Learner Driver News

 

The amount of people passing their driving theory tests is at a ten-year low, with only 47% of hopeful learner drivers passing in the last 12 months according to figures from the Department for Transport.

This is compared to learners who took their test in 2007/2008, where a majority of 65% passed.

The dramatic reduction in pass rate is put down to an increase in questions, but perhaps more importantly the removal of questions and answers published online, thereby stopping would-be drivers from memorising them for their tests.

Learner drivers are asked 50 multiple choice theory questions and must correctly answer 43 to achieve the 86% pass rate. For the newer hazard perception element, they are required to score 44 out of 75 possible points.

These new measures were criticised by the AA, who said that some of the questions were "obscure" and would make it hard for anyone but the most dedicated learner drivers to pass.

Edmund King, president of the AA, told The Times newspaper: "The test is obviously very necessary but perhaps part of it could be a bit more mainstream and relevant to the reality of driving."

 

Want to improve your chances of passing your theory test?

Then take heed of our Top 5 tips for learner drivers!

 

1. Download the app on your phone

The good news is that DVSA has produced a theory test app that you can access right from your phone! The official app is £4.99 (Official DVSA Theory Test Kit).

2. Understand the pass mark requirements

Multi-choice questions:

To pass you need 43 correct answers out of 50

Hazard perception:

To pass you need 44 correct answers out of 75

3. Put in the hours

Revise, Revise, Revise! Some questions may be common sense, but to pass the hours need to be put in. Your test questions will be picked at random from a bank of over 1000 questions, so it could be any of them!

4. Revise and spend time on your hazard spotting

For the hazard perception test there will be a series of video clips featuring a variety of driving hazards. The official DVSA app have recently added this part of the theory test to the app, so you can now revise from your phone! Make sure to check this section out whilst you are revising.

5. Make sure you pass at least five consecutive mock tests before

You can take as many mock tests as you like on the app. Additionally, you can also visit Safe Driving for Life website, if you prefer to do it on a desktop.

If the mock test doesn’t go as well as you hoped, you can reschedule your theory test up to 3 days before your test date.

 

If you are ready to jump into a car, Geoffrey Insurance provides comprehensive, affordable Learner Driver insurance.