Survey by the AA hints at why candidates fail their theory test

A third found the HPT the most daunting part, with "I've not enough time to revise" being the next biggest problem. The next 3 biggest challenges were [1] terminology; [2] what to study; [3] signs.

15% admitted they sat the test without knowing if they were ready.  Nearly 3/5 adults who failed reported being very nervous.  A staggering two-thirds admitted to inadequate preparation.

What was also clear was an overall lack of familiarity with the test itself: almost half confessed to entering their theory tests with little to no idea of what to expect.  2/5 told very few people they had failed, and 1/20 told no-one.

Camilla Benitz, managing director of the AA Driving School, said: "Failing your theory test shouldn't be a guilty secret that you keep from your friends and family; it is a tough test. But revising, taking mock tests and practising the HPT in advance will help you fly through."

The AA interviewed one theory test candidate for her views. Millie Gaston failed her theory test on the multiple choice section. While she felt she was unlucky with the questions, Millie admitted not preparing herself well enough.  She said: "I wasn't expecting to find it so hard. I didn't tell anyone I was taking it the first time and in a way that made it harder because I didn't talk to anyone about it.  With the hazard perception, I got too click-happy.  All my friends were passing their driving test so there was a lot of chat about it, I think that added to the pressure ... If anyone is struggling to pass, l'd just advise them to revise and practise taking mock tests so they know what to expect in the room. The atmosphere is quite intense so the more prepared you can be the better."

The AA has launched a new theory test app to tackle some of the issues raised in the survey.