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Three decades after the UK introduced the driving theory test, new research from AA Driving School suggests many motorists feel less confident about their knowledge of the Highway Code than their ability behind the wheel.
The theory test, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on 1 July, was first introduced in 1996 to ensure learner drivers had a stronger understanding of road rules before taking their practical test. Since then, it has evolved significantly, with computer-based testing and hazard perception assessments becoming key parts of the process.
Research conducted by AA Driving School involving 12,475 drivers found that while 78% believe they would pass their practical driving test if they took it again today, fewer than half (44%) are confident they would successfully pass the theory test. For those who admitted they were unlikely to pass, outdated knowledge of the Highway Code was by far the biggest concern, while nine in ten respondents said they believed their understanding of the Code was no longer current. Many also questioned their knowledge of road rules (59%), traffic signs (50%), vehicle safety (35%) and hazard perception (33%).
The findings also revealed a confidence gap between male and female motorists, with just 37% of women saying they believed they could pass the theory test today, compared with 46% of men. A similar trend emerged for the practical test, where 73% of women felt that they would pass compared with 80% of male drivers.
Meanwhile, demand for theory tests continues to grow. Figures published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that 2,792,839 car theory tests were taken during 2024/25, representing the highest annual total recorded in the available data. The latest statistics also highlight significant differences in pass rates across the country, with Symbister recording the highest success rate at 65.2%, followed by Kyle of Lochalsh (64.3%) and Helmsdale (60.7%). At the opposite end of the table, Millom had the lowest published pass rate at 34.6%, with Porthmadog (35.7%) and Bradford (36.8%) also among the lowest-performing test centres.
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