Theory Test Pass Rate: Latest DVSA Figures
The car theory test pass rate in Great Britain was 44.8% in the 2025/26 financial year (April 2025 to March 2026), according to DVSA's official statistics. Of 2,924,430 tests taken, 1,311,480 were passed (DVSA, table DRT111A).
- 44.8%pass rate 2025/26
- 2.92mtests taken
- 1.31mtests passed
- 44.0%Apr–Jun 2026
In other words, more than half of car theory tests end in a fail. The most recent quarter in the data, April to June 2026, shows a pass rate of 44.0%. DVSA notes that figures since April 2025 are provisional until the full-year data is published.
Car theory test pass rate by year
These figures are for Great Britain and cover financial years (April to March). They come from DVSA table DRT111A, last updated on 3 September 2026.
| Year | Tests taken | Tests passed | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 (provisional) | 2,924,430 | 1,311,480 | 44.8% |
| 2024/25 | 2,792,839 | 1,253,269 | 44.9% |
| 2023/24 | 2,594,741 | 1,173,545 | 45.2% |
| 2022/23 | 2,432,302 | 1,075,508 | 44.2% |
| 2021/22 | 2,463,621 | 1,234,013 | 50.1% |
| 2020/21 | 891,279 | 496,660 | 55.7% |
| 2019/20 | 1,865,740 | 878,903 | 47.1% |
| 2007/08 | 1,451,348 | 949,431 | 65.4% |
Source: DVSA driving test and theory test statistics. Percentages rounded to one decimal place. The next update is due in December 2026.
Pass rate by quarter in 2025/26
The pass rate moves a little through the year. These are DVSA's provisional figures for each quarter of 2025/26 and the first quarter of 2026/27.
| Quarter | Tests taken | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| April to June 2025 | 734,299 | 44.3% |
| July to September 2025 | 762,499 | 45.5% |
| October to December 2025 | 701,642 | 44.1% |
| January to March 2026 | 725,990 | 45.5% |
| April to June 2026 | 735,791 | 44.0% |
The differences between quarters are small. Whatever time of year you book, preparation matters far more than timing.
What the numbers tell us
The pass rate has been below 50% for years
Since 2022/23 the pass rate has stayed between about 44% and 45%. The higher figures in 2020/21 and 2021/22 came during and after the coronavirus restrictions, when far fewer tests were held in some quarters. In 2020/21 only 891,279 tests took place.
More people are taking the test than ever
More than 2.9 million car theory tests were taken in 2025/26, the highest yearly figure in the table, which goes back to 2007/08. That's about double the 1.45 million taken in 2007/08.
The long-term trend is down
In 2007/08 almost two in three tests were passed. That fell steadily over the following decade. DVSA's table doesn't explain why, so be wary of anyone who says they know the exact reason. The test has changed over time, for example the car test's written case study was replaced by video questions in September 2020.
Is the theory test hard?
The questions themselves are fair: they're based on The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Driving – the essential skills. What makes the test tough is the high pass mark. You need 43 out of 50 (86%) in the questions and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception, on the same day. Being "nearly ready" isn't enough. See our theory test pass mark guide.
How to be in the 44.8%
- Learn the rules, not the answers. Read The Highway Code and use practice questions to test your understanding.
- Cover all 14 topics. Work through each one on our car theory test hub.
- Use timed mocks. Take our free mock theory test with the real 57-minute timer and 43 pass mark.
- Don't neglect hazard perception. Practise with our hazard perception test and learn the scoring from our hazard perception tips.
- Only book when you're consistently passing mocks with room to spare.
For a full plan, read how to pass your theory test. If you've already had a go, see failed your theory test?
About the data
DVSA publishes its theory test statistics under the Open Government Licence. Table DRT111A covers car theory tests conducted, passed and pass rates by financial quarter and financial year in Great Britain. It doesn't include Northern Ireland, where theory tests are run by the DVA (see our Northern Ireland theory test guide). We'll update this page when DVSA publishes new figures.
Frequently asked questions
What is the theory test pass rate in 2026?
DVSA statistics show a car theory test pass rate of 44.8% for the 2025/26 financial year (April 2025 to March 2026). The provisional figure for April to June 2026 is 44.0%.
Why is the theory test pass rate so low?
DVSA doesn't publish a reason. The pass mark is high: you need 43 out of 50 in the questions and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception on the same day, so candidates who book before they're fully prepared often fall short.
What was the theory test pass rate in 2024/25?
It was 44.9%, with 1,253,269 passes from 2,792,839 car theory tests, according to DVSA table DRT111A.
Does the pass rate include people who retake the test?
Yes. The figures count tests, not people, so each attempt is counted separately.
Where do the theory test pass rate figures come from?
They come from DVSA's official driving test and theory test statistics on GOV.UK, table DRT111A, which covers Great Britain.
Ready to practise? Take a free 50-question mock theory test or try the hazard perception test – no sign-up.
More theory test guides