95% of drivers in the UK would fail their driving theory test if they could took it today, with major gaps in knowledge of the Highway Code, according to a new survey from Direct Line.
The insurance provider asked over 2,000 drivers 15 random questions from the current test, and all but 5% fell short of the required pass mark, with only 1% of respondents managing a flawless score. The pass mark is 86%, which means answering 43 of 50 questions correctly.
Although 56% of drivers claimed they kept themselves up to date with changes in the Highway Code, only 47% could correctly identify when the Code was last updated, which was in January 2022.
It was a similar story with practical questions.
Only one in five drivers knew that overtaking is allowed on either side of a one-way road. The cycle route sign was identified by only 41%. Fewer than half could correctly state when the right-hand lane of a three-lane dual carriageway should be used, and only 45% knew the correct overall stopping distance at 40mp (36 metres).
People who passed their driving test before the introduction of the theory test in July 1996 were less likely to score well, with 98% failing compared to 92% of those who sat the exam 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.”
