28 November 2024
Three-quarters of drivers think inadequate Highway Code knowledge would cause them to fail the driving theory test if they had to re-take it today. New research* conducted by AA Driving School asked qualified drivers if they thought they could pass the theory and practical tests if they had to take them now.
The vast majority (86%) were confident they would pass the practical test but only 58% were confident in passing the theory test.
For the theory test fewer women than men were confident in passing – 50% vs 62%, but the figures for the practical were closer – 88% male vs 82% female. Nationally, the pass rate for females taking the theory test is higher than males (47.2% vs 43.7%).
Respondents were asked the reasons why they thought they may fail either test. 75% said their highway code knowledge would let them down in the theory; a fifth thought their road sign knowledge or rules of the road would be the cause of a failure.
Confidence levels in passing the theory are lower in the older ages categories with younger drivers more confident at passing. Some of this can be put down to those who qualified prior to 1996, when the theory test was introduced, not needing to have taken one. Over half (56%) of younger drivers are confident with their highway code knowledge. In drivers over 65, 78% thought the highway code would cause a theory test failure.
Reasons people feel they would fail a theory test:
| Highway Code Knowledge | 75% |
| Bad Habits | 28% |
| Road Signs | 21% |
| Rules Of The Road | 20% |
| Nerves | 16% |
| Hazard Perception | 8% |
| Hazard Awareness | 5% |
| Attitude to other road users | 4% |
| Eyesight | 3% |
| Mirrors | 2% |
| Observations at junctions | 2% |
Drivers can brush on their Highway Code knowledge by downloading the AA Theory Test App. This includes comprehensive learning materials, all The Highway Code information you need, and sample hazard perception videos.
"With so many people believing their knowledge isn’t up to date is really concerning, not just for their ability to pass a theory test but also for them being safe on the roads now."
For the practical test over a third (34%) said nerves would get the better of them, but over half (56%) said they had picked up too many bad habits since they originally passed and that would be the barrier to succeeding now.
Reasons people feel they would fail a practical driving test:
| Bad Habits | 56% |
| Nerves | 34% |
| Reversing Manoeuvrers | 25% |
| Following sat nav | 16% |
| Attitude to other road users | 12% |
| Speed | 9% |
| Alertness | 7% |
| Hazard Awareness | 6% |
| Mirrors | 6% |
| Eyesight | 6% |
| Observations at junctions | 4% |
Situations which could cause a qualified driver to have to retake their test include upgrading from an automatic licence to a manual licence, losing a licence under the New Driver Act (receiving 6 points in the first 2 years of holding a licence), and if a driver has previously been banned from driving for more than 56 days.
The top ten reasons** for failing a practical driving test last year were:
1. Not making effective observations at junctions
2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
3. Not moving off safely; Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
5. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights
6. Not having proper control of the steering
7. Not responding correctly to traffic signs
8. Not responding correctly to road markings
9. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving
10. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed
Camilla Benitz, Managing Director of AA Driving School, said: “Knowledge of the highway code is fundamental to driving, and with so many people believing their knowledge isn’t up to date is really concerning, not just for their ability to pass a theory test but also for them being safe on the roads now.
“We know that after people pass their test they tend to slip into bad habits, however, it’s alarming that over half of those who responded thought their bad habits would cause them to fail a test now.
“There are times when a qualified driver might have to retake their test such as returning to driving after a disqualification, and for so many to believe they have slipped into enough bad habits to prevent a pass is worrying. Even qualified drivers should consider brushing up their current skills by reading the new highway code or using the AA theory test app.”
* Yonder received 10,232 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 23rd October 2024 Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
** Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)