA has not followed the rules set out in the regulations or its delegation of authority.
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If you’re not happy with the response, email corporatereputation@dvsa.gov.uk.
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If you cannot settle matters with DVSA, complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Report someone selling a product without a licence
DVSA protects its material against unlicensed use and constantly monitors the use of its material. It will:
- pursue any case where material has been used without its permission
- take any necessary legal action in order to protect Crown copyright
You can report infringements to DVSA.
DVSA Intellectual Property team
crowncopyright@dvsa.gov.uk