Majority of over 65s fear they'd fail a driving test today as Government reviews rules for older drivers

More than half of Britain's older drivers (55%) don't believe they would pass their driving test today, despite outperforming younger motorists when it comes to recognising road signs. 

Our survey of 2,000 UK adults also found that among those who lack confidence, more than half (52%) named the theory test as their biggest concern, the highest proportion of any age group. 

The findings come as the government weighs up proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and over following a consultation launched earlier this year, with ministers expected to announce their next steps later in 2026. 

And while older drivers are among the least confident, they're far from alone. More than two in five Brits (42%) don’t believe they'd pass their driving test if they had to retake it today.

The theory questions catching drivers out 📝

Among those who lack confidence, one in six (16%) said they would fail outright, while a further quarter (26%) were unsure. 

When asked why, theory knowledge topped the list. 

Top reasons drivers think they'd fail

Rank	Reasons drivers think they'd fail	Percentage
1	Theory test	42%
2	Test pressure	38%
3	Manoeuvres	20%
4	Forgotten the basics	18%
5	Forgetting mirror checks	12%

Test pressure also scored highly, with nearly four in ten (38%) saying nerves could be their downfall. 

More than a third (37%) of drivers said they didn't know the answer to key Highway Code questions, including how to avoid fuel spillage, what type of crossing allows cyclists to ride across with pedestrians, and what to do when stopping in a congested tunnel.

Older drivers lack confidence, but know their road signs ⛔

As part of the research, respondents were shown eight road signs and asked whether they felt confident they knew what each one meant. Despite older drivers being among the least confident, they performed strongly when tested on road signs. 

Drivers aged 65 and over were among the best at recognising most signs, with between 93% and 98% correctly identifying several of the signs shown. 

This suggests the issue may not be a lack of driving experience, but rather confidence around modern test requirements, updated guidance and theory knowledge. 

One female respondent aged 74 from Cardiff said: 

"I think I am a good driver, but I think if I had to take a test, they would fail me simply because of my age." 

A male respondent aged 65+ from Southampton added: 

"I passed my test about 55 years ago. I'm safe to drive but not sure I'd pass the theory now." 

A male respondent aged 65+ from Nottingham said: 

"I would need to revise the new Highway Code changes to be fully confident." 

These responses suggest the issue is not necessarily that older drivers feel unsafe on the road, but that many feel the modern test has moved on since they passed. Several respondents pointed to new rules, updated Highway Code guidance and modern test requirements as reasons they would lack confidence today.

Young drivers are most confident, but more likely to admit risky mistakes ⚠️

The research also found a sharp contrast between confidence and self-reported knowledge among younger drivers. 

Drivers aged 25-34 were the most confident, with 82% saying they would definitely pass their test today. 

However, Gen Z drivers showed some of the biggest self-identified practical knowledge gaps. Among 18-24s who lacked confidence: 

• 37% said they would fail for forgetting to check mirrors 
• 37% said they would fail for not sticking to a safe or reasonable speed 
• 26% said they would fail for not giving way to other cars 

Jonathan, motoring expert here at First Response Finance, said: 

"With older driver safety under review, it's important the conversation looks at the full picture. Eyesight is clearly a vital part of safe driving, but confidence around up to date rules and theory knowledge matters too. 

"The key takeaway isn't that older drivers are necessarily unsafe, but that confidence around modern rules and theory knowledge appears to fade over time. 

"For anyone who passed years ago, a simple Highway Code refresh can make a real difference. Drivers should revisit rules around stopping distances, tunnel safety, cyclist crossings, road signs, and recent updates to guidance. 

"Experience is valuable, but it works best when it's paired with up to date knowledge."

 

Sources and methodology

• Survey of 2,000 UK adults, July 2026 
• Road sign images: Department for Transport official signage