A study carried out by airport transfer company Hoppa has found that 99% of drivers would fail their theory test if they were to retake it now. With Road Safety Week (20-26 November) in full swing, the statistic is alarming in its implications for the safety of our roads.
Theory test problems
As part of the study, 1,000 license holders sat a condensed version of the current theory test. They were asked to answer 15 multiple choice questions (rather than the 50 that new drivers are required to answer). To reach the 86% pass rate, they needed to answer 13 of the 15 questions correctly. However, the average score was a dismal 46%.
A question about stopping distances defeated 81% of the participants. Encouragingly, 82% answered the question about residential speed limits correctly. However, just eight of the 1,000 drivers passed the test.
Londoners were found to have the worst average score, at just five out of 15. Meanwhile, those in the 55+ age category scored the highest, showing that they have the best understanding of the Highway Code out of any age group that participated in the study.
The theory test pass rate has seen a dramatic drop over recent years. Just 49% of those who sat it in 2017 passed, compared to 65% in 2008. The results could imply that new drivers don’t understand the importance of these laws and rules of the road, or perhaps that the driving instruction process doesn’t focus heavily enough of them.
Road Safety Week
These results highlight how important having Road Safety Week is. The national initiative encourages both drivers and passengers to be aware of the types of things that can cause accidents on our roads. With an average of five people dying every day in car accidents, it’s vital that people understand how they can be safe at all times while they are on the road.
Road Safety Week asks people to pledge to drive in a slow, sober, secure, silent, sharp and sustainable way. The goal is to ensure that they do not put themselves and their passengers at risk, and all of these things can contribute to driving in a safe way.
By sticking to speed limits, not drink driving, making sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seatbelt, avoiding loud music, not using mobile phones, being aware at all times and only driving when absolutely necessary, drivers can ensure that there are fewer accidents and deaths occurring on the roads.
Five tips for safer driving
Keep your car in a safe condition – Before a car journey, especially a long one, always ensure that you’ve checked your tyre pressures, your lights are in full working order, and there are no water or oil leaks leaving puddles under your car. This way, you know that your car is safe to take out onto the roads.
Avoid distractions – Although it is nice to have music on when you’re driving, make sure that you keep it at a suitable volume, so that it doesn’t distract you or drown out the noise of sirens or other important road noises. You should also make sure that your phone is out of reach and sight, so that you’re not tempted to use it.
Don’t allow yourself to be put under pressure – When you’re out in the car and another driver comes up behind you and sits too close to your rear bumper, it can sometimes pressure you to go faster. If this happens, simply pull over when it is safe to do so and let them drive past. This will be safer for you both.
Expect the unexpected – Just because the car in front of you is indicating is doesn’t necessarily mean that it will turn, and just because you can’t see anything on the corner you are turning around, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s not a slow moving vehicle awaiting you. Always expect the unexpected and be extra cautious and aware at all times.
Always wear your seatbelt – Putting your seatbelt on when you get in your car should come as second nature to every driver and passenger. Always check that everyone has buckled up before you set off. Doing so could save your lives.
Have you thought more about the way that you drive as a result of Road Safety Week? Have you made any changes to your driving as a result? Leave a comment below to let us know.
i always believe in the 3 A’s alert -anticipation and awareness !
I won a brand new Cavalier in a road safety competition with the phrase ” Awareness and Anticipation in every situation ” as a Tie breaker. The Judge’s job was the man that teaches F1 drivers how to drive the circuits of the World. Quite a qualification !
With regards to the theory test,
I seem to remember evening classes for new drivers covering theory, basic car maintenance including daily checks and basic first aid.
This was in Germany….
Has it ever been considered on this congested island?
When are the “authorities” going to drop this insistence on learning meaningless stopping distances? The “two second rule” or similar is a far more useful measure of a speed related safe distance to be maintained.
I agree the 2 second rule is still a good yard stick, despite now now driving a golf plus on cross climates with and esp abs ebd etc. But I still drive with the restraint I used driving a ’73 Austin 1100 with no brake servo and Goodyear G800 crossplys (some remolds) 30 odd years ago!
I agree, you can work out these distances but you don’t know what they look like in reality. Totally useless exercise and would be much better taught visually, 150m on a motorway is not the same as 150m on a B road but you could be going at the same speed!
