Published 28 February 2024
In this post, we present the top 10 most difficult questions from the DVSA's driving theory test revision materials.
Ever wonder what sends shivers down the spines of driving theory test takers? We've analyzed responses from hundreds of learners on Theorypass to identify the most challenging questions. Put simply, without studying, your odds to answer all questions correctly are just 1 in 3,800. This could explain the disappointing national theory test pass rate of 46.1%.
This post features 10 of these brain-teasers, along with the percentage of learners who aced them. We'll delve into what makes these questions so tricky and offer insights to help you conquer them. Scroll down to the end for the answers and full analysis!
Let's dive in and see if you can answer these tough questions correctly.
The hardest questions are sampled from all theory topics apart from "road and traffic signs" topic. There is a separate list of 10 hardest road signs.
Use the emergency telephone
Give an arm signal as you are moving off
Switch on your vehicle's headlights
Move away with your hazard lights on
67% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Motorway rules
The brakes will fail
The steering will pull to one side
The steering will vibrate
The tyres will deflate
59% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Safety and your vehicle
Stop and wait for the green light
Stop and wait for the red light
Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross
Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing
57% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Attitude
Green
Red
White
Amber
56% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Motorway rules
Only on the left-hand side
Overtaking isn't allowed
Only on the right-hand side
On either the right or the left
56% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Rules of the road
When you’re in a one-way street
When approaching a motorway slip road where you’ll be turning off
When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn left
When a slower vehicle is travelling in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway
55% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Vehicle handling
Missing out some gears
Using lower gears as often as possible
Accelerating sharply in each gear
Using each gear in turn
55% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Safety and your vehicle
Between the central reservation and the carriageway
Between each pair of lanes
Between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
Between the acceleration lane and the carriageway
53% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Motorway rules
When you're turning right only
When you're overtaking only
When you're using cruise control
When you're overtaking or turning right
51% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Rules of the road
You must not exceed 50 mph
You must not overtake
You must have a stabiliser fitted
You must not use the right-hand lane
51% fail to answer this question correctly
Topic: Vehicle loading
You have stopped in an emergency area. What must you do before you rejoin the carriageway?
Correct answer: Use the emergency telephone
Explanation: To rejoin the carriageway from an emergency area, you must use the emergency telephone and follow the operator's advice. A lane may have to be closed so that you can rejoin the carriageway safely.
Source: Highway code, rule 278
What will happen if your car's wheels are unbalanced?
Correct answer: The steering will vibrate
Explanation: If your wheels are out of balance, it will cause the steering to vibrate at certain speeds. This isn't a fault that will put itself right, so take your vehicle to a garage or tyre fitter to have the wheels rebalanced.
What must you do when the amber light is flashing at a pelican crossing?
Correct answer: Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing
Explanation: Pelican crossings are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Push-button controls change the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green; instead, they have a flashing amber light. This means you must give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing but if the crossing is clear you can continue.
Source: Highway code, rule 196
What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane of a motorway?
Correct answer: Red
Explanation: Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway, the studs are green.
Source: Highway code, rule 132
Where may you overtake on a one-way street?
Correct answer: On either the right or the left
Explanation: You can overtake other traffic on either side when travelling in a one-way street. Make full use of your mirrors and ensure it's clear all around before you attempt to overtake. Look for signs and road markings, and use the most suitable lane for your destination.
Source: Highway code, rule 143
When may you overtake another vehicle on their left?
Correct answer: When you’re in a one-way street
Explanation: You may pass slower vehicles on their left while travelling along a one-way street. Be aware of drivers who may need to change lanes and may not expect faster traffic passing on their left.
Source: Highway code, rule 143
Which driving technique can help you save fuel?
Correct answer: Missing out some gears
Explanation: Missing out intermediate gears, when appropriate, helps to reduce the amount of time spent accelerating and decelerating - the times when your vehicle uses the most fuel.
Where are amber reflective studs found on a motorway?
Correct answer: Between the central reservation and the carriageway
Explanation: On motorways, reflective studs of various colours are fixed in the road between the lanes. These help you to identify which lane you're in when it's dark or in poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.
Source: Highway code, rule 132
When should you use the right-hand lane of a three-lane dual carriageway?
Correct answer: When you're overtaking or turning right
Explanation: You should normally use the left-hand lane on any dual carriageway unless you're overtaking or turning right. When overtaking on a dual carriageway, look for vehicles ahead that are turning right. They may be slowing or stopped. You need to see them in good time so that you can take appropriate action.
Source: Highway code, rule 137
What restrictions apply if you're towing a trailer on a three-lane motorway?
Correct answer: You must not use the right-hand lane
Explanation: The motorway regulations for towing a trailer state that you must not • use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless directed to do so (for example, at roadworks or due to a lane closure) • exceed 60 mph.
Source: Highway code, rule 265
These questions are the toughest of the bunch, and just a taste of what can come up in the real exam. Hopefully, facing the theory test's trickiest questions has given you the confidence to tackle the rest.
To be fully prepared and maximise your chances of success, use our learning materials and advice found on this blog. Start practising today.