The Nation's Worst Drivers by State
Unfit for the Roads?
Results from the 2009 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test found that roughly 41 million licensed American drivers would not pass a written drivers test exam if taken today. It also found that the knowledge of basic road rules is decreasing, with this year's test scores lower than last year's. While Idaho and Wisconsin had the most knowledgeable drivers, the 20 states in our gallery had the least.Click through our gallery to see if you live in one of the top 20 states for worst drivers.
First Up: No. 20 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 20: Delaware
2009 Average Test Score: 76%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 78.9%
2007 Average Test Score: 77.7%
Random Fact:
Of those surveyed, 30% say financial strains have triggered a desire to drive less and seek out new ways to save money.
Next: No. 19 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 19: New Hampshire
2009 Average Test Score: 75.9%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 77.9%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.1%
Random Fact:
Men are still more likely to pass the test than women, but the gap is considerably smaller in 2009 than in 2008.
Next: No. 18 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 18: Ohio
2009 Average Test Score: 75.6%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 78.9%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.5%
Random Fact:
Respondents continued to have difficulty on questions about yellow lights and safe following distances.
Next: No. 17 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 17: Kentucky
2009 Average Test Score: 75.5%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 78.2%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.8%
Random Fact:
Almost all drivers answered correctly what a solid line meant.
Next: No. 16 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 16: Pennsylvania
2009 Average Test Score: 75.4%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 77.2%
2007 Average Test Score: 73.7%
Random Fact:
In general, geographical regions ranked similarly to previous years, with the lowest average test scores in the Northeast.
Next: No. 15 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 15: Louisiana
2009 Average Test Score: 75.3%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 76.4%
2007 Average Test Score: 75.4%
Random Fact:
The older the driver, the higher the test score. Drivers 35+ years old were most likely to pass.
Next: No. 14 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 14: Tennessee
2009 Average Test Score: 75.0%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 77.3%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.1%
Random Fact:
The age group with the highest failure rate was young adults (18 to 24 years old).
Next: No. 13 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 13: Mississippi
2009 Average Test Score: 75.0%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 75.7%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.1%
Random Fact:
White males older than 45 received the highest average score.
Next: No. 12 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 12: South Carolina
2009 Average Test Score: 74.8%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 77.1%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.3%
Random Fact:
The South had the highest failure rate.
Next: No. 11 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 11: Maryland
2009 Average Test Score: 74.8%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 76.8%
2007 Average Test Score: 77.1%
Random Fact:
Ninety-three percent of respondents had never heard of a "pay as you go insurance" pricing model for automobile insurance.
Next: No. 10 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 10: Connecticut
2009 Average Test Score: 74.4%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 77.3%
2007 Average Test Score: 75.8%
Random Fact:
Overall, this year's test scores were lower than last year's test scores.
Next: No. 9 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 9: Florida
2009 Average Test Score: 74.1%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 78.6%
2007 Average Test Score: 76.3%
Random Fact:
Florida drivers fared significantly worse in 2009, than they did in 2008 -- going from No. 26 Worst Drivers all the way to No. 9.
Next: No. 8 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 8: District of Columbia
2009 Average Test Score: 73.9%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 72.9%
2007 Average Test Score: 72.7%
Random Fact:
The District of Columbia may still be in the top 20 of states with the worst drivers, but last year it was the No. 2 worst.
Next: No. 7 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 7: Massachusetts
2009 Average Test Score: 73.8%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 75%
2007 Average Test Score: 72.7%
Random Fact:
The survey polled more than 500 licensed Americans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Next: No. 6 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 6: Rhode Island
2009 Average Test Score: 73.6%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 76.9%
2007 Average Test Score: 72.8%
Random Fact:
The test is designed to gauge driver knowledge by administering 20 actual questions taken from state DMV exams.
Next: No. 5 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 5: Georgia
2009 Average Test Score: 72.7%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 75.5%
2007 Average Test Score: 74.7%
Random Fact:
In addition to the 20-question DMV exam, GMAC posed other questions exploring participants' planned driving habits.