No wonder, drivers today are so aggressive, selfish and think that the road belongs to them, therefore these traits are passed on to their offspring. I am 73, driven all my life and passed a driving test for a part time council job only 6 years ago. I also tow a caravan, and my speed is suitable for the road and conditions, plus noting all the rules of the road. his is no boast, Most of the test questions are the same as it was 40 years ago, altered slightly to cater for today’s environment. However, I believe that most have not even heard of the Highway Code, let alone read it.
I have found in my many years of driving that a lot of motorists [ not all ! ] abide by 1 simple rule – ” I am the most important person on the road – get out of my *** way ” When I was talking to a Londoner years ago he said that the London way of driving is another simple rule – ” If there is a space in front of me big enough for my car, that’s where my car should be !”
First, i am a retired LGV class one driver with over 40 years experience covering about 3 to 4 million miles both here and occasionally abroad. I have had to pass four different driving tests over that time. The biggest problem from my experience is inconsistency in training between different groups of road vehicles. The lack of stress in teaching new drivers about rights of way ie motorway/dual carriageway slip roads etc. Car drivers are taught what they are told is a fundamental rule, that is, Mirror signal manoeuvre. which is wrong! Motor cycle and LGV training always teach Mirror, signal, MIRROR, or look over shoulder, manoeuvre. In motor cycle terms this is called the life saver. The point is how many other mistakes are there in the car driving teaching similar to this? LGV drivers are taught to check the nearside mirror before, whilst, and after turning left to make sure nothing is or has been trapped. And so on. The other point is about observation. fixing ones gaze on the road ahead is dangerous. Good observation requires looking around one, that is 360 degrees. That is what the mirrors are for, all of them. thus one knows what all other road users are doing, and were the escape routes are if somebody does something stupid. Why are these not taught and stressed in the training of new drivers?
buses do the opposite ,manoeuvre, signal mirror or sit at the bus stop indicating they are pulling out whilst taking on passengers
I see quite a lot of HGVs traveling on the A9 north of Perth, some of them probably less than 3 feet ( 1 metre) between them, obviously the training doesn’t always stick !!
if you ask 100 people what they learnt at school,what % whould remember,does that mean we all need to go back to school!.I think not,the driving test is made for folk who cannot drive,to give them a broad base of every aspect of driving,in respect,please cover the subjuct in a full and complete manner.
Regards
Mark
Well, I certainly would! Depends on how much notice you took when in class!!!
Many drivers were just taught how to pass the very basic driving test and nothing at all about driving They think they know everything having passed the first test and never think that that is the start of learning to learn about learning to drive After driving over 50 years I am still learning I do not know all that I shoud know to be allowed to use today’s overcrowded roads but I do know a lot more than many as I was taught when learning many things about how to drive and drive safely and think about other road users not just myself when driving All involved in an accident or committing a motoring offence however small must have to pass the theory test before being allowed to drive again
Well, I think that the navigation code on direction boards would be useful to learn. Firstly which ones are Highways agency and which are local routes. I agree that the stopping distances measure is silly, because even if you can remember them can you visualise the distance of travel ? I once answered that question in terms of double decker buses (30 feet long x 10 feet wide) and it was accepted. Thinking distance is pretty irrelevant, as it is really only how long you travel before coming to a halt or dodging into a passing bay that counts.
If any of those involved in an accident shows ignorance of the code, then they should be taught the rule they do not understand. However, publicising the Highway code online training and giving a pass certificate to those who complete the course test would be a good move. Driver awareness and speed awareness courses have improved many people’s driving by encouraging people to go on to further training with ROSPA or IAM. Non-judgemental advice is always more acceptable.
it seems a new highway code is dazzle don’t dip with the new headlights that are so bright its impossible to look at them also the worst drivers are mini cabs we now have in London over 200,000 plus 40,000 uber drivers plus black cabs but wait for it TFL will license another 2,000 in December
This is a car problem not a driver issue.
The latest cars have multi- LED lights which automatically dip (they actually shut off the led which causes the dazzle when the cars radar/camera senses a any object) some systems don’t seem to respond as we would like. So curse the car not the driver it might not be his fault.
