Top Reasons Qualified Drivers Would Fail Their Tests Now
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Three-quarters of drivers think inadequate Highway Code knowledge would cause them to fail the driving theory test if they had to re-take it today. New research conducted by AA Driving School asked qualified drivers if they thought they could pass the theory and practical tests if they had to take them now.
The vast majority (86%) were confident they would pass the practical test but only 58% were confident in passing the theory test.
For the theory test fewer women than men were confident in passing – 50% vs 62%, but the figures for the practical were closer – 88% male vs 82% female. Nationally, the pass rate for females taking the theory test is higher than males (47.2% vs 43.7%)
Respondents were asked the reasons why they thought they may fail either test. 75% said their highway code knowledge would let them down in the theory; a fifth thought their road sign knowledge or rules of the road would be the cause of a failure.
Confidence levels in passing the theory are lower in the older ages categories with younger drivers more confident at passing. Some of this can be put down to those who qualified prior to 1996, when the theory test was introduced, not needing to have taken one. Over half (56%) of younger drivers are confident with their highway code knowledge. In drivers over 65, 78% thought the highway code would cause a theory test failure.
Reasons people feel they would fail a theory test
Highway Code Knowledge
75%
Bad Habits
28%
Road signs
21%
Rules of the road
20%
Nerves
16%
Hazard perception
8%
Hazard Awareness
5%
Attitude to other road users
4%
Eyesight
3%
Mirrors
2%
Observation at junctions
2%
Drivers can brush on their Highway Code knowledge by downloading the AA Theory Test App. This includes comprehensive learning materials, all The Highway Code information you need, and sample hazard perception videos.
For the practical test over a third (34%) said nerves would get the better of them, but over half (56%) said they had picked up too many bad habits since they originally passed and that would be the barrier to succeeding now.
Reasons people feel they would fail a practical driving test
Bad Habits
56%
Nerves
34%
Reversing Manoeuvrers
25%
Following sat nav
16%
Attitude to other road users
12%
Speed
9%
Alertness
7%
Hazard Awareness
6%
Mirrors
6%
Eyesight
6%
Observation at junctions
4%
Situations which could cause a qualified driver to have to retake their test include upgrading from an automatic licence to a manual licence, losing a licence under the New Driver Act (receiving 6 points in the first 2 years of holding a licence), and if a driver has previously been banned from driving for more than 56 days.
The top ten reasons for failing a practical driving test last year were:
1. Not making effective observations at junctions
2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
3. Not moving off safely; Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
5. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights
6. Not having proper control of the steering
7. Not responding correctly to traffic signs
8. Not responding correctly to road markings
9. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving
10. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed