Passing your driving theory test is a milestone for every learner, but evidence shows it’s not something many conquer straight away. The average pass rate in the UK sits at under 50 per cent, with most learners needing multiple attempts before they succeed. That makes sense at the time as there’s a lot to take in, from road signs to stopping distances, but the real challenge comes later, once the test is passed and the practical becomes routine.
To understand just how much theory slips through the cracks, we ran a survey with drivers across the UK to reveal how much they remember. Recent updates, such as those around drink driving limits, show that rules evolve and it’s vital for motorists to keep up.
At the same time, vehicle features have advanced significantly, with new car technology offering another layer of protection; however, our findings show that almost half of drivers don’t make use of modern car safety features, which can increase the risk of motorists losing control of their vehicles and having accidents.
UK car safety knowledge
We began by running a short test to reveal how knowledgeable UK drivers are when it comes to common theory test basics.
- Drink driving limits
Our survey found that just under half (48%) of women were able to correctly identify how much they could legally drink before driving, while only 25% of men could do the same. 38% of female respondents and 36% of male respondents overestimated how much they could drink, with an average of almost 4 in 10 respondents (37%) overestimating drink driving limits, which is a worrying trend.
- Stopping distances
When working in metres, three in five respondents (61%) were incorrect on the stopping distanceat 70mph in dry conditions, with one in five (17%) underestimating it. In terms of car lengths, again, three in five respondents (64%) guessed the incorrect stopping distance, and 42% would leave too small a gap between themselves and the next car.
- Tyre pressure
When asked how often they should check tyre pressure, 59% of drivers answered incorrectly. One in five (21%) are not checking frequently enough, but 33% actually check more frequently than is strictly needed.
Almost half (49%) were incorrect on the minimum tread depth at which tyres should be replaced, and 46% said they do not know how to change a tyre safely at the roadside.
- Windscreen wipers
Out of the 1,004 drivers surveyed, 56% don’t replace their windscreen wipers frequently enough. Only 19% have replaced them in the last six months and 7% admitted they have never replaced them.
- Airbags
Airbags are one of the most common car safety features. When asked what they should do if their airbag warning light comes on, 75% answered incorrectly and one in ten (9%) said they would continue driving.
Understanding the legal alcohol limits
UK law sets out strict maximum alcohol levels for drivers but even small amounts of drink can seriously impair driving ability. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the legal limit works out at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, which equivalently is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, or 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine. In Scotland, the limit is lower: 50mg per 100ml of blood, 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, or 67 mg per 100ml of urine.
Because of the many variables involved, such as body size, age, sex, metabolism, what you’ve eaten and how recently you drank, there’s no reliable way to translate these limits into a fixed number of drinks. What might be under the limit for one person could easily put another person over. The best solution, from both a legal and safety standpoint, is simply to avoid alcohol entirely if you intend to drive.
The UK’s approach to car technology
We also asked UK drivers about their knowledge regarding car technology and car safety features. The overall result was that 49% reported not currently using safety technology at all.
For those that do, we asked which new car technology features they use most frequently. 46% use lane departure warnings, 46% use blind spot detection, and 34% use adaptive cruise control on a regular basis.
Turning off car safety features
Overall, 56% of respondents have turned off safety features whilst driving. Top reasons people have turned off safety features include them being annoying and intrusive (28%), false alarms and sensitivity issues (23%), the driver finds them distressing (12%), and misread speed limits (9%).
Driver confidence
We asked UK drivers how confident they are in pairing safety alerts with their corresponding dashboard symbols. Confidence was relatively high for the battery warning light (57% confident), while the diesel particulate filter warning light had the least confidence, as only 10% said they would recognise it.
Most confident:
- Battery warning light (57%)
- Oil warning light (56%)
- Brake warning light (52%)
Least confident:
- Brake pad warning light (17%)
- Electric Stability Problem Warning Light (12%)
- Diesel particulate filter warning light (10%)
As for the function of specific car safety features, 69% said they know what parking sensors do and 56% understand the purpose of lane assist. Blind spot detection is understood by 52% of UK drivers and 51% know what ABS offers. However, only 19% said that they are familiar with the function of ESC (electronic stability control), which prevents skidding and helps the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
Gen Z drivers
Research shows that Gen Z drivers are four times as likely to turn safety features off than the national average. A major reason for this is that 29% of Gen Z motorists say they’re distracted by technology in their car. Also, 18% have caused damage to a vehicle whilst driving without technology, and 25% say they wouldn’t be able to complete DIY maintenance tasks.
Lifelong learning is crucial to safe driving
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, commented: “Passing the driving test isn’t the end of learning; it’s the start of a lifetime on the road. Laws and guidance are updated regularly, and without revisiting the Highway Code or brushing up on theory knowledge, it’s easy to fall behind. We know from our research that many drivers struggle to recall even basic rules or dashboard symbols, which has real safety implications.
“Taking the time to stay informed, whether it’s about new regulations on drink driving or advances in car technology, helps make our roads safer for everyone. Driving with confidence is important, but it should always be underpinned by up-to-date knowledge.”
Choosing the right vehicle for your needs
Knowledge and awareness are essential, but the vehicle you drive also plays a huge role in safety. The best choice is one that suits your lifestyle, covers your daily requirements and makes the most of modern car safety features. For some, that means prioritising family space and advanced driver assistance systems when leasing a car. For others, particularly businesses, it’s important to find a vanwith the right payload, fuel efficiency and reliability to support day-to-day operations.
Ultimately, the safest drive is a combination of well-maintained knowledge, responsible behaviour and the right vehicle, all of which help to make every journey feel secure, comfortable and fit for purpose.
Not sure where to start? Our car matching tool will help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Methodology
1,004 UK drivers answered a survey conducted by TLF Panel.
