New research published by Churchill has highlighted the considerable proportion of experienced road users who would face difficulties in passing the driving theory test if they were forced to retake it.

According to a recent study carried out by the insurer that asked 50 long-term drivers to take a mock examination based on the current theory test, two-thirds of those individuals who took part failed to achieve a passing grade.

The most common areas where individuals struggled were shown to be in identifying signage, describing aspects of vehicle handling, what to do in the event of an accident, outlining safety aspects for their vehicle and areas pertaining to the protection of vulnerable road users.

Overall, 66 per cent failed the written aspect of the theory test, while more than one-third (34 per cent) also failed in the hazard perception element.

Designed to test an individual's knowledge of the basics of motoring and road safety, it is a particularly shocking result that such a high proportion of experienced drivers were unable to pass.

Steve Barrett, head of Churchill Car Insurance, commented: "An inability to read the road properly often leads to hesitant and unsafe driving behaviours, so we’d urge all road users to regularly brush up on their knowledge of road signs and regulation, as these are frequently updated."

Meanwhile, chief executive officer of RED Driving School Ian McIntosh responded to the results: "It is very worrying that road illiteracy amongst experienced motorists is so widespread.

"The theory test is an essential part of a driver's road education and ensures that motorists can read the road and drive in the safest possible manner."

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This story was posted by Daniel Crosby, Assistant Marketing Executive at the Fuel Card Group.