The big problem is who is equipped to recalibrate the radar. Not many I’m afraid. Try not to look at the light concentrate on your own beam, if you can find it.
TFL are trying to get cars off the road – it’s obvious that taxis of all descriptions are NOT cars so we can have more of these to make the roads safer and less polluted. Seriously, most taxis are ‘polluting diesels’ and the ‘electric ones’ just pollute somewhere else instead – so what have we gained? Fewer private drivers will be killed on the roads, no increase in safety for anyone else.
Answer this question honestly “Are you a good driver” if your answer is YES then you are not a good driver Why? because those who think they are good are complacent about their driving . You should always be trying to improve your skills. What’s the answer? Define the word concentration ! a bit stuck? here you are then
Concentration may be defined as the full application of mind and body to a particular endeavour , to the complete exclusion of anything not relevant to that endeavour. and when you can do that you will be a better driver .
Well done, Ken. I see there is a fellow Roadcraft user out and about.
The theory test has never made any difference to a driver’s ability. The test is just another piece of German bureaucracy foisted on us by big brother EU.
Interestingly enough, the Road Research laboratory made a comparison of the efficacy of the Theory test before it was introduced and found that it contributed nothing to drivers’ abilities on the road.
‘just another piece of German bureaucracy foisted on us by big brother EU’ ….. Wow! well done! I just didn’t see the opportunity for a non-sensical swipe at the EU, – and especially the Germans! – in such an apparently neutral discussion. Impressed!
They used to say we will get you through the test then its up to you to learn the rest, You see driving school instructors driving without a learner on board their driving can be bad, One of my pet hates are normally vans coming off a slip road and barging there way to the middle lane whether you are there or not and generally people don’t respect anyone elses space including dropped kerbs, being to close, being to fast,
I followed a driving school car that had obviously no interest in overtaking the artic in front but, to be applauded, was leaving enough room for others to overtake them. When I did though, they flashed me, what was the point of that, a lesson in causing road rage?
My pet hate, is people trying to join the motorway at 40mph and stopping others (namely me) from matching my speed to that of the traffic I’m trying to join.
In your list, you did not highlight, you failed one of the most important messages: KEEP TWO SECONDS DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT.
this advert on your website today says it all:
“DriveSmart Pro – GPS Speed Camera Detector
Developed by experts, to help you improve your driving skills and avoid that hidden camera.”
I suggest all drivers go for the IAM Advanced Motorist training and really appreciate how to drive properly.
RoSPA test would be better as you’re re-tested every 3 years, and unlike the IAM you CAN fail on a re-test !!!
Surely it’s time for all road users to be taught how to use the roads including cyclist and pedestrians two of the most vulnerable groups and that showing consideration for others helps everyone.
The pedestrian who pushes the button on a controlled crossing then looks and seeing it’s clear cross against the lights causing motorist to be held up for nothing
Cyclist who have been encourage by cycling lanes at traffic lights to cycle up the nearside of vehicles putting them in great danger.
And of course motorist who block junctions.
We all need to think more of others, I know it’s not easy when you’re in a hurry but it reduces stress a major cause of accidents and less stress makes life easier.
Well after reading this and the comments here, I was told that to drive one has to take it that every other driver on the road is stupid and out to get you! so do be ready for anything to happen. . . . . . . I have found that this works even when walking in a town or shopping centre.
My father told me that over 50 years ago that all drivers are stupid, but added “including you” Not a bad thing to remember. As a mini bus driver I was told always look for road and rubber when in a queue, so you can pull around the car in front of you. Not a bad idea when you’re driving behind me in town!
Is it in the Highway Code you must hog the middle or fast lane?
There used to be a time when cops were policing the roads and pull people for idiotic driving. Now all you have is cameras checking your speed. People see that forgetting or ignoring the highway code carries no consequences. That’s why most would fail, it’s just seen as a bureaucratic annoyance rather than vital knowledge.
what a great idea, I tried a theory test on a laptop and flew through it, maybe because I am 60 and just take my time, I have never seen anyone looking for little legs as they pass parked cars, I think this should also be put to the test.
The technique with theory test is to develop a parrot mentality. (Repeat after me) if you spend enough time to memorise the highway code the test is merely a test of memory rather than anything else. After the test it’s all gone. My Father bless him always said ” Education is what is left after you have forgotten most of what you were taught”. That sums it all up for me.
