Driving theory test pass rates in the United Kingdom 2007-2019 by gender

As of March 2019, women had a driving theory test pass rate of just under 49 percent in the United Kingdom. Candidates need to pass both a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test.

Why are pass rates falling?

The most recent drop can possibly be attributed, in part, to new, previously unpublished questions being used in the new tests. The number of multiple-choice tests has also increased. The aim is to increase road safety. Figures for pedestrian casualties in 2019 were on a downward trajectory, although 2017 saw a slight increase in casualties compared with the previous year.

Theory tests compared to practical tests

Over the past decade, the pass rate for practical driving tests in the United Kingdom generally increased, with the male pass rate averaging at roughly seven percent higher than the female rate. By comparison, women have been around four percent more likely to succeed the theory tests, although there has been a noticeable and dramatic downward trend in pass rates over the past decade. Overall, around half of all attempted theory tests are successful – however, the number of tests taken has fallen sharply over the same time period.