Theory test turns 30: AA Driving School asks if "drivers have forgotten the rules of the road"
- AA Driving School research finds 78% of drivers think they could pass the practical test today, but just 44% say the same for the theory test
- Among drivers unsure they would pass the theory test if retaken today, 90% think they would fail because their Highway Code knowledge is not up to date
- DVSA data shows 2,792,839 car theory tests were conducted in 2024/25 — the highest annual total in the published dataset
- Today (01/07/26) is the driving theory test’s 30th birthday
Drivers less confident about the theory test
Thirty years after the driving theory test was introduced, new research from AA Driving School suggests many experienced drivers are more confident behind the wheel than they are about remembering the rules of the road.
The theory test was first introduced on 1 July 1996, changing the way learners prepared for life on the road. Since then, the test has evolved from a paper-based exam to a digital assessment, with hazard perception later added to test how learners spot and respond to developing risks. Tens of millions of theory tests have been taken since its launch*.
To mark the 30th anniversary, AA Driving School research of 12,475 drivers** found 78% say they are confident they could pass their practical driving test if they had to take it today, but only 44% think they could pass the theory test.
The research also found that, among drivers who were unsure they would pass a theory test if they had to take it today, the most common reason was their Highway Code knowledge is not up to date (90%). This was followed by rules of the road (59%), knowledge of road signs (50%), safety and vehicle knowledge (35%), and hazard perception (33%).
Women were less confident than men about taking the theory test today, with 37% of female drivers saying they would be confident of passing, compared with 46% of male drivers. The same pattern appears for the practical test with 73% of female drivers feeling confident compared with 80% of male drivers.
DVSA data shows which theory test centres have the highest and lowest pass rates
The anniversary comes as the most recent DVSA data*** shows demand for theory tests is at a record high, with 2,792,839 car theory tests conducted in 2024/25.
The data also shows Symbister theory test centre had the highest pass rate at 65.2% followed by Kyle of Lochalsh (64.3%) and Helmsdale at (60.7%).
At the other end of the table, the lowest published pass rate was recorded at Millom (34.6%), Porthmadog (35.7%) and Bradford (36.8%) theory test centres.
Highest theory test pass rates
The top 10 test centres with the highest theory test pass rates in 2024/25, with number of tests conducted, were:
1. Symbister — 65.2%, 23 tests
2. Kyle of Lochalsh — 64.3%, 56 tests
3. Helmsdale — 60.7%, 56 tests
4. Portree — 59.2%, 49 tests
5. Aviemore — 57.4%, 47 tests
6. Craignure, Isle of Mull — 57.1%, 21 tests
7. North Berwick — 56.3%, 332 tests
8. Huntingdon — 55.6%, 133 tests
9. Ullapool — 55.0%, 40 tests
10. Rushden — 54.5%, 123 tests
Lowest theory test pass rates
The 10 test centres with the lowest theory test pass rates in 2024/25, with the number of tests conducted, were:
1. Millom — 34.6%, 52 tests
2. Porthmadog — 35.7%, 714 tests
3. Bradford — 36.8%, 41,920 tests
4. Dunoon — 36.8%, 38 tests
5. Dudley — 38.2%, 28,873 tests
6. Uxbridge — 38.2%, 82,369 tests
7. Wolverhampton — 38.5%, 35,159 tests
8. Leicester — 39.7%, 54,335 tests
9. Birmingham — 40.4%, 80,284 tests
10. Newton Stewart — 40.5%, 84 tests
AA Driving School theory test app reveals the questions learners find hardest
Learners need to understand a wide range of road-safety topics for the theory test, including the Highway Code, road signs and markings, rules of the road, vulnerable road users, motorway driving, hazard awareness, vehicle safety and how to respond to incidents or emergencies.
In the test centre, candidates first answer 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes, then take the hazard perception section, where they watch 14 video clips and click when they spot developing hazards; they must pass both parts to pass the theory test.
New AA Driving School app data**** from 15 June 2025 to 15 June 2026 shows the question most commonly answered incorrectly by app users was: “Which sign means that there may be people walking along the road?”, with 58.9% of answers incorrect. This was followed by a motorway red cross question, answered incorrectly 57.5% of the time, and a question on unbalanced wheels, answered incorrectly 56.2% of the time.
The top 10 most common incorrectly answered questions on the AA Driving School theory test app were:
1. Which sign means that there may be people walking along the road? — 58.9% incorrect
2. You’re on a motorway. What must you do if there’s a red cross showing above every lane? — 57.5% incorrect
3. What will happen if your car’s wheels are unbalanced? — 56.2% incorrect
4. What does this sign mean?
— 53.8% incorrect
5. You’re driving on an icy road. What distance from the car in front should you drive? — 53.6% incorrect
6. Where can you find reflective amber studs on a motorway? — 53.5% incorrect
7. You have stopped in an emergency area. What must you do before you re-join the carriageway? — 53.3% incorrect
8. What can result when you travel for long distances in neutral, known as coasting? — 52.8% incorrect
9. You’ve broken down on a two-way road. You have a warning triangle. At least how far from your vehicle should it be placed? — 52.4% incorrect
10. When may you overtake another vehicle on their left? — 52.2% incorrect
Keeping Highway Code knowledge fresh
Emma Bush, Managing Director of AA Driving School, said: “Thirty years on from the introduction of the theory test, it is clear it has become a vital part of learning to drive. It is not just about memorising signs or rules to get through an exam; it helps learners understand risk, responsibility and how to make safer decisions on the road.
“Our research shows that while many drivers still feel confident about their practical driving skills, far fewer feel the same about the theory test. The Highway Code changes over time, roads change, vehicles change and the way we use the road changes too, so it is important for all drivers to keep their knowledge fresh.
“The DVSA data also shows how pass rates vary across the country, with a number of smaller and more remote test centres appearing among the highest pass rates, while some of the busiest urban centres recorded lower pass rates.
“For learners preparing for their test now, good preparation is key. The AA Driving School theory test app can help learners practise in a way that fits around their lives, build confidence and understand the rules before they get behind the wheel.”
Theory test and road safety
Keanan Lloyd-Adams, road safety influencer, said:
“The theory test will most likely be the first instance of a young person’s life where they are studying for something which will directly influence the safety and protection of those around them.
“You can ace an English test and improve your vocabulary and understanding of words, you can ace Maths and be quick to sort out the inevitable bills that will come your way, ace the theory test and you have just significantly increased your chances of saving lives.”
AA Driving School theory test app
AA Driving School’s theory test app contains more than 700 theory questions and extensive hazard perception clips, with flash cards for quick revision sessions, offline access, timed mock tests and progress tracking. The app is available on Apple and Google Play stores, it is free to download, access to some questions pack costs £4.99.
Case study
Beth Sutherland passed her driving test a year before the theory test was launched, her daughter Olivia is 17, and has recently passed her theory test.
Beth said: “The difference from when I passed my test – we only had about 5 questions – this test has 50 and the pass requirement is 43. I took a mock theory recently and honestly wasn’t sure how I’d do. I was pleasantly surprised and really pleased to pass.”
Olivia said: “I had to revise quite a lot. I learnt the content on the AA Driving School app, the tests on the Highway Code in the app helped me learn it.”
“I've already had four driving lessons, so that did actually help because on the driving lesson before I had my theory, I knew what different road signs meant and what to do in different scenarios.”
* DVSA data source: DRT112a car theory test by test centre
** Yonder received 12,475 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 20th May 2026. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
***DVSA data source: DRT112a car theory test by test centre
****AA Driving School theory test app data covers app question responses from 15 June 2025 to 15 June 2026.