9 hardest driving theory test questions revealed

The AA Driving School has revealed the top ten questions that their users answer incorrectly the most on their Driving Theory Test app. A survey from October 2024 showed that only 18% of current drivers are very confident that they would pass their theory test if they were to retake it today.

33% of young drivers were confident they would pass a retake test, in comparison to 16% of older drivers aged over 65. Men were also almost twice as likely to be sure they would pass at 21%, compared to 12% of women. Overall, the current pass rate for the theory test across 2023 and 2024 is below half, at 45.2%.

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Managing Director of AA Driving School Camilla Benitz said: “It’s fascinating to see which theory test questions people find the hardest to get right on our app, and hopefully the list will help people revise successfully for their test.

“Knowledge of driving theory is important beyond the test though. The top question pupils struggled with is about how to safely rejoin the carriageway after you have stopped in an emergency area. Clearly knowing how to do this correctly is key for your safety as a driver."

9 most incorrectly answered driving theory questions

1. You have stopped in an emergency area. What must you do before you rejoin the carriageway? (55.3% answered incorrectly)

Before moving out of an emergency area and back onto the carriageway, you must use the emergency telephone and follow the instructions of the operator. The reason for this is that emergency areas are only short lay-bys and not long enough to build speed and merge back onto the motorway like you would in a hard shoulder. The operator may warn approaching traffic that a vehicle is about to rejoin the carriageway so that you can enter safely.

2. Where can you find reflective amber studs on a motorway? (55.2% answered incorrectly)

Reflective amber studs can be found on the right-hand edge of the road, between the edge of the carriageway and central reservation. There are five different colours of motorway studs to remember that each serve different purposes: white, red, green, yellow and amber. Amber studs help you to keep your distance from the central reservation in the dark or in poor weather conditions when your visibility may be limited.

3. What will happen if your car’s wheels are unbalanced? (54.8% answered incorrectly)

If your car's wheels are unbalanced, you will feel your steering wheel start to vibrate. If this happens, you must take your car to a garage to have the wheels rebalanced.

4. What should you do when you park at night on a road that has a 40-mph speed limit? (52.1% answered incorrectly)

Nearly half of the app's users answered to say that you should park facing the traffic, leaving your car’s dipped headlights on, or parking near a street light for visibility. However, the correct answer is to leave your parking lights switched on. As well, it is advised that you park in the direction of traffic flow, and make sure you are not close to a junction to avoid potential collisions.

5. You’ve broken down on a two-way road. You have a warning triangle. At least how far from your vehicle should you place the warning triangle? (51.0% answered incorrectly)

If you leave a warning triangle out to signal to other drivers that you have broken down, you should leave it 45 metres or 147 feet away from your car. A warning triangle is a small red, reflective, triangle-shaped sign that you can keep in your car that helps to allow drivers to slow down before approaching your stationary car.

6. Where may you overtake on a one-way street? (49.8% answered incorrectly)

On a one-way street you can overtake on both the right- and left-hand side. Just make sure to check all of your mirrors and blind-spots and ensure it is safe before you overtake.

7. When may you overtake another vehicle on their left? (49.6% answered incorrectly)

The only time you can overtake a vehicle on the left-hand side is when you are in a one-way street, and you have checked it is safe to do so. Just under half of users of the theory test app answered incorrectly, so it is important to note that you cannot overtake on the left when approaching a motorway slip road where you will be turning off, when the vehicle in front is signalling left, or when a slower vehicle is travelling in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway.

8. What does the solid white line at the side of the road indicate? (49.5% answered incorrectly)

A solid white line at the side of the road indicates the edge of the carriageway. It is advised in the Highway Code that drivers do not cross the boundary of the line unless unavoidable for overtaking or turning. It does not indicate that there are traffic lights ahead, a footpath on the left or a cycle path.

9. A single carriageway road has this sign. What is the maximum permitted speed for a car towing a trailer? (49.3% answered incorrectly)

The maximum speed for a car towing a trailer on a single carriageway with a national speed limit sign is 50mph. On a dual carriageway or a motorway, cars with a trailer can travel up to 60mph.