Next: No. 4 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 4: California
2009 Average Test Score: 72.4%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 77.3%
2007 Average Test Score: 77.5%
Random Fact:
Of the 20 states with the worst drivers, California and Florida dropped in rank the most in 2009.
Next: No. 3 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 3: Hawaii
2009 Average Test Score: 72.0%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 76.3%
2007 Average Test Score: 77.4%
Random Fact:
Idaho and Wisconsin replaced Kansas's 2008 ranking as the most knowledgeable.
Next: No. 2 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 2: New Jersey
2009 Average Test Score: 71.5%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 69.9%
2007 Average Test Score: 72.7%
Random Fact:
New Jersey had the dubious honor of having the least knowledgeable drivers last year. This year, it comes in at No. 2.
Next: No. 1 'Worst Drivers' State
Related Links:
No. 1: New York
2009 Average Test Score: 70.5%-------------------
2008 Average Test Score: 74.0%
2007 Average Test Score: 71.0%
Random Fact:
This is the second time New York has ranked last in the survey's five-year history.
Next: Take the Smart Driver Quiz
Related Links:
Take the Test:
See If You Pass ...
Now that you've seen which states have the least knowledgeable drivers, take the 20-question quiz and see how you score. Think you'll pass?Take Test:
Smart Driver Quiz
Post:
Have You Spotted Outrageous Driving Behavior?
Next: More Popular Features
Related Links:
Montana's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
2. 1996 Dodge Ram Pickup
3. 1989 Honda Accord
4. 1996 Subaru Legacy
5. 1992 Ford F150 Series
6. 1993 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
7. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
8. 1994 Ford Taurus
9. 1992 Ford Explorer
10. 2002 Ford F250 Series
*11. 1999 Honda Civic
* Indicates a tie for Number 10
Next: Nebraska's Top 10
Related Links:
Nebraska's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup
2. 1990 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
3. 1998 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
4. 1998 Ford F150 Series
5. 1992 Honda Accord
6. 1996 Ford Taurus
7. 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass
8. 1994 Chevrolet Blazer
9. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
10. 1998 Dodge Neon
Next: Nevada's Top 10
Related Links:
Nevada's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 2003 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup
7. 1994 Saturn SL
8. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
9. 2002 Cadillac Escalade
10. 1997 Ford F150 Series
Next: New Hampshire's Top 10
Related Links:
New Hampshire's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1999 Honda Civic
2. 1997 Dodge Caravan
3. 1994 Honda Accord
4. 2001 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
5. 1989 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
7. 2000 Ford Explorer
8. 1990 Toyota Corolla
9. 1997 Toyota Camry
10. 1995 Ford Taurus
*11. 1999 Acura Integra
* Indicates a tie for Number 10
Next: New Jersey's Top 10
Related Links:
New Jersey's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 2000 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
4. 1996 Dodge Caravan
5. 1991 Toyota Camry
6. 1996 Nissan Maxima
7. 1994 Plymouth Voyager
8. 1995 Acura Integra
9. 2000 Dodge Intrepid
10. 2006 Nissan Altima
Next: New Mexico's Top 10
Related Links:
New Mexico's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 1992 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
4. 2004 Ford F150 Series
5. 1998 Honda Civic
6. 1997 Ford F250 Series
7. 1990 Toyota Camry
8. 2006 Ford F350 Series
9. 2005 Ford F Series
10. 1994 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
Next: New York's Top 10
Related Links:
New York's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 2000 Honda Civic
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1996 Dodge Caravan
5. 1996 Nissan Maxima
6. 2000 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
7. 2002 Ford Explorer
8. 1994 Plymouth Voyager
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
10. 2007 Toyota Corolla
Next: North Carolina's Top 10
Related Links:
North Carolina's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1996 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1997 Ford F150 Series
4. 1996 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
5. 1993 Toyota Camry
6. 2002 Ford Explorer
7. 2001 Ford Taurus
8. 1994 Dodge Caravan
9. 2000 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
10. 1996 Ford Ranger
Next: North Dakota's Top 10
Related Links:
North Dakota's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1990 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
