Mind-blowing variety of learners failing ‘not possible’ driving principle take a look at – are you able to go?
The UK driving theory test has turned 30 this week, but failure rates remain alarmingly high after barely a third of learners at one centre passed
British learners are hitting the brakes on their driving dreams in record numbers
British learners are hitting the brakes on their driving dreams in record numbers as the tricky theory test turns 30 this week. The dreaded exam has been striking fear into the hearts of wannabe motorists for three decades.
It’s the ultimate road block – if you can’t pass this mind-melting quiz, you aren’t even allowed to turn the ignition for your practical test. And new data proves it’s getting tougher than ever.
In shocking stats for the 2024/25 period, Dudley was unmasked as the worst-performing test centre in the West Midlands. A dismal less than a third of candidates there actually managed to scrape a pass, reports Birmingham Live.
Think you’re a motoring mastermind who knows their hazard perceptions from their highway codes?
The brains over at the AA Driving School theory test app have looked at the data and revealed the questions that leave the highest number of Brits totally baffled.
Put your knowledge to the test with the authentic exam questions below. The answers are right at the bottom, but absolutely no peeking!
1: You’re on a motorway. What must you do if there’s a red cross showing above every lane? – 57.5 per cent incorrect
- Stop and wait
- Slow down and watch for further signals
- Leave at the next exit
- Pull onto the hard shoulder
2: What will happen if your car’s wheels are unbalanced? – 56.2 per cent incorrect
- The steering will vibrate
- The steering will pull to one side
- The brakes will fail
- The tyres will deflate
3: You’re driving on an icy road. What distance from the car in front should you drive? – 53.6 per cent incorrect
- Ten times the normal distance
- Six times the normal distance
- Eight times the normal distance
4: Where can you find reflective amber studs on a motorway? – 53.5 per cent incorrect
- On the right-hand edge of the road
- Separating the lanes
- One the left-hand edge of the road
- Separating the slip road from the motorway
5: You have stopped in an emergency area. What must you do before you rejoin the carriageway? – 53.3 per cent incorrect
- Use the emergency telephone
- Move away with you hazard lights on
- Switch on your vehicle’s headlights
- Give an arm signal as you are moving off
6: What can result when you travel for long distances in neutral, known as coasting? – 52.8 per cent incorrect
- Reduction in control
- Increased fuel consumption
- Improvement in control
- Easier steering
7: You’ve broken down on a two-way road. You have a warning triangle. At least how far from your vehicle should it be placed? – 52.4 per cent incorrect
- 45 metres (147 feet)
- 25 metres (82 feet)
- 5 metres (16 feet)
- 100 metres(328 feet)
8: When may you overtake another vehicle on their left? – 52.2 per cent incorrect.
- When you’re in a one-way street
- When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn left
- When a slower vehicle is travelling in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway
- When approaching a motorway slip road where you’ll be turning off
THE ANSWERS
1: Stop and wait
2: The steering will vibrate
3: Ten times the normal distance
4: On the right-hand edge of the road
5: Use the emergency phone
6: Reduction in control.
7: 45 metres (147 feet).
8: When you’re in a one-way street.
