Driving Test Theory – Shocking new pass rate stats
New statistics have found that the theory test pass rate has fallen to its lowest level in over the last ten years.
The pass rate of the theory test has fallen by a quarter over the last decade. It has also been proven by the Department of Transport that women were more likely to pass their theory test than men, as found by the Sunday Times.
We will look at how the test has changed over the last decade to decipher why pass rates have plummeted and some tips to help you pass the test.
Theory test timeline
Here is a timeline for what has changed in the theory test over the last 10 years:
Photo credit and article courtesy of insurelearnerdriver
Edmund King, President of the AA said that: “Some people assume you can pass the theory test with a few lessons and a bit of common sense but you can’t. Some of the questions are actually quite obscure. “ King then went on to add, “The test is obviously very necessary but perhaps part of it could be a bit more mainstream and relevant to the reality of driving.” King also gave an example of these more obscure questions: “Following a collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. What’s the shortest time it should be cooled for?”
The obscure questions could be one of the reasons as why the pass rates have dropped by 20% in just 10 years.
Here are some of our tips to help you get through the theory test:
- Check your answers and revisit tricky questions
- Get a good nights sleep
- Get yourself a revision schedule
- Be in the right frame of mind
For more tips on taking the theory test, click here
Make sure you are brushing up on your Highway code study and getting some private practice in as well by speaking to us on 01865 722 148 or you can send a message via the Contact Form online.
5 things to do whilst practising outside of your driving lessons
we always say at InsureLearnerDriver, practising outside of your driving lessons is a key ingredient to boosting your chances of passing your driving test. Not to mention it can do absolute wonders for your confidence behind the wheel!
But even private practice can become tedious if you’re doing the same thing repeatedly. So, here’s some things to put on your to do list to shake up practising outside of your driving lessons.
Drive to different places
Practising outside of your driving lessons doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Fancy a trip to the drive-thru? Go for it. Want to go shopping? Do it! All you need is an accompanying driver that meets your insurer’s criteria and you can drive anywhere (apart from motorways).
It’s a little taste of the freedom that comes with passing your test, so make the most of it.
Drive at night
When you pass your test, we very much doubt that you’ll only drive during the daytime. Even though it is not a requirement for the driving test, it is extremely beneficial to practice this before you pass. Don’t be intimidated by it, the best time to do this for the first time is with an experienced driver next to you.
Drive with different passengers
We love our parents very much. However, sometimes they can make driving an even more stressful experience… It can be a good idea to invite different people to be your accompanying driver (if they’re willing!).
If you’re insured on an InsureLearnerDriver policy, the criteria for the accompanying driver is anyone over 25 and has held an UK, EEA or EU licence for at least 3 years. It does not have to be the owner of the car if you have a borrowed policy.
Practice the “show me, tell me” section
Hopefully, you would run through the “show me, tell me” part of the driving test with your instructor. However, we understand that during driving lessons, time is limited. Try running through your revision for the questions whilst sitting in your parked car.
Your car is a good setting to practice these questions because the subject of the questions is most likely right there in front of you! It might help you remember far better than reading a book.
Click here to see our page on “Show me, Tell me” questions.
Dedicate time to parking practice
Parking is one of the most difficult parts of not only learning to drive but driving as a whole, with limited time during driving lessons you may not always be able to practice it.
It takes time and practice to be able to master such a skill, especially when it comes to parallel parking! Practising parking outside of your driving lessons will hopefully feel a little bit less stressful! Source