Most drivers fail to answer these five basic theory questions

Over 50 per cent of Brits haven't read the Highway Code since passing their driving test - despite 24 recent updates being added to the rulebook. Independent Advisor Car Insurance[1] has therefore created a mini theory test[2] to reveal how updated drivers on the road really are. After surveying 2,010 drivers across the nation, the company found a whopping 88 per cent of UK drivers failed to answer these five basic theory questions.

In fact, over half would have failed their theory test if they retook it today. So, do you reckon you've still got what it takes to pass - or do you need to get studying once more?

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The UK's official theory test pass mark is 86 per cent. In this scenario, the pass mark is 80 per cent - which means you need to get four out of five questions correct to pass:

  1. What, if anything, do you think triangular road signs indicate?
  2. What lights, if any, do you think are appropriate to turn on when driving on the motorway at night, when there are cars ahead of you?
  3. What, if anything, do you think the legal speed limit on a motorway is, if no signs indicate otherwise?
  4. When driving on a wet road, what time gap, if any, do you think you need to leave between your car and the car in front of you?
  5. What, if anything, do you think you should do if you have to quickly slow down when driving on the motorway?

Want to avoid the doom and gloom?

Get the latest positive news sent straight to your inbox with our Bright Stuff newsletter[4] If you struggled with these questions, it might be worth familiarising yourself with the Highway Code again, as fixed penalty notices have witnessed a 'sharp rise' since 2022. If you think you aced the test, congrats - the answers are below:

  1. Warnings
  2. Dipped headlights
  3. 61mph to 70mph
  4. 405 seconds
  5. Turn on your hazard lights

Shockingly, 21 per cent of respondents were unable to identify the 'warning' road sign, and one in five thought they should turn on their main beam headlines when driving on a motor way at night - which could accidentally blind drivers.

Those aged 17-24 were more likely to fail the test, with one in 10 getting 0 answers correct.

How many answers did you get right?

Let us know in the comments section below

Amazon beauty fans rush to buy 'amazing' GBP4 Dragon's Blood serum for lifted skin and a healthy glow[5]

References

  1. ^ Independent Advisor Car Insurance (www.independent.co.uk)
  2. ^ theory test (www.mirror.co.uk)
  3. ^ You have 'eyes of a cheetah' if you can spot number 721 in just five seconds (www.mirror.co.uk)
  4. ^ Bright Stuff newsletter (www.mirror.co.uk)
  5. ^ Amazon beauty fans rush to buy 'amazing' GBP4 Dragon's Blood serum for lifted skin and a healthy glow (www.mirror.co.uk)