The UK driving theory test turns 30 today, and we’ve taken a look at some of the most common driving theory test mistakes
The UK driving theory test celebrates its 30th anniversary today, with millions of motorists nationwide having sat and passed the examination over the years.
The test comprises 50 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in precisely 57 minutes. Recent statistics suggest that more than half of those who take the driving theory test fail on their first attempt. We’ve taken a look at some of the questions that prospective drivers most frequently answer incorrectly, following analysis by Theorypass – a learning platform and mobile app created to help learners pass the theory test.
This follows a survey of more than 12,000 AA members, which revealed that fewer than half of drivers believe they would pass the exam if they sat it again today. So, how many of these questions can you get right?
1. You have stopped in an emergency area. What must you do before you rejoin the carriageway?
- Use the emergency telephone.
- Give an arm signal as you are moving off.
- Switch on your vehicle’s headlights.
- Move away with your hazard lights on.
67% fail to answer this question correctly.
2. What will happen if your car’s wheels are unbalanced?
- The brakes will fail.
- The steering will pull to one side.
- The steering will vibrate.
- The tyres will deflate.
59% fail to answer this question correctly.
3. What must you do when the amber light is flashing at a pelican crossing?
- Stop and wait for the green light.
- Stop and wait for the red light.
- Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.
- Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing.
57% fail to answer this question correctly.
4. What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane of a motorway?
56% fail to answer this question correctly.
5. Where may you overtake on a one-way street?
- Only on the left-hand side.
- Overtaking isn’t allowed.
- Only on the right-hand side.
- On either the right or the left.
56% fail to answer this question correctly.
6. When may you overtake another vehicle on their left?
- When you’re in a one-way street.
- When approaching a motorway slip road where you’ll be turning off.
- 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.
55% fail to answer this question correctly.
7. Which driving technique can help you save fuel?
- Missing out some gears.
- Using lower gears as often as possible.
- Accelerating sharply in each gear.
- Using each gear in turn.
55% fail to answer this question correctly.
8. Where are amber reflective studs found on a motorway?
- Between the central reservation and the carriageway.
- Between each pair of lanes.
- Between the hard shoulder and the carriageway.
- Between the acceleration lane and the carriageway.
53% fail to answer this question correctly.
9. When should you use the right-hand lane of a three-lane dual carriageway?
- When you’re turning right only.
- When you’re overtaking only.
- When you’re using cruise control.
- When you’re overtaking or turning right.
51% fail to answer this question correctly.
10. What restrictions apply if you’re towing a trailer on a three-lane motorway?
- You must not exceed 50 mph.
- You must not overtake.
- You must have a stabiliser fitted.
- You must not use the right-hand lane.
51% fail to answer this question correctly.
Correct answers.
1 – Use the emergency telephone.
2 – The steering will vibrate.
3 – Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing.
4 – Red.
5 – On either the right or the left.
6 – When you’re in a one-way street.
7 – Missing out some gears.
8 – Between the central reservation and the carriageway.
9 – When you’re overtaking or turning right.
10 – You must not use the right-hand lane.