2. 2003 Ford F150 Series
3. 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup
4. 1996 Dodge Caravan
5. 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
6. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
7. 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
8. 1999 Ford Explorer
9. 2001 Ford Taurus
10. 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
*11. 1998 Ford Escort
*12. 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
*13. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass
* Indicates a tie for Number 10
Next: Ohio's Top 10
Related Links:
Ohio's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1994 Dodge Caravan
2. 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass
3. 1994 Buick Century
4. 1996 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
5. 1997 Ford Taurus
6. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
7. 2000 Dodge Intrepid
8. 1989 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
9. 1998 Honda Civic
10. 1995 Plymouth Voyager
Next: Oklahoma's Top 10
Related Links:
Oklahoma's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
2. 1996 Honda Accord
3. 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup
4. 1995 Honda Civic
5. 1997 Ford F150 Series
6. 1989 GMC C/K 1500 Pickup
7. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass
8. 1993 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
9. 2001 Ford Explorer
10. 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
Next: Oregon's Top 10
Related Links:
Oregon's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1990 Toyota Camry
4. 1988 Toyota Pickup
5. 1994 Acura Integra
6. 1994 Nissan Sentra
7. 1988 Toyota 4Runner
8. 1994 Ford Escort
9. 1994 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
10. 1994 Ford Explorer
Next: Pennsylvania's Top 10
Related Links:
Pennsylvania's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1994 Honda Civic
3. 1994 Dodge Caravan
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
5. 1996 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
6. 1999 Ford Taurus
7. 1994 Plymouth Voyager
8. 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
Next: Rhode Island's Top 10
Related Links:
Rhode Island's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1995 Nissan Maxima
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 1995 Honda Civic
4. 1990 Toyota Camry
5. 1995 Acura Integra
6. 1998 Ford Taurus
7. 2000 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
8. 1999 Dodge Caravan
9. 1989 Toyota Corolla
10. 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Next: South Carolina's Top 10
Related Links:
South Carolina's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1990 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
3. 1997 Ford Explorer
4. 1997 Ford F150 Series
5. 1996 Ford Taurus
6. 1991 Chevrolet Caprice
7. 1998 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
8. 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup
9. 2000 Honda Civic
10. 1996 Toyota Camry
Next: South Dakota's Top 10
Related Links:
South Dakota's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1992 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
2. 1997 Ford F150 Series
3. 1992 Chevrolet Blazer
4. 2001 Ford Explorer
5. 1993 Ford Taurus
6. 1993 Dodge Caravan
7. 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
8. 1999 Dodge Ram Pickup
9. 1992 Chevrolet Lumina
10. 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
*11. 2000 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
* Indicates a tie for Number 10
Next: Tennessee's Top 10
Related Links:
Tennessee's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
2. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1996 Honda Accord
5. 1997 Ford F150 Series
6. 1998 Ford Taurus
7. 1993 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
8. 1994 Ford Explorer
9. 1987 Chevrolet Caprice
10. 1998 Ford Ranger
Next: Texas's Top 10
Related Links:
Texas' 'Hot Wheels'
1. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
2. 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
3. 1997 Ford F150 Series
4. 1996 Honda Accord
5. 2000 Honda Civic
6. 2004 Ford F250 Series
7. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
8. 1997 Ford Taurus
9. 2006 Ford F350 Series
10. 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
Next: Utah's Top 10
Related Links:
Utah's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1997 Honda Civic
2. 1992 Honda Accord
3. 1995 Saturn SL
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 1994 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
7. 1991 Toyota Camry
8. 1997 Ford F150 Series
9. 1997 Nissan Altima
10. 2000 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
Next: Vermont's Top 10