I am 75 and have held a licence since I reaching the legal age, I took both a motor bike and car test in the UK passing both first time.
I worked overseas for a large number of years and although UK licence was accepted in most countries I actually had to take a test in Saudi which I failed first time, the reason,” I did not look under the vehicle before I drove off to see if some-one was asleep underneath”, bet that is not in UK written test.
But seriously I find the standard of driving in this country is falling which does appear to be down to impatient, arrogance and total disregard for other road users
The theory test is not a test of driving skill – it is a test of knowledge. I can still remember my driving instructor telling me to recite the lists of when not to overtake (etc) to myself when I was thinking about overtaking. If I did not have time to remember these then I did not have time to overtake.
No-one has mentioned basic simulators – these are available and we should have to take tests on them from time to time (3 years). For those with computers it could be done with an Xbox type of set up, otherwise we need to attend a centre. These need to be of a realistic length and cover all sorts of driving. This would include those living in cities who never go above 30mph and who might find themselves on a motorway. (Are they the middle lane hoggers?) Where else do I operate machinery worth thousands and weighing a ton (tonne) or more for 50 years with no further training?
I find it interesting that older drivers score better on the theory test, and these are the ones that some people want off the road as they are too dangerous! All sorts of issues here.
Do not move on amber at traffic lights wait until it changes to green. Always drive to the conditions on any road but especially on motorways and stick to the speed limits. Drive in a relaxed and careful way.
i always believe in the 3 A’s alert -anticipation and awareness !
i always believe in the 3 A’s alert -anticipation and awareness !
I won a brand new Cavalier in a road safety competition with the phrase ” Awareness and Anticipation in every situation ” as a Tie breaker. The Judge’s job was the man that teaches F1 drivers how to drive the circuits of the World. Quite a qualification !
With regards to the theory test,
I seem to remember evening classes for new drivers covering theory, basic car maintenance including daily checks and basic first aid.
This was in Germany….
Has it ever been considered on this congested island?
When are the “authorities” going to drop this insistence on learning meaningless stopping distances? The “two second rule” or similar is a far more useful measure of a speed related safe distance to be maintained.
I agree the 2 second rule is still a good yard stick, despite now now driving a golf plus on cross climates with and esp abs ebd etc. But I still drive with the restraint I used driving a ’73 Austin 1100 with no brake servo and Goodyear G800 crossplys (some remolds) 30 odd years ago!
I agree, you can work out these distances but you don’t know what they look like in reality. Totally useless exercise and would be much better taught visually, 150m on a motorway is not the same as 150m on a B road but you could be going at the same speed!
No wonder, drivers today are so aggressive, selfish and think that the road belongs to them, therefore these traits are passed on to their offspring. I am 73, driven all my life and passed a driving test for a part time council job only 6 years ago. I also tow a caravan, and my speed is suitable for the road and conditions, plus noting all the rules of the road. his is no boast, Most of the test questions are the same as it was 40 years ago, altered slightly to cater for today’s environment. However, I believe that most have not even heard of the Highway Code, let alone read it.
I have found in my many years of driving that a lot of motorists [ not all ! ] abide by 1 simple rule – ” I am the most important person on the road – get out of my *** way ” When I was talking to a Londoner years ago he said that the London way of driving is another simple rule – ” If there is a space in front of me big enough for my car, that’s where my car should be !”
First, i am a retired LGV class one driver with over 40 years experience covering about 3 to 4 million miles both here and occasionally abroad. I have had to pass four different driving tests over that time. The biggest problem from my experience is inconsistency in training between different groups of road vehicles. The lack of stress in teaching new drivers about rights of way ie motorway/dual carriageway slip roads etc. Car drivers are taught what they are told is a fundamental rule, that is, Mirror signal manoeuvre. which is wrong! Motor cycle and LGV training always teach Mirror, signal, MIRROR, or look over shoulder, manoeuvre. In motor cycle terms this is called the life saver. The point is how many other mistakes are there in the car driving teaching similar to this? LGV drivers are taught to check the nearside mirror before, whilst, and after turning left to make sure nothing is or has been trapped. And so on. The other point is about observation. fixing ones gaze on the road ahead is dangerous. Good observation requires looking around one, that is 360 degrees. That is what the mirrors are for, all of them. thus one knows what all other road users are doing, and were the escape routes are if somebody does something stupid. Why are these not taught and stressed in the training of new drivers?
