Car retailer Carwow asked 2,000 drivers to take part in a mini-theory test featuring five questions. Their task was simple – answer as many of the questions correctly as possible.

However, out of the 2,000 respondents, only 18 managed to get all the answers right. That’s in spite of the bold claims made by 75% of respondents that their driving skills and knowledge are either ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

Take the test

Such overconfidence could go some way to explaining why the pass rate for the theory test has dropped by 20% over the past 15 years. The big question though is – what were the five questions and, most importantly, can you get them right?

Time to find out (the answers are at the end of this blog post):

1. What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and a slip road?

  1. Amber
  2. White
  3. Green
  4. Red

2. The legal minimum depth of tread for car tyres over three quarters of the breadth is?

  1. 1mm
  2. 1.6mm
  3. 2.5mm
  4. 4mm

3. Overall stopping distance is made up of thinking and braking distance. You are on a good, dry road surface with good brakes and tyres. What is the typical BRAKING distance from 50 mph?

  1. 14 metres (46 feet)
  2. 24 metres (80 feet)
  3. 38 metres (125 feet)
  4. 55 metres (180 feet)

4. Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing?

  1. Steady red
  2. Flashing amber
  3. Steady amber
  4. Flashing green

5. You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. What distance should you keep from the vehicle in front?

  1. A two-second time gap
  2. One car length
  3. Two metres (6 feet 6 inches)
  4. Two car lengths

Nail your learning

To make sure you pass your theory test on your first attempt, follow Theory Test Pro’s tips:

For the multiple choice section

Get the three books the theory test is based on. These are The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving: The Essential Skills. You can view the Highway Code online for free or alternatively, buy them all from your local bookseller or borrow them from your local library.

Also, sign up to Theory Test Pro (also available at most libraries) that lets you take mock theory tests on your PC, tablet or mobile. If your instructor is signed up too, they can monitor your progress and help spot any knowledge gaps you might have before the big day arrives.

For the hazard perception section

The most anxiety-inducing part of the test, the hazard perception test can be practised in Theory Test Pro, too.

The app features the latest official revision clips from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency so you can practise until you’re a pro. While these clips are different from the ones used in the actual theory test, if you practise enough, spotting emerging hazards will soon become second nature.

During the test itself

First off, relax. You actually have plenty of time to do the theory test – 57 minute for 50 multiple choice questions with a three-minute break before you take the hazard perception test.

Remember, it is recommended that you carry out at least 20 hours of revision before sitting down to take your test. If you’ve put the work in upfront, then you’ll nail it – unlike the drivers who took part in Carwow’s survey.

Oh, and the answers to those five theory test questions?

  1. C (green)
  2. B (1.6mm)
  3. C (38 metres/125 feet)
  4. C (steady amber)
  5. A (two-second gap)

Know Your Code

Double your chances of theory test success with Theory Test Pro. Sign up for free here.

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