Most of us like to think we’re confident, capable drivers. But when it comes to the Highway Code, how well do we really know the rules?
According to research carried out by Direct Line, 95% of UK drivers would fail their driving theory test if they had to retake it today. And when put to the test with just 15 questions, only 1% achieved a flawless score.
So maybe we don’t know the Highway Code quite as well as we think…
How well do you know the Highway Code?
Here are some of the questions we asked drivers:
What side do you overtake on a one-way street?
Only 20% knew you can legally overtake on either side in this situation.
What is the correct use of the right-hand lane on a three-lane dual carriageway?
It should only be used for overtaking or turning right - less than half (49%) of people knew this.
What is the stopping distance at 40mph?
Only 45% could state the right stopping distance, which is 36 metres.
Are you up to date with the Highway Code?
Driving is a skill most of us learn when we’re young and then rely on for years, often forgetting some of the rules we first learned.
While 56% of drivers say they keep up to date with the Highway Code, the reality is different. When asked, only 47% knew its most recent update was in January 2022.
Does experience help?
The theory test, as we know it today, was only introduced in July 1996. Before then, drivers were only required to pass a practical test, which is still evident today. Drivers who never took a theory test are more likely to struggle with road rules, with 98% failing the mock test, compared to 92% of those who had taken one.
Age also plays a role. Younger drivers are slightly more likely to pass:
- Gen Z: 10% pass rate
- Millennials: 9%
- Gen X: 3%
- Baby Boomers: 2%
This likely reflects how recently they learned the rules and how actively they keep their knowledge up to date. In fact, 77% of Gen Z say they actively stay informed, compared with just 45% of older drivers.
Why should you stay up to date with the Highway Code?
The Highway Code is always evolving. The good news is, it’s never too late to brush up on your knowledge. You can easily do a mock theory test to stay fresh.
Passing your driving test was just the beginning. Staying safe on the road means staying informed, and a quick theory test could keep you sharp behind the wheel.
