Top 10 Most Failed Theory Test Questions of 2023

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Top 10 Most Failed Theory Test Questions of 2023

Anyone who’s sat the driving theory test will be aware that it’s not quite as straightforward as you might think, and even the best-prepared learners can get stumped on occasion. To help give you the best possible chances of success, we have investigated the most commonly failed questions, according to Theory Test Pro-a system that has been used by over 100,000 learners in the last 12 months.

Below is the guide on the top 10 most failed theory test questions in 2023, where the correct answers were located and why a number of learners get it all wrong. Grab a pen and paper, test yourself with the questions, and then come to see your answers at the very end of this post. Good luck!

10. You are on a one-way street.

Where may you overtake?
A: Only on the left-hand side
B: You must not overtake
C: On the right-hand side only
D: On either the right or the left

Failure rate: 48%

One-way streets are puzzling for those new to driving, and this puzzlement carries over into overtaking. The correct answer is D: On either the right or the left. You can overtake on one-way streets on both sides because there’s no oncoming traffic to worry about.

Many candidates get this theory test question incorrect because, in normal driving, they are so accustomed to overtaking on the right-hand side that they forget the rules are different on one-way streets. Knowing the exception is an important way of maintaining road safety when driving in cities.

9. Where would you find a contraflow bus lane?

A: On a dual carriageway
B: On a roundabout
C: On an urban motorway
D: On a one-way street

Failure rate: 49%

D: On a one-way street. A contraflow bus lane is a lane onto which buses travel against the general direction of traffic. It is usually found on one-way streets on which buses can drive in the opposite direction to all other traffic.

This is a theory test question that catches many learners out because they immediately relate contraflow systems to motorways or dual carriageways where contraflow traffic travelling in the ‘wrong’ direction is often only temporary while roadworks are in progress. Contraflow bus lanes, however, are a more permanent fixture in urban areas.

8. Which will decrease fuel consumption?

A: Drive more slowly
B: Rapid acceleration
C: Braking late and hard
D: Drive in lower gears

Failure rate: 49%

A. Drive slower. Even driving at moderate speeds is one of the most effective means of achieving more economy in fuel use. It is the fast acceleration and hard braking that constitute the conditions which require more fuel. The usage of lower gears raises the strain on the engine, therefore wasting fuel.

Many learners are under the erroneous impression that being in low gears (answer D) is more economical when, in fact, higher gears at a steady speed is more economical. It is a good question to remind oneself that driving smoothly saves petrol.

7. At a pelican crossing the amber light is flashing.

What should you do?

A: Remain stopped and wait for the green light
B: Remain stopped and wait for the red light
C: Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross
D: Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing

Failure rate: 49%

Explanation:

The answer is D: Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing. Unlike normal traffic lights, Pelican crossings have flashing amber lights. In case you see the amber light is flashing, stop for the pedestrians who are on the crossing, but you can go once the crossing is cleared.

This is a tricky question for many learners as there’s a temptation to think you should wait, just as you would at a normal traffic lights for a red or green light. However, pelican crossings are slightly different in this respect, and the way to proceed on a flashing amber light is of real importance both for safety and to pass your test.

6. When are you allowed to overtake another vehicle on their left?

A: When you’re in a one-way street
B: On approach to a motorway slip road to turn off
C: Vehicle ahead indicates and intends to turn left
D: A slow-moving vehicle is in the right-hand lane on the dual carriageway
Pass mark: 51%

A: When you’re in a one-way street. Generally speaking, overtaking on the left is never allowed in the UK, unless of course specific conditions apply; one of the exceptions to this rule is when you’re in a one-way street, because it allows for overtaking on either side since there’s no oncoming traffic.

Q: Many learners get this question wrong because they’re used to always overtaking on the right. There are, though, special circumstances, such as one-way streets and some motorway situations, in which overtaking on the left is allowed.