buses do the opposite ,manoeuvre, signal mirror or sit at the bus stop indicating they are pulling out whilst taking on passengers
I see quite a lot of HGVs traveling on the A9 north of Perth, some of them probably less than 3 feet ( 1 metre) between them, obviously the training doesn’t always stick !!
if you ask 100 people what they learnt at school,what % whould remember,does that mean we all need to go back to school!.I think not,the driving test is made for folk who cannot drive,to give them a broad base of every aspect of driving,in respect,please cover the subjuct in a full and complete manner.
Regards
Mark
Well, I certainly would! Depends on how much notice you took when in class!!!
Many drivers were just taught how to pass the very basic driving test and nothing at all about driving They think they know everything having passed the first test and never think that that is the start of learning to learn about learning to drive After driving over 50 years I am still learning I do not know all that I shoud know to be allowed to use today’s overcrowded roads but I do know a lot more than many as I was taught when learning many things about how to drive and drive safely and think about other road users not just myself when driving All involved in an accident or committing a motoring offence however small must have to pass the theory test before being allowed to drive again
Well, I think that the navigation code on direction boards would be useful to learn. Firstly which ones are Highways agency and which are local routes. I agree that the stopping distances measure is silly, because even if you can remember them can you visualise the distance of travel ? I once answered that question in terms of double decker buses (30 feet long x 10 feet wide) and it was accepted. Thinking distance is pretty irrelevant, as it is really only how long you travel before coming to a halt or dodging into a passing bay that counts.
If any of those involved in an accident shows ignorance of the code, then they should be taught the rule they do not understand. However, publicising the Highway code online training and giving a pass certificate to those who complete the course test would be a good move. Driver awareness and speed awareness courses have improved many people’s driving by encouraging people to go on to further training with ROSPA or IAM. Non-judgemental advice is always more acceptable.
it seems a new highway code is dazzle don’t dip with the new headlights that are so bright its impossible to look at them also the worst drivers are mini cabs we now have in London over 200,000 plus 40,000 uber drivers plus black cabs but wait for it TFL will license another 2,000 in December
This is a car problem not a driver issue.
The latest cars have multi- LED lights which automatically dip (they actually shut off the led which causes the dazzle when the cars radar/camera senses a any object) some systems don’t seem to respond as we would like. So curse the car not the driver it might not be his fault.
The big problem is who is equipped to recalibrate the radar. Not many I’m afraid. Try not to look at the light concentrate on your own beam, if you can find it.
TFL are trying to get cars off the road – it’s obvious that taxis of all descriptions are NOT cars so we can have more of these to make the roads safer and less polluted. Seriously, most taxis are ‘polluting diesels’ and the ‘electric ones’ just pollute somewhere else instead – so what have we gained? Fewer private drivers will be killed on the roads, no increase in safety for anyone else.
Answer this question honestly “Are you a good driver” if your answer is YES then you are not a good driver Why? because those who think they are good are complacent about their driving . You should always be trying to improve your skills. What’s the answer? Define the word concentration ! a bit stuck? here you are then
Concentration may be defined as the full application of mind and body to a particular endeavour , to the complete exclusion of anything not relevant to that endeavour. and when you can do that you will be a better driver .
Well done, Ken. I see there is a fellow Roadcraft user out and about.
The theory test has never made any difference to a driver’s ability. The test is just another piece of German bureaucracy foisted on us by big brother EU.
Interestingly enough, the Road Research laboratory made a comparison of the efficacy of the Theory test before it was introduced and found that it contributed nothing to drivers’ abilities on the road.
‘just another piece of German bureaucracy foisted on us by big brother EU’ ….. Wow! well done! I just didn’t see the opportunity for a non-sensical swipe at the EU, – and especially the Germans! – in such an apparently neutral discussion. Impressed!
