Five driving theory test questions just 18 out of 2,000 got right, according to recent DVSA figures, signalling a drop in the theory test pass rate. The research conducted by Carwow, an online car-changing marketplace, revealed that only about 0.9% of drivers managed to answer all five multiple-choice questions correctly. The questions were sourced from the official DVSA driving theory test.
The study highlighted that the pass rate for each of the five questions was less than 50%, with the hardest question focusing on overtaking on a one-way street, where only 10% of respondents answered correctly. Other questions such as parking on the right-hand side of a one-way street at night and the typical braking distance from 50mph saw even lower correct response rates of 19% and 27% respectively. However, the question about finding the nearest emergency telephone on a motorway received a higher correct response rate of 46%.
Official figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency indicated a gradual decline in theory test pass rates over the past 15 years, dropping from 65% in 2009 to a record low of 45% this year. Carwow’s research also showed that experience played a significant role in passing the theory test, with 75% of drivers who have been driving for 12 to 20 years passing the first time, compared to only 56% of those driving for one to three years and 17% driving for less than a year.
Considering the challenging nature of the driving theory test, Carwow’s chief content officer, Mat Watson, stressed the importance of practice and continuous learning even after obtaining a licence. The study found that younger drivers aged 18 to 24 were more likely to consider themselves ‘bad’ drivers, suggesting the need for ongoing improvement and additional lessons for those lacking in confidence on the road.
The survey also revealed that drivers aged 25 to 35 rated themselves as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ drivers at an 84% rate, with men more likely to rate their driving ability highly compared to women (80% vs. 65%). As the pass mark for the theory test stands at 43/50, drivers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with road rules by studying the Highway Code and taking practice tests to enhance their knowledge and skills on the road.