Skip advert
Advertisement

Could you pass the driving theory test now? Only 1% got these 5 questions right

Consider yourself a good driver? Most people do, but a recent taster theory test from Carwow produced some shocking results

Learner

Fewer than one per cent of respondents in a survey managed to answer five driving theory tests correctly, despite three-quarters saying that they are good drivers.

Auto Express’ parent site, Carwow, recently published its very own ‘taster’ theory test in which drivers were asked to answer five driving theory questions that might be found in the official test. Of the first 2,000 drivers who responded, only 18 people (0.9 per cent) answered all five correctly.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Each individual question saw fewer than half of the respondents answer correctly. The most difficult proved to be one which asked the correct way to overtake a car on a one-way street; only one in ten people got this right. 

Fewer than one in five people also knew whether you could park on the right-hand side of a one-way street overnight.

Given these disappointing results, you might be surprised to find that 75 per cent of respondents rated their driving skills as either ‘good’ or ‘very good’. The most overconfident were typically respondents aged between 25 and 35 (no fewer than 84 per cent rated themselves as good drivers), while women were less likely to oversell themselves than men. Only 65 per cent of those identifying as women rated themselves as good drivers, versus 80 per cent of men.

Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency shows that the pass rate for the driving theory test is falling. In 2009, it stood at 65 per cent; today it is only 45 per cent – a record low. 

Carwow’s Chief Content Officer Mat Watson, said: “They say practice makes perfect, and that’s certainly the case for the driving theory test.

“The practice and learning doesn’t stop when you get your licence – it was interesting that respondents to our survey aged between 18 and 24 were most likely to consider themselves ‘bad’ drivers,” Watson continued. 

“Some of this is likely just to be down to a lack of experience on the roads rather than competency, but if that is you, there’s no shame in taking further lessons and avoiding any situations where you don’t feel confident or safe on the roads.”

Take Carwow’s ‘taster’ driving theory test here and let us know how you fare!

Skip advert
Advertisement
Consumer reporter

Tom is Auto Express' Consumer reporter, meaning he spends his time investigating the stories that matter to all motorists - enthusiasts or otherwise. An ex-BBC journalist and Multimedia Journalism graduate, Tom previously wrote for partner sites Carbuyer and DrivingElectric and you may also spot him throwing away his dignity by filming videos for the Auto Express social media channels.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia UK boss calls for clear ZEV roadmap, plus “modest” consumer incentives
Kia's UK boss, Paul Philpott standing next to a Kia EV6

Kia UK boss calls for clear ZEV roadmap, plus “modest” consumer incentives

Brand CEO says ZEV mandate is a threat, asking for clarity from the Labour government
News
6 Jan 2025
Car finance scandal: Supreme Court hearing could halve number of claimants
Finance contract, car key and calculator on desk

Car finance scandal: Supreme Court hearing could halve number of claimants

Scandal involving car finance commission could see motorists entitled to billions of pounds in payouts
News
19 Dec 2024
Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns
Emissions tests questioned

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns

The DfT is currently investigating as many as 47 models across several brands that are suspected to use diesel defeat devices
News
14 Nov 2024
MoT failure rate is worse for vans than cars
MOT

MoT failure rate is worse for vans than cars

More than a third of light commercials failed their first MoT last year, new figures show
News
12 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
New Aston Martin Vanquish 2025 review: a proper British bruiser
Aston Martin Vanquish - front tracking

New Aston Martin Vanquish 2025 review: a proper British bruiser

V12-powered cars are becoming rarer, but the Vanquish is one of the best you can buy
Road tests
11 Apr 2025
New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights
 Denza Z9GT - front tracking

New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights

The new Denza Z9GT hybrid estate is on the way to the UK. Should BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche be worried?
Road tests
11 Apr 2025