Driving test passes at lowest rate for a decade because of new harder theory questions – so would you get them right?
Just 47 percent of learner drivers are passing their exams and even the AA are criticising the changes to theory tests
DRIVING test passes are at a ten year low after theory questions have become tougher, with less than half being able to rip up their L plates.
Only 47 per cent of would-be motorists came through the theory test over the past 12 months, a fall of a quarter in just over a decade.
To test just how difficult the new tests were, 2,800 drivers were given eight sample questions and only 11 per cent got them all correct.
As part of changes to the tests for new drivers, more questions have been added to the theory test - which wasn't introduced until 1997.
More multiple choice questions have been added as well as stopping the publication of questions and answers online, which could be memorised in order to pass.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT) statistics show that women are more likely to pass the theory exam than men.
"Hazard perception" questions have also been introduced to test knowledge of a range of driving conditions, including extreme weather such as snow and sleet.
The new measures have been slammed by the AA, who has said that some of the questions were "obscure" and would make it hard for anyone but the most dedicated learner drivers to pass.
Example theory test questions
1. Following a car collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. Given that one of the below is correct, what's the shortest time it should be cooled for?
a) 5 minutes b) 10 minutes c) 15 minutes d) 20 minutes
2. You've just passed your motor practical test. You don't hold a full licence in another category. Within two years you get six penalty points on your licence. Given that one of the below is correct, what will you have to do?
a) Retake only theory test b) Retake theory and practical tests c) Retake only practical test d) Reapply for full licence immediately
3. Given that one of the below is correct, what colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?
a) Amber b) White c) Green d) Red 4. You wish to tow a trailer.
4. Given that one of the below is correct, where would you find the maximum nose weight allowed on your vehicle's tow hitch?
a) In the vehicle handbook b) In the Highway Code c) In your vehicle registration certification d) In your licence documents
5. Given that one of the below is correct, when are anti-lock brakes (ABS) most effective?
a) When you keep pumping the foot brake to prevent skidding b) When you brake normally but grip the steering wheel tightly c) When you brake firmly and promptly until you've stopped d) When you apply the handbrake to reduce the stopping distance
6. Given that one of the below is correct, what does the law require you to keep in good condition?
a) Gears b) Transmission c) Door locks d) Seat belts
7. You're driving on an open road in dry weather. Given that one of the below is correct, what should the distance be between you and the vehicle in front?
a) A two-second time gap b) One car length c) Two metres (6ft 6in) d) Two car lengths
Answers are at the bottom of the article
A study by the price comparison website showed that just over four in ten drivers were confident they could pass the theory test if they took it again.
Only a third of drivers were able to correctly identify the colour of reflective studs between the motorway and slip road as green.
Edmund King, president of the AA, told : "Some people assume you can pass the theory test with a few lessons and a bit of common sense but you can't.
"Some of the questions are actually quite obscure.
"The test is obviously very necessary but perhaps part of it could be a bit more mainstream and relevant to the reality of driving."
Learner drivers are asked 50 multiple choice theory questions and must correctly answer 43 to pass. They also watch hazard perception clips to spot road dangers; for this they are required to score 44 out of 75 possible points.
Hopeful drivers have to pass the theory test before taking their practical test.
According to the DfT, about 1.34 million learner drivers sat the theory test over the past year, with 47.4 per cent passing. This was down from 48.7 per cent in 2017-18 and the lowest proportion since at least 2007-08 when figures were first published.
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In 2007-08 the pass rate stood at 65.4 per cent but it dropped sharply in 2013-14 after new theory questions stopped being released online.
Mark Winn, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's chief driving examiner, said: "DVSA's priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.
"Britain's roads are amongst the safest in the world but all road users must make sure their skills and knowledge up to date.
"The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, not just those who are learning."
Answers: 1=b, 2=b, 3=c, 4=a, 5=c, 6=d, 7=a
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