Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFewer than half (44 per cent) of British drivers believe they would pass the driving theory test if they retook it today, according to a new survey of 12,475 AA members. The overwhelming majority (90 per cent) of those lacking confidence cited outdated knowledge of the Highway Code as the primary reason, followed by general rules of the road (59 per cent) and road signs (50 per cent). In contrast, 78 per cent of drivers expressed confidence in their ability to pass the practical driving test again. The theory test, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, was introduced in Britain on 1 July 1996 as a paper-based exam and has since evolved into a digital assessment. Emma Bush of AA Driving School emphasised the test's role in helping learners understand risk and responsibility, noting the importance for all drivers to keep their knowledge fresh as rules and roads change. In fullMore than half of Brits believe they would fail theory test now on 30th anniversary of driving examThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The driving theory test was introduced in the UK 30 years ago

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Today, the driving theory test turns 30. And yet only 44% of drivers say they'd pass the test again if they took it now.