Driving instructor shares one tip to pass theory test on first go

Thousands of drivers have admitted to 'winging' their theory test on the day. Last year, a total of 1.3 million people took their test.

And 15% of those drivers - or 195,000 - admitted they carried out the test without carrying out any preparation for it. It comes as the pass rate for the driving theory test fell by 20% within 14 years.

The pass figure stood at 65% in the 2007/2008 financial year but this fell to just 44% by 2022/2023. Driving instructor Phil Gunney shared his advice for learner drivers as he spoke with experts at Yell.

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They revealed how learners can better prepare for their theory time, ensuring they pass on first go, and why so many drivers are failing their test.

What is the driving theory test?

The UK driving theory test is the second step towards gaining a full driving licence after applying for and receiving the provisional licence. The test is made up of two parts that are both taken in one sitting – the multiple-choice section and the hazard perception test. To receive your certificate to take your practical test, you must pass both parts of the exam.

The theory test must be passed before a learner can take their practical exam. Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has revealed that the number of students caught cheating on theory tests has tripled in two years as wait times for a practical test reach up to 5 months. Whilst it has not been revealed how people are cheating on the test, it does show the lengths learners are willing to go to, to get out on the roads and rush through their theory test any way they can.

What are the most commonly failed sections of the theory test?

The multiple-choice section of the theory test has a significantly lower pass rate (59.7%) than the hazard perception test (81.5%) as of 2023. Car drivers and motorcyclists are asked 50 questions and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. In some cases, these multiple-choice questions are presented in the form of a case study, showing a scenario on which 5 of the questions are based.

When asked why this section is the most commonly failed, Phil said: “The wording of the questions can be interesting at times and it’s easy to jump to a conclusion without fully reading the question before answering. Also, students tend to realise the hazard perception test has to be practised and sometimes put more effort into that than the multiple choice section.”

The hashtag #TheorytestUKHacks now has more than 20.3million views on TikTok, with learners and instructors alike providing each other with top tips and hacks on how best to answer the more difficult questions. Recommendations range from simply memorising the highway code to practising spotting and identifying road signs whilst on a driving lesson.

Phil said: “Rather than just reading the Highway Code from cover to cover, a great way to practise these more difficult questions is by using apps and computer programs that have been designed to help practice and understand the rules of the multiple choice section.”

This way you can practise and time yourself as if you were in the 60-minute long real exam.

What is the hardest question on the theory test to pass and why?

Some questions on the test are harder than others. The question with the highest failure rate is “Where can you find reflective amber studs on a motorway?” with a 54% failure rate. Although this may seem like a fairly straightforward question to answer, the developments in the way our roads are built make this a trickier question for young learners in particular.

Phil said: “When you look at modern roads this doesn’t make as much sense as it used to. With modern motorways having a solid barrier as the central reservation rather than a grass verge as there used to be, the studs are more commonly red rather than amber, making it harder to spot the correct ones during their lessons and learn why they might be there. Many learners will not have driven on motorways so may not have ever even come across them.”

How can learners better prepare to pass their theory test the first time?

The theory test can be particularly difficult to pass the first time if you do not know or are not prepared for the format of the test and lack a good foundation of theory test knowledge. While the internet is full of recommendations on how best to pass your theory test, Phil said: “Realistically, the test shouldn’t be hard to pass first time if you come prepared.

"There are now plenty of different ways to learn. It’s important to read the Highway Code before your test, but more importantly to understand the real-world implications of those rules. It’s also important to practise the test as sometimes the questions are worded in a way that takes some understanding.”

Taking a theory test

Taking note of all the significant reasons a learner may fail their theory test and following these expert-approved tips will ensure a smooth and successful exam, allowing you to pass the first time. You can contact your local driving school for more advice and information, or to book a test.