A national survey indicates one in six drivers would not pass their written driver’s exam if taken today, but Idaho has the most knowledgeable drivers nationwide. The third annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test queried 5,175 licensed Americans, from ages 16 to 60-plus, with 20 questions from state department of motor vehicle license exams.
This year, New York drivers were the least knowledgeable and Idaho’s the most knowledgeable. Last year, Rhode Island and Oregon, respectively, held those spots. While the national average score was 77 percent, New York had an average of 71 percent and the highest failure rate at 36 percent. Idaho had an average score of nearly 82 percent.
Rounding out the top five most knowledgeable states were Arkansas, Minnesota, Kansas and Wisconsin. Rounding out the top five least knowledgeable states were New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Respondents struggled with two questions in particular this year. Eighty-one percent couldn’t identify the proper following distance from the car in front of them, which is two seconds. Eighty-four percent couldn’t identify the correct action to take when approaching a steady yellow traffic light, which is to stop if it is safe to do so.
The survey also found that the older the driver, the higher the test score. Drivers 35 years or older were most likely to pass. The test is available online at www.gmacinsurance.com/SafeDriving.
