Almost all UK drivers would fail their theory test if they tried it again today, according to new research from Direct Line.
The study quizzed over 2,000 drivers with 15 random questions from the current test and a whopping 95% did not make the pass mark. Only 1% nailed every single question.
It shows a big gap in how well drivers actually know the Highway Code.
Over half (56%) said they keep up with updates, but less than half (47%) could even say when the Code was last changed. It was January 2022.
When it came to practical questions, most people struggled.
Only 20% knew you can overtake on either side of a one-way road. Only 41% could identify the cycle route sign. Fewer than half knew when to use the right-hand lane on a three-lane dual carriageway. Only 45% knew the correct stopping distance at 40mph, which is 36 metres.
Age made a difference too.
Gen Z drivers aged 18 to 28 did best, with 10% passing. Millennials scored 9%, Gen X 3%, and Boomers only 2%.
Drivers who took their test before the theory test was introduced in 1996 were even more likely to fail. 98% did not pass, compared to 92% of those who took it after it became mandatory.
Matt Pernet, head of motor insurance at Direct Line, said: “The Highway Code covers safe and responsible driving behaviour on UK roads, and it is not just new drivers that need to know what is included. Staying up to date with the rules is vital, especially when changes are made which relate to right of way and road signs.
"These findings are a stark reminder that many people are not keeping up to date with the latest rules and should serve as a wake-up call to encourage all drivers to regularly refresh their knowledge.”
For context, the theory test has been around since July 1996. Today, you need 43 out of 50 questions right, 86%, to pass. In this study, that meant getting 13 out of 15 correct.
