Less than half of UK drivers believe they would pass the driving theory test if they were required to sit it today.

Despite this, the vast majority remain confident they will succeed in the practical test, according to new research from the AA Driving School.

Pass rates for both tests among new drivers hover between 45% and 48%.

Aniversary concerns

The findings, released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the driving theory test in l996, suggest many motorists are confident in their driving ability but less certain about their knowledge of current road rules.

It highlights the importance of ongoing driver education, particularly the Highway Code, as legislation, technology and road infrastructure continue to evolve.

AA’s survey of more than 12,500 qualified drivers found that only 44% believe they would pass the theory test if they had to retake it, while 81% said they would expect to pass the practical driving test.

The disparity points to a potential decline in drivers’ familiarity with the Highway Code and changing road regulations long after they have gained their licence.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said: “Thirty years after its introduction, the theory test remains one of the most important developments in driver training. While passing the practical test proves that someone can operate a vehicle safely, the theory test ensures that drivers understand the rules, recognise hazards, and appreciate the responsibilities that come with using the road.

“Our research suggests many drivers are confident in their practical skills but less so in their knowledge. That’s understandable given how much has changed over the years, but it reinforces the need for motorists to refresh that knowledge throughout their driving lives.”

Evolving needs and requirements

The findings come against a backdrop of significant changes to UK road legislation in recent years, including updates to the Highway Code introducing the hierarchy of road users, revised guidance at junctions and greater protections for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

At the same time, motorists are increasingly sharing the road with electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters while adapting to smart motorways, advanced driver assistance systems and connected vehicle technology.

For fleet operators, ensuring drivers remain up to date with these developments is becoming an increasingly important element of risk management.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and corporate duty of care obligations, employers are responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure employees who drive for work are competent and capable of doing so safely.

Driver competence extends beyond vehicle handling to understanding current road rules and recognising developing hazards.

Keeping up to date

The AA believes the research demonstrates why refresher training should not be viewed as something reserved for older or less confident drivers.

Voluntary refresher lessons can help experienced motorists identify poor driving habits that develop over time, improve hazard perception, increase confidence in unfamiliar situations and ensure they understand changes to legislation and the Highway Code.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the findings underline the value of ensuring drivers maintain both practical and theoretical knowledge throughout their driving careers.

“The theory test provides the essential knowledge that underpins safe driving,” he said. “As roads, vehicles and regulations evolve, it makes sense for drivers to revisit that knowledge rather than assume what they learnt years ago remains sufficient.”

Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has long advocated continuous driver development, encouraging motorists to undertake post-test training to improve anticipation, observation and decision-making.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Learning to drive should never be viewed as a one-off event. Even experienced motorists can benefit from updating their knowledge of the Highway Code and having their driving assessed. Refresher training helps eliminate complacency and can improve both safety and confidence.”

Tougher environments

The research also reflects wider trends in theory testing.

Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency shows pass rates have fallen over the past decade as the assessment has evolved to place greater emphasis on hazard perception and recognising real-world driving risks.

For employers operating grey fleets, company cars, or light commercial vehicles, the survey results serve as a reminder that licence checks alone do not guarantee driver competence.

Regular online assessments, e-learning modules, practical evaluations and refresher lessons can all form part of a wider driver risk management strategy, helping businesses reduce collision rates, improve compliance and support employee wellbeing.

For the general domestic motorist, refreshing knowledge or getting a professional assessment can reduce the risk of crashes, motoring offences, and fines, as well as subsequent insurance premium hikes.

With many motorists holding licences for decades without any formal reassessment, the AA’s findings suggest there remains considerable scope to strengthen driver awareness, improve driving skills, and play an increasingly important role in improving road safety.