Halfords Autocentres Quizzes Drivers’ Knowledge Ahead of Test Changes

Ahead of the new driving test changes on the 4th December, Halfords Autocentres put drivers’ knowledge to the test, quizzing their roadworthiness, whether they’re new to the road or more experienced: http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/advice/news/quiz-how-roadworthy-are-you

The online test surveyed 50, 000 motorists and found that only 17% were roadworthy, with 83% scoring less than the pass rate for the current driving theory test. Drivers were quizzed on ten questions, including UK road laws, car maintenance, drink driving laws and general rules of the road.

One question asks drivers: “What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK?”

Another question tests: “You're booked in for an MOT, but your windscreen is cracked at the passenger's eye level. Which of these crack lengths would fail the MOT?”

If drivers get a question wrong, the quiz gives them the answer and offers tips to boost knowledge.

The findings revealed that a surprising 65% of new drivers were unaware of the new fines for speeding, while a worrying 63% of new drivers are unaware of the impact wet surfaces have on stopping distance.

But it isn’t all bad news as new drivers are the savvier when it comes to knowledge of technology, with 74% knowing the punishment points they will face if using a phone while driving, and 71% being able to decipher their dashboard symbols.

The research also reveals that experience doesn’t always mean expertise, with 73% of motorists who have been driving for between 10-20 years or more unaware of what makes a windscreen crack illegal and a surprising 61% of the same group unaware that four unworn tyres can land you with a fine of up to £10,000.

The quiz also revealed that many motorists aren’t aware of the exact drink drive limit, with 43% believing the limit to be the same as it is in Scotland. 

Another surprising fact to emerge was that 39% of new drivers thought it was legal to use their smartphone to pay for a takeaway drive thru, but using one if your car’s engine is still running could land you with a hefty fine.

Ryan Vince from Halfords Autocentres who was responsible for the quiz says:

“The research has led to some eye-opening results. For example, it’s worrying that 62% of drivers don’t know the maximum fine for speeding and 65% of drivers were in the dark about the rules for worn tyres which could land them with a hefty fine. Whilst light-hearted, our test helps to reinforce and remind motorists of key roadworthy basics, whether they’re new or experienced.”

This is just one of a series of initiatives launched by the Halfords Group aimed at helping new drivers as new test changes come into effect on 4th December. 

To celebrate the new driving test changes, to save drivers money and remind them about vehicle safety, Halfords Autocentres offers a free safety check: http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/car-care/free-safety-check

Halfords is launching a special offer on sat navs for young drivers.

To test your roadworthiness head to http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/advice/news/quiz-how-roadworthy-are-you

For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7287 5006

Editor’s Notes: The Halfords Autocentres How Roadworthy Quiz surveyed 55,313 motorists between the 10th-17th November.

All motorists

• 83% of Brits are unroadworthy and scored less than the pass rate for theory test (86%) 
• 12% of drivers don’t recognise the fog light symbol on their car dashboard 
• 15% of drivers are unaware of the legal tyre thread 
• 55% of drivers unaware of the impact wet surface can have on stopping distance 
• 62% of drivers are unaware of the blood alcohol limit for drivers in England and Wales
• 43% of UK motorists believe the drink driving limit to be the same as Scotland 
• 29% believe eating whilst driving is illegal, which it isn’t, but motorists can be charged for careless driving 
• 62% of motorists are unaware of the increase in fines for speeding 
• 26% of drivers believe the maximum fine for speeding is 25% of one’s weekly wage (it is up to 175%)
• 73% of drivers are unaware of what makes a windscreen crack illegal 
• 13% of drivers are unaware of the new law revealing an increase in points for using a phone whilst driving 
• 61% of drivers are unaware that four worn tyres can fine you up to £10,000 
• The Scottish are the most roadworthy drivers in the UK 

New drivers 

• 29% of new drivers don’t recognise the fog light symbol on their dashboard 
• 63% of new drivers are unaware of the impact wet surfaces have on stopping distance 
• 69% of new drivers are unaware of the legal drink driving limit 
• 39% of young drivers think it’s legal to use their phone to pay for a takeaway drive thru 
• 65% of new drivers are unaware of the new fines for speeding in the UK 
• 26% of new drivers are unaware of the punishment points they will face if using phone whilst driving 
• 65% of new drivers are unaware that four unworn tyres can get you a fine of up to £10,000

About Halfords Autocentres: Halfords Autocentres operates from 315 sites nationally and offers motorists high-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.