Related Links:
Vermont's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1996 Subaru Legacy
2. 1994 Ford Taurus
3. 1997 Ford Escort
4. 1997 Honda Civic
5. 2000 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
6. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
7. 1996 Ford Ranger
8. 1994 Jeep Wrangler
9. 1995 Ford F150 Series
10. 2005 Dodge Caravan
*11. 1998 Bombardier Ski Doo
*12. 1989 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
* Indicates a tie for Number 10
Next: Virginia's Top 10
Related Links:
Virginia's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1996 Honda Accord
2. 2000 Honda Civic
3. 1995 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
4. 1996 Dodge Caravan
5. 1997 Ford Taurus
6. 2002 Ford Explorer
7. 2007 Toyota Camry
8. 1997 Ford F150 Series
9. 1998 Toyota Corolla
10. 2006 Nissan Altima
Next: Washington's Top 10
Related Links:
Washington's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1993 Saturn SL
6. 1994 Nissan Sentra
7. 1988 Toyota Pickup
8. 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
9. 1993 Subaru Legacy
10. 1994 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
Next: West Virginia's Top 10
Related Links:
West Virginia's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1993 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
2. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
3. 1995 Ford F150 Series
4. 1996 Ford Ranger
5. 1996 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
6. 2005 Honda TRX400 (ATV)
7. 1996 Ford Taurus
8. 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
9. 2003 Honda TRX350 (ATV)
10. 2002 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup
Next: Wisconsin's Top 10
Related Links:
Wisconsin's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 1994 Dodge Caravan
2. 1994 Plymouth Voyager
3. 1999 Dodge Intrepid
4. 1991 Honda Accord
5. 1995 Honda Civic
6. 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass
7. 1996 Ford Taurus
8. 1993 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
9. 1989 Buick LeSabre
10. 1991 Toyota Camry
Next: Wyoming's Top 10
Related Links:
Wyoming's 'Hot Wheels'
1. 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup
2. 2000 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
3. 1997 Ford F150 Series
4. 1999 Ford Explorer
5. 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
6. 2003 Ford Taurus
7. 2006 Chevrolet C/K 2500 Pickup
8. 1989 Honda Accord
9. 2001 Ford F350 Series
10. 1992 Ford Ranger
*11. 2003 Jeep (Grand) Cherokee
*12. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
* Indicates a tie for Number 10
Next: More on AOL
Related Links:
Most Popular Features
Check out some of the most popular features on WalletPop:
Check out some of the most popular features on WalletPop:
- Can They Really Do That?
- Cheapest Person I Know
- 10 Cable Companies Secrets
- Super Supermarket Products
- Deadly Products
- 12 Major Brands That Will Disappear
Related Links:
Insurance
- Car Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Life Insurance Calculators
- Insurance Blog Posts
PERSONAL FINANCE
- Bargains
- Banking
- Budgets
- Calculators
- College Finance
- Community
- Credit
- Debt
- Economizer
- Fraud
- Insurance
- Loans
- Mortgages
- Recalls
- Recession
- Retirement
- Saving
- Simplification
- Specials
- Taxes
FROM THE BLOG
- Ask WalletPop
- Buyer Beware
- Celebs & Money
- Fantastic Freebies
- Kids and Money
- Loose Change
- Ripoffs and Scams
- Sex Sells
- Stimulate US
- The Dolans
- Video
INVESTING
- Stock Quotes
- Stock Charts
- Stock Ticker
- Portfolio
- Stock Screener
- Broker Center
- Mutual Fund Center
- ETF Center
- Money
- 24/7 Wall St.
- Financial Glossary
SMALL BUSINESS
Find Your Next Car
Helpful Resources
Find Your Next Car
Helpful Resources
Find Your Next Car
|
|
Ask Me About Insurance
Do you have a question about insurance? Ask our insurance expert Jonathan Berr.
Uninsured more likely to die younger
Whether you're a child rushed to an emergency room for care or an adult who has put off preventive medical care, if you...
Ready to gamble that your home value will tumble more?
Queasy-stomached home owners who can't bear to watch the equity in their homes continue to dwindle have an option: Equity...
CitiGroup Says good-bye to life insurer Primerica
The best technique for selling life insurance is known in the trade as "driving the hearse up to the door." When the salesperson...
Bad actors continue to prey on seniors
Bad actors have solidly shifted their attention to reverse mortgages, causing a top consumer organization to warn seniors...
Car Insurance Basics
Save on Car Insurance
Find out how you can save on car insurance and research makes and models.
Multiple Insurance Quotes
How to Get the Best Deal
Research New, Used Autos

Alex