Top 5 reasons for failing a Theory Test - Driving Test Success (2024)

FAQs

Why do people fail their theory test? ›

Not being sure of what you're expected to do for your theory test is also a big problem with 47% saying they were not clued up. That might explain why a whopping 59% of candidates said that stress and nervousness contributed to them failing on the big day.

How many questions are there in the theory test and how many marks do I need to pass? You'll have 50 multiple-choice questions and 57 minutes to finish. You need to get 43 right to pass.

It could be that you didn't revise quite as much as you should have done. Or maybe nerves keep getting the better of you. Or it could just be that some rules of the road are not your forte. Every failed theory test can help you improve.

Many learners assume that hitting the kerb while performing a manoeuvre will result in an instant fail, but again it's not entirely true. While mounting the kerb – or crashing into it hard – will be marked down as a major, a simple touch or clip during a manoeuvre (like turning in the road) is only classed as a minor.

The first two of these categories, dangerous and serious faults, are often informally called 'majors'. Committing even one of these faults will result in you instantly failing your driving test.

The pass rate for the theory test has fallen from 65% in the 2007/08 to 44% in 2022/23, according to the Department for Transport. "There's no doubt it's a tough test and these learners' commitment to passing is amazing," said AA Driving School managing director Camilla Benitz.

The official driving theory test is up to an hour long, and you need 86% to pass. You will be asked 50 questions, and you need to get 43 of them correct. If you're unsure what the procedure is for answering questions, don't worry. A brief how-to video will be shown to all candidates before you begin.

Is driving theory test hard? ›

Contrary to popular theory test myths, the test is not a walk in the park. It can be hard to pass if you don't know the format or lack a good foundation of theory test knowledge. The theory test itself is broken down into two sections—50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.

To pass your theory test, you need to get 35 answers right out of 40 so it's not unusual for people to be unsuccessful on their first attempt.

At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. A question and several possible answers will appear on screen and you have to choose the right answer to the question. Car drivers and motorcyclists will be asked 50 questions and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.

What happens if I miss my Test appointment? If you fail to arrive at the Test Centre in time for your test appointment, or cancel your test in less than 5 business days (to include 3 complete business days) prior to your test date, you will lose your test fee.

A learner driver spent nearly £1,400 and about 60 hours in trying to pass their driving theory test. The candidate, from Redditch, notched up the highest number of unsuccessful attempts made in 2023 for one person, 59, before finally passing the test.