# Theory test pass rate: official DVSA data for Great Britain

> Source: https://drivings.com/theory-test-pass-rates
> The provisional car theory test pass rate was 44.8% in 2025/26, compared with 65.4% in 2007/08; this page explains the official figures, candidate breakdowns and how to prepare for both parts.
> Region: United Kingdom (en-GB)
> Last updated: 2026-06-25

## Current theory test pass rate

DVSA recorded 2,924,430 car theory tests and 1,311,480 passes in Great Britain during 2025/26. That gives a provisional theory test pass rate of 44.8%. The remaining 1,612,950 attempts did not pass. These statistics count test attempts, not unique learner drivers or first-time candidates: someone who retakes the test appears again.

The rate was 65.4% in 2007/08, so the published series has fallen by 20.6 percentage points. Its lowest annual result was 44.2% in 2022/23. The COVID-affected 55.7% result should be read with care because far fewer tests were conducted while restrictions affected availability.

## Theory test pass rates by year

Financial years run from April to March. The latest year is provisional and may be revised.

| Financial year | Tests | Passes | Pass rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2007/08 | 1,451,348 | 949,431 | 65.4% |
| 2008/09 | 1,290,638 | 844,036 | 65.4% |
| 2009/10 | 1,347,486 | 859,813 | 63.8% |
| 2010/11 | 1,346,165 | 849,007 | 63.1% |
| 2011/12 | 1,371,494 | 833,930 | 60.8% |
| 2012/13 | 1,244,041 | 735,368 | 59.1% |
| 2013/14 | 1,569,993 | 811,677 | 51.7% |
| 2014/15 | 1,680,268 | 857,189 | 51% |
| 2015/16 | 1,900,691 | 937,034 | 49.3% |
| 2016/17 | 1,952,226 | 950,210 | 48.7% |
| 2017/18 | 1,886,218 | 918,130 | 48.7% |
| 2018/19 | 1,787,773 | 845,028 | 47.3% |
| 2019/20 | 1,865,740 | 878,903 | 47.1% |
| 2020/21 | 891,279 | 496,660 | 55.7% |
| 2021/22 | 2,463,621 | 1,234,013 | 50.1% |
| 2022/23 | 2,432,302 | 1,075,508 | 44.2% |
| 2023/24 | 2,594,741 | 1,173,545 | 45.2% |
| 2024/25 | 2,792,839 | 1,253,269 | 44.9% |
| 2025/26 (provisional) | 2,924,430 | 1,311,480 | 44.8% |

## Results by age and recorded gender

In 2025/26, the recorded female pass rate was 47.2% and the recorded male pass rate was 43%. These figures describe attempts and do not show the underlying ability of a demographic group. A small number of records have no male or female gender recorded.

| Age band | Tests | Passes | Pass rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 16 | 2,405 | 903 | 37.5% |
| 17 | 644,250 | 322,221 | 50% |
| 18–20 | 527,653 | 220,249 | 41.7% |
| 21–24 | 399,412 | 188,339 | 47.2% |
| 25–34 | 736,950 | 324,464 | 44% |
| 35–44 | 357,855 | 149,526 | 41.8% |
| 45–59 | 116,313 | 44,444 | 38.2% |
| 60+ | 8,001 | 3,123 | 39% |

## What learners need to pass

The standard car theory test has two parts: 50 multiple-choice questions followed by the hazard perception section. Candidates need 43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice part and 44 out of 75 on hazard perception. Both pass marks must be reached in the same appointment. Passing one part does not carry it into a later retake.

Preparation should therefore cover road signs, stopping distances, vehicle safety, vulnerable road users and the practical application of the Highway Code as well as developing-hazard practice. A useful revision plan mixes study with timed practice papers, then reviews every wrong answer. For hazard perception, watch the whole road scene, use mirrors and scan ahead so you recognise when a potential hazard starts to require action.

The figures cannot predict an individual result. They show how all recorded attempts performed in a period, while a learner's chance depends on preparation, understanding, concentration and test-day conditions. Use practice scores to identify gaps, but follow the official booking and identification guidance before travelling to a test centre.

## How to read the statistics

The published series covers England, Scotland and Wales, not Northern Ireland. It is often called a UK theory test pass rate, but Great Britain is the precise scope. Rates are calculated per attempt, not per person, and they do not isolate first attempts. A higher or lower annual rate can reflect changes in candidate mix, test volumes, policy and preparation; the chart alone cannot prove why a change happened.

Source: DVSA tables DRT111A, DRT111B and DRT111C, published 25 June 2026 under the Open Government Licence.

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