They used to say we will get you through the test then its up to you to learn the rest, You see driving school instructors driving without a learner on board their driving can be bad, One of my pet hates are normally vans coming off a slip road and barging there way to the middle lane whether you are there or not and generally people don’t respect anyone elses space including dropped kerbs, being to close, being to fast,
I followed a driving school car that had obviously no interest in overtaking the artic in front but, to be applauded, was leaving enough room for others to overtake them. When I did though, they flashed me, what was the point of that, a lesson in causing road rage?
My pet hate, is people trying to join the motorway at 40mph and stopping others (namely me) from matching my speed to that of the traffic I’m trying to join.
In your list, you did not highlight, you failed one of the most important messages: KEEP TWO SECONDS DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT.
this advert on your website today says it all:
“DriveSmart Pro – GPS Speed Camera Detector
Developed by experts, to help you improve your driving skills and avoid that hidden camera.”
I suggest all drivers go for the IAM Advanced Motorist training and really appreciate how to drive properly.
RoSPA test would be better as you’re re-tested every 3 years, and unlike the IAM you CAN fail on a re-test !!!
Surely it’s time for all road users to be taught how to use the roads including cyclist and pedestrians two of the most vulnerable groups and that showing consideration for others helps everyone.
The pedestrian who pushes the button on a controlled crossing then looks and seeing it’s clear cross against the lights causing motorist to be held up for nothing
Cyclist who have been encourage by cycling lanes at traffic lights to cycle up the nearside of vehicles putting them in great danger.
And of course motorist who block junctions.
We all need to think more of others, I know it’s not easy when you’re in a hurry but it reduces stress a major cause of accidents and less stress makes life easier.
Well after reading this and the comments here, I was told that to drive one has to take it that every other driver on the road is stupid and out to get you! so do be ready for anything to happen. . . . . . . I have found that this works even when walking in a town or shopping centre.
My father told me that over 50 years ago that all drivers are stupid, but added “including you” Not a bad thing to remember. As a mini bus driver I was told always look for road and rubber when in a queue, so you can pull around the car in front of you. Not a bad idea when you’re driving behind me in town!
Is it in the Highway Code you must hog the middle or fast lane?
There used to be a time when cops were policing the roads and pull people for idiotic driving. Now all you have is cameras checking your speed. People see that forgetting or ignoring the highway code carries no consequences. That’s why most would fail, it’s just seen as a bureaucratic annoyance rather than vital knowledge.
what a great idea, I tried a theory test on a laptop and flew through it, maybe because I am 60 and just take my time, I have never seen anyone looking for little legs as they pass parked cars, I think this should also be put to the test.
The technique with theory test is to develop a parrot mentality. (Repeat after me) if you spend enough time to memorise the highway code the test is merely a test of memory rather than anything else. After the test it’s all gone. My Father bless him always said ” Education is what is left after you have forgotten most of what you were taught”. That sums it all up for me.
I am 75 and have held a licence since I reaching the legal age, I took both a motor bike and car test in the UK passing both first time.
I worked overseas for a large number of years and although UK licence was accepted in most countries I actually had to take a test in Saudi which I failed first time, the reason,” I did not look under the vehicle before I drove off to see if some-one was asleep underneath”, bet that is not in UK written test.
But seriously I find the standard of driving in this country is falling which does appear to be down to impatient, arrogance and total disregard for other road users
The theory test is not a test of driving skill – it is a test of knowledge. I can still remember my driving instructor telling me to recite the lists of when not to overtake (etc) to myself when I was thinking about overtaking. If I did not have time to remember these then I did not have time to overtake.
No-one has mentioned basic simulators – these are available and we should have to take tests on them from time to time (3 years). For those with computers it could be done with an Xbox type of set up, otherwise we need to attend a centre. These need to be of a realistic length and cover all sorts of driving. This would include those living in cities who never go above 30mph and who might find themselves on a motorway. (Are they the middle lane hoggers?) Where else do I operate machinery worth thousands and weighing a ton (tonne) or more for 50 years with no further training?
I find it interesting that older drivers score better on the theory test, and these are the ones that some people want off the road as they are too dangerous! All sorts of issues here.
Do not move on amber at traffic lights wait until it changes to green. Always drive to the conditions on any road but especially on motorways and stick to the speed limits. Drive in a relaxed and careful way.
i always believe in the 3 A’s alert -anticipation and awareness !