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Learner myths and driving misconceptions debunked

Learner myths and driving misconceptions debunked

  • AA research shows worrying numbers holding onto misinformation
  • Many incorrect legends about the driving test persist – potentially hindering learners’ chances of success
  • Pass/fail quotas, a ban on sunglasses and failing automatically if you hit the kerb among myths many drivers believe in
  • Worryingly, some drivers lack correct knowledge about drink-drive laws and whether learners can accumulate points on their licence
  • AA Driving School highlights top myths and offers advice for learners

23 August 2025

Discomfiting myths about the driving test remain stubbornly persistent as one million learners fail their test annually.

A sixth of drivers believe examiners have a pass/fail quota, according to the new research* by the AA Driving School.

“Drivers, both learners and qualified, should make sure they check whether they are holding onto incorrect information about the driving test so they don’t hold themselves back or land themselves in trouble.”
Mark Born, head of the academy at AA Driving School

Other untrue urban myths about learners and the driving test include 27% of drivers believing you can’t wear sunglasses on your driving test.

Official data shows just over 1 million learners failed their test in 2024** and, according to separate data***, only a third of qualified drivers are very confident they’d pass a practical re-test.

Those who weren’t confident they’d pass said their most likely downfall was Highway Code knowledge being out of date (88%) and bad habits (73%).

Worryingly many drivers lack of driving knowledge goes beyond believing in myths and may land them on the wrong side of the law.

One in 10 drivers don’t know that learners can accumulate points on their licence and 6% think drivers can be drunk when supervising a learner driver.

Vehicle 3

Mark Born, head of the academy at AA Driving School, said: “Just under half of all driving tests are failed. It would be massive shame, given the long waiting times to book a re-test, if learners were hindering their chances of success because urban myths have damaged their confidence or understanding of the test.

“Examiners do not have a limit on how many people they can pass in one day – whatever time of day you take your test you have the same chance of passing so don’t feel down if you have a later slot.

“And you can wear sunglasses. Given the very sunny summer we have had so far it’s worrying so many people think they can’t wear them during their test.

“Other false beliefs are potentially more damaging and even dangerous with one in twenty drivers thinking you are allowed to be drunk when you are supervising a learner driver.

“Drivers, both learners and qualified, should make sure they check whether they are holding onto incorrect information about the driving test so they don’t hold themselves back or land themselves in trouble.”

Top Learner and Driving Test Myths (correct answer in bold):

  • There is a pass/fail quota for examiners (15% true / 85% false)
  • Three-point turn is no longer part of the driving test (39% true / 61% false)
  • You need to do push/pull steering on my test (32% true/ 68% false)
  • You can be over the drink drive limit when you supervise a learner driver (6% true / 94% false)
  • You can pass your test with 14 minor faults (15% true/ 85% false)
  • Learner drivers have to drive independently for 20 minutes on the test using satnav or road signs (42% true / 58% false)
  • You have to go down through the gears when slowing down to prevent wear and tear on your brakes (41% true / 59% false)
  • Learners can’t get points on their licence (10% true / 90% false)
  • You can’t wear sunglasses on your test as the examiner can’t see your eyes (27% true / 73% false)
  • The pass-rate for automatics is lower than for manuals (15% true / 85% false)
  • You have to check your mirrors every 12 seconds (33% true / 67% false)
  • A learner driver is allowed on a motorway for practice as long as it’s with a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor and in a dual-controlled car (39% true / 61% false)
  • You have to pass your theory test before you can start taking lessons (33% true / 67% false)
  • If you hit the kerb on your test it’s an automatic fail (56% true / 44% false)
  • You might be asked to park on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back two spaces, then rejoin the left-hand side (40% true / 60% false)
  • If you don’t pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory test you’ll have to take the theory again (90% true / 10% false)

If you’re looking to learn to drive visit: Driving Lessons - Book Online Today | AA

* Yonder received 10,509 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 13th to 21st May 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

** Driving test and theory test data: cars - GOV.UK

*** Yonder received 10,509 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 13th to 21st May 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.