Fewer than one in five drivers (18%) believe they would be able to pass their driving theory test if they were made to retake it now, worrying figures have shown.

A survey of 12,903 motorists found that road signs are the biggest sticking point, for 90%, who admit they don't understand what all road signs mean. And one in four (26%) say they encounter this problem either sometimes, or very often.

Stopping distances were also highlighted as an area where knowledge is lacking – with a separate poll, of 12,598 drivers, revealing that the faster a car is travelling, the fewer drivers are likely to know the correct answer about its stopping distance.

The two surveys were commissioned by AA Driving School, after data from the DVSA showed that, in the past year, just 44.2% of aspiring motorists have successfully passed their driving theory test.

In fact, with the exception of the years 2020/21, and 2021/22, when fewer people were taking the test, the nationwide pass rate has not risen above 50% since the year 2014/15. This has fallen steadily for the past 15 years, from a 65.4% pass rate in 2007/08.

The top 10 test centres with the highest theory test pass rate are all up in Scotland, with Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands topping the list, with a pass rate of 73.5% in the last year.

Meanwhile, trailing behind with the lowest pass rate in the country is Hornsea, Yorkshire, where just 23.6% passed their theory test this year.

Those in Aviemore, Scotland, were most likely to be successful, with a pass rate of 73.5% this year
Those in Aviemore, Scotland, were most likely to be successful, with a pass rate of 73.5% this year

To help tackle the problem, the AA Driving School has launched a new theory test app. And managing director Camilla Benitz said: “The theory test pass rate went up briefly during the pandemic, when fewer people were taking it, but it’s now lower than ever.

“Learners face enough challenges as it is at the moment with the driving test backlog – we don’t want the theory test to be another hurdle for them, which is why we’ve created our new app.

“The fact so many qualified drivers also struggle with important elements of driving theory, such as road signs and stopping distances, just shows it takes revision and practice to get to grips with the questions and the hazard perception.

“We want to help learners do this in an easy to manage, enjoyable way. Users will be able to use flash cards for quick revision sessions, both on and offline, as well as track their progress with real-time statistics.”

The DVSA data shows learner drivers in Gairloch, Symbister, and Ullapool, are also among those most likely to pass their theory test, while those in Fakenham, Bradford, and Uxbridge are not so lucky – being most likely to fail.

And when it comes to stopping distances, nearly four in ten (38%) knew that, at 20mph, in dry conditions the stopping distance would be between 11 and 20 metres. However, only 24% could identify what the stopping distances would be at both 50mph and 60mph.

AA Driving School has launched a new theory test app to help tackle the problem
AA Driving School has launched a new theory test app to help tackle the problem

And just 23% knew it takes 96 metres to stop when travelling at 70mph – with 9% believing it took less than 50 metres.

To aid those who find it difficult, the AA Driving School App is designed to present up to 700 different theory questions and hazard perception clips to users.

Keanan Lloyd-Adams, a young driver social media influencer, said: “There’s loads for learners to take on board when they start lessons, and the theory test can feel intimidating, but it’s got to be done.

“My generation always has access to a phone now, so using an app to pass your theory test is a great way to get your revision done – it’s the best way I can think of.

“In my own experience, and from what I see on social media, learning to drive is a really key moment in your life, when you turn from a child into an adult.

“Crucially, when you pass your test you have other lives in your hands, which is a huge responsibility. Making sure you really know your theory is an important first step to becoming, and staying, safe behind the wheel.”

DVSA THEORY TEST PASS RATES – BY YEAR AND PASS RATE PERCENTAGE:

  • 2007/08 – 65.4%
  • 2008/09 – 65.4%
  • 2009/10 – 63.8%
  • 2010/11 – 63.1%
  • 2011/12 – 60.8%
  • 2012/13 – 59.1%
  • 2013/14 – 51.6%
  • 2014/15 – 51.0%
  • 2015/16 – 49.3%
  • 2016/17 – 48.7%
  • 2017/18 – 48.7%
  • 2018/19 – 47.3%
  • 2019/20 – 47.1%
  • 2020/21 – 55.7%
  • 2021/22 – 50.1%
  • 2022/23 – 44.2%

TOP 10 TEST CENTRES WITH HIGHEST THEORY TEST PASS RATE:

  1. Aviemore, Scotland – 73.5%
  2. Gairloch, Scotland – 69.0%
  3. Symbister, Scotland – 64.3%
  4. Ullapool, Scotland – 62.2%
  5. Castlebay, Isle of Barra, Scotland – 62.1%
  6. Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland – 60.8%
  7. Tarbert, Isle of Harris, Scotland – 59.5%
  8. Craignure, Isle of Mull, Scotland – 58.8%
  9. Brechin, Scotland – 58.5%
  10. Tongue, Scotland – 56.5%

TOP 10 TEST CENTRES WITH LOWEST THEORY TEST PASS RATE:

  1. Hornsea, Yorkshire – 23.6%
  2. Fakenham, Norfolk – 35.5%
  3. Uxbridge, London – 37.4%
  4. Bradford, West Yorkshire – 37.1%
  5. Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland – 38.5%
  6. Ilford, London – 38.8%
  7. Leicester – 39.2%
  8. Porthmadog, Wales – 39.4%
  9. Dudley, West Midlands – 39.6%
  10. Kings Lynn, Norfolk – 39.8%