AA Driving School

The pass rate for the driving theory test is at its lowest point in recorded history, reveals new analysis from the AA Driving School.

Learners’ chances of passing their theory test have dropped by a third since 2007/08 from 65.4% to just 44.2% in 2022/23.

Regionally, there is a huge variation between different test centres with the highest pass rate standing at 73.5% at Aviemore in Scotland compared to just 23.6% at Hornsea in Yorkshire.

The analysis comes as the AA Driving School launches a new theory test app to tackle the problem.

Camilla Benitz, AA Driving School managing director, 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.”

It’s not just learners who struggle with driving theory. New AA data** shows the majority of qualified drivers do not know the correct stopping distances for a car; struggle to read road signs and are not confident they would pass a driving theory test re-take.

The results show only 1 in 5 drivers (18%) are very confident they would pass the theory test if they had to re-take it.

The vast majority (90%) admitted to coming across road signs they do not understand, with a quarter (26%) saying they do it very often or sometimes. Only 10% said they never come across road signs they do not know the meaning of.

Knowledge of stopping distances was also an issue – with fewer drivers knowing the right answer the faster the car is travelling.

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.”

At 20mph (in dry conditions) more than a third of drivers (38%) correctly said the stopping distance would be between 11m and 20m. This fell to 31% at 30mph; 28% at 40mph; 24% at 50mph, 24% at 60mph and finally just 23% at 70mph.

Alarmingly, a significant minority of drivers underestimate the stopping distance at 70mph by almost half with almost one in ten (9%) saying it is less than 50m, when it actually takes 96m.

AA Driving School Theory Test App

The AA Driving School has launched a new theory test app to help learners tackle the test with confidence.

The app contains more than 700 theory questions and extensive hazard perception clips. Learners can use the flash-card feature for quick-fire revision sessions, access content when offline, take timed mock tests and track their progress.

The AA Driving School Theory Test app is available on Apple and Google Play stores for a one of cost of £4.99.

Keanan Lloyd-Adams, 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.

“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 to 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.”