Only 1% of drivers would pass their driving test now. Can you do better?

Carwow put 2,000 drivers to the test (with five multiple-choice questions taken from the official DVSA driving theory test) and just 18 of the respondents got them all right – that’s about 1 in 100 (0.9 per cent). Could you do any better? Take our test to find out.

Changing your car is a bit like taking your theory test. You can feel like you’ve got all the answers – but when the time comes, it’s easy to miss something that might seem obvious!

Fortunately, Carwow is the home of car-changing. We take all the stress and revision out of changing your car, so you can relax knowing you’re getting a great price for your old car, and a top deal on your next one.

How to brush up on the rules of the road in the UK

If only there were a place where all the rules of the road were written in straightforward language for everyone to understand. Hang on, there is – and it’s called the Highway Code.

If you’ve forgotten all about the Highway Code, it seems you are not alone. Carwow has surveyed 2,000 drivers, asking five questions from the official DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Authority) theory test. Less than one percent answered all five questions correctly. That’s despite 75 percent of those surveyed describing their driving skills and knowledge as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

The pass rate for the official theory test has declined by 20% over the past 15 years, according to the DVSA’s data. Do you think you would pass? Find out by taking Carwow’s taster test.

There are lots of apps to help new drivers learn the rules of the road so they can pass their theory test. Reading The Highway Code is important, too – and judging from our survey, not just for learner drivers…

How often are changes made to the Highway Code?

There’s no set timetable for changes to the Highway Code, instead the guidance changes as often as needed to keep up with the law.

The last big change was in 2022, introducing the hierarchy of road users and adding other measures to protect vulnerable road users. Because the rules and advice change over time it’s important for all drivers to have an up-to-date copy of the Highway Code.

7 tips to be a better driver

Most of us think we’re a good driver. If we’re honest with ourselves, though, we could all be better. Here are some quick tips.

1. Read the Highway Code. Our survey shows how many drivers are fuzzy on the rules, and refreshing your knowledge can only make you a better driver.

2. Avoid distractions. That doesn’t just mean no handheld phone calls, but anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as eating or turning around to talk to passengers.

3. Give yourself space. Leaving a healthy gap (at least two seconds) to the car in front gives more time to react and to brake if you need to.

4. Check your tyres. Make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure and change them before the tread is too low – by law it must be at least 1.6mm deep across the central ¾ of the tyre, all the way around.

5. Stay calm. Drivers make bad decisions when angry or upset, so don’t let someone else’s bad driving wind you up – concentrate on staying safe.

6. Use your indicators. Yes, we’re looking at you Audi drivers, those funny blinking orange lights other drivers use are fitted to your car as well. 😉

7. Back to school. If you are really committed to being a better driver, book a refresher lesson with a driving instructor or take a course to become an advanced driver with IAM RoadSmart or RoSPA.

Looking for an easy way to change your car? Then Carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car for a great price, and get the best deals on a new one. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home. Tap the button below to get started today.