Learner drivers struggle with tougher theory tests in the Black Country

Pass rates are at a decade-long low nationwide after changes to exam questions last year, with fewer than half of would-be motorists getting the green light.

The AA called some of the questions 'obscure' and said those sitting the test would need to study hard.

The Black Country has two theory test centres; one in Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton and another in Kings Street, Dudley.

Wolverhampton test centre, based at Derwent House, conducted 15,897 theory tests between April 2018 and March this year, the most recent months where data was available; with 44 per cent of learners passing.

It was similar in Dudley – at Trafalgar House – with the test centre carrying out 14,526 theory tests during the same time, and 43 per cent of learners passing.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency statistics reveal 47 per cent of learner drivers across Great Britain overcame the exam in the last 12 months, down a quarter in a decade.

The theory test, a standalone part of the driving test since 1997, has undergone reforms in recent years to make it harder.

They include upping the number of multiple-choice questions and stopping their publication in advance online, to prevent exam-takers from memorising answers.

Meanwhile, the hazard perception test, a video requiring learners to flag up dangers on the road, now simulates severe driving conditions such as snow and rain.

AA president Edmund King said: "There are lots of misconceptions about learning to drive.

"One of the most enduring is that you can pass the theory test with a bit of common sense and good luck. You can't."

He added: "Some of the questions are a little obscure and do not seem to reflect the reality of driving and perhaps need revisiting to ensure they are relevant to drivers.

"The one that caught me out was the blue sign with a 30 and a red line through it denoting the end of a minimum speed limit area which I have never encountered in 40 years of driving."

Across Great Britain, more than 1.3 million theory tests were conducted over the 12-month period.

Women performed strongest – 49 per cent went on to pass compared to 46 per cent of men.

At Wolverhampton test centre, 44 per cent of female applicants came through, as well as 43 per cent of their male counterparts.

In Dudley it was 43 per cent of woman, compared to 42 per cent of men.

Mark Winn, chief driving examiner for the DVSA, said: "It's essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to drive safely."

Earlier this year figures were released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, showing the pass rates for practical driving tests in the area.

The toughest place was revealed as Wolverhampton, with only one in three learner drivers passing the test in the nine months to December 18 – 12 per cent below the national average.