21 August 2024
In the first three months of 2024 one question stumped more people in their theory test than any other.
In a new Freedom Of Information request to the DVSA, The AA Driving School can reveal that over 136,000 incorrect answers were recorded to one question on rules of the road in the multiple choice element of the test. Rules of the road covers areas such as speed limits and rules at different types of junctions.
“The data shows too many people are failing their theory which adds extra cost and waits before they can take a practical test. At £23 per theory test the cost of retaking adds up."
Questions that could come up in Rules of the Road include: What's the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on a dual carriageway?; When are you allowed to enter a box junction?; There are no speed-limit signs on the road. In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland how is a 30 mph limit generally indicated?; Who is authorised to signal you to stop?; How should you signal if you're going straight ahead at a roundabout? *
Other topics on the multiple choice test which received a high number of incorrect answers include Safety Margins (98,820); Safety and Your Vehicle (96,089); Alertness (93,488); Road and Traffic Signs appears in the top ten twice with one question receiving 84,153 incorrect answers and another getting 75,619.
| Number Incorrect | Topic |
| 136,152 | Rules of the Road |
| 98,820 | Safety Margins |
| 96,089 | Safety and your Vehicle/Motorcycle |
| 93,488 | Alertness |
| 84,153 | Road and Traffic Signs |
| 83,546 | Vehicle/Motorcycle Handling |
| 81,172 | Attitude |
| 81,158 | Accidents |
| 75,619 | Road and Traffic Signs |
| 72,386 | Hazard Awareness |
The data also shows that in 2023, Scotland had the highest pass rate for the multiple choice (80.2%) and England the highest for the hazard perception (81.1%) Wales was the lowest pass rate on both elements. Northern Ireland is not covered by the DVSA.
| England | Scotland | Wales | |
| Multiple Choice Test - Pass Rate | 51.0% | 53.5% | 50.0% |
| Hazard Perception Test - Pass Rate | 81.1% | 80.2% | 79.1% |
The Driving Theory Test was introduced in 1996. Candidates must pass both the multiple choice (43 out of 50) and hazard perception test (44 out of 75) before they can book their practical driving test, and they have two years from passing the theory to pass the practical. The multiple choice part of the test is made up questions from 14 topic areas. Over 2.5 million theory tests were conducted in 2023.
To help candidates prepare for their theory test, The AA Driving School, has launched a theory test revision app. The app contains over 700 questions and hazard perception clips. Learners are able to access content offline, take mock tests and track their progress. It is available on Apple and Google Play stores.
Camilla Benitz, Managing Director of AA Driving School, said: “It’s concerning that one question in particular is catching so many people out on the theory test. What is fundamental knowledge for driving, people slip up on far too often.
“The data shows too many people are failing their theory which adds extra cost and waits before they can take a practical test. At £23 per theory test the cost of retaking adds up.
“Candidates should practice the theory test in the same way they practice driving – mock tests are available on the AA Driving School Theory App.”
*Correct answers: 1. 70 mph; 2. When your exit road is clear; 3. By street lighting; 4. A police officer; 5. Signal left after you’ve passed the exit before the one you’re going to take.