5. What should you do when you hitch a trailer to a towing vehicle?

A: Fit a secondary coupling device
B: Grease the tow ball and hitch
C: Switch off the reversing sensor on the towing vehicle
d: Check the trailer is visible in the mirrors

Failure rate: 49%

The answer is A: Fit a secondary coupling device. This is a safety feature that ensures that the trailer does not become detached if the primary hitch fails. Fitting a secondary coupling device is an important part of accident prevention.

Many learners think the correct answer is to check the mirrors, answer D, when towing a trailer. Yes, visibility is important but safety laws require a secondary coupling device.

4. What will happen if your car’s wheels are not balanced?
A: It will pull to one side
B: The steering will vibrate
C: The brakes will fail
D: The tyres will deflate

Failure rate: 50%

B: The steering will vibrate. The reason being, unbalanced wheels mean uneven rotation; hence, vibrations are felt via the steering wheel. It not only causes discomfort in driving and to the passengers but also increases the wear and tear of the vehicle.

This is often mistaken for a pull to one side in steering, which is more likely to be caused by improper wheel alignment rather than improper balancing. It will lead to confusion and make it difficult to deal with diagnoses and car problems and road safety.

3. You have stopped in an emergency area. What must you do before you rejoin the carriageway?
A: Use the emergency telephone
B: Give an arm signal as you are moving off
C: Switch on your car’s headlights
D: Pull off with your hazard lights on

Pass mark: 51%

Correct answer A : Use the emergency telephone. Before rejoining the motorway from the emergency area, you shall have to contact the authorities using the emergency telephone. This way, it shall be safe for you to come back on the road.

Many learners have got it wrong by thinking that putting on hazard lights or headlights is the most important thing to do, but the correct thing is seeking advice from the motorway control via the emergency telephone.

2. What does this sign mean?
A: Two-way traffic straight ahead
B: Two-way traffic crosses a one-way road
C: Two-way traffic over a bridge
D: Two-way traffic crosses a two-way road

Failure rate: 52%

This would be answer B: Two-way traffic crosses a one-way road. This sign warns drivers that they are approaching an intersection where two-way traffic crosses a one-way street.

A lot of learners do this question wrong because sometimes the traffic signs can be a little confusing, especially when they involve complex road layouts such as two-way traffic on a one-way road. Mastering the road signs is quite essential in passing the theory test.

1. Where would you find reflective amber studs on a motorway?
A: Between the slip road and the motorway
B: On the left-hand side of the road
C: On the right-hand side of the road
D: Between lanes

Pass mark: 54%

Correct answer is C: On the right-hand side of the road. Reflective amber studs are in the right-hand edge of the motorway, distinguishing the carriageway from the central reservation.

This is the most common theory test question failed, as learners commonly get the position of various coloured studs mixed up. Green studs mark the boundary between motorway and slip roads, whilst white studs separate lanes. Knowing the colour coding of motorway studs is an essential part of safe driving and for the passing of your theory test.

Summary of Correct Answers
C
B
A
B
A
A
D
A
D
D

Tips for Success

Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly practice the theory test questions through mock tests. Familiarize yourself with the format and type of questions.

Study Road Signs: The road signs are quite important in relation to the passing of the theory test, making you a safe driver on the roads. Direct close attention to those that may be puzzling to you, such as contraflow lanes and motorway studs.

Follow the Rules: The overtaking rules are mostly confused, especially on one-way streets or dual carriageways. Make sure you know where and when you are allowed to overtake legally.

Be Prepared for Niche Scenarios: Some of the theory test questions, very important both for passing the test and for being a responsible driver, are questions about towing trailers, unbalanced wheels, and emergency areas.

Fuel efficiency, braking habits, and appropriate signaling are examples of driving-related topics theory test questions frequently focus on. Just remember the basic ideas.

Learning not to focus only on the harder questions but to know why people go wrong will have you feeling much better going into your own theory test. Luck now!

Main image by starline on Freepik.