New Yorkers rate as worst drivers

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- One out of six drivers on the road today would not pass a written driver's license test if they were given one today, according to a national survey conducted by GMAC Insurance.

The survey asked questions from actual state Department of Motor Vehicle tests. Questions covered both traffic laws and safe driving habits.

The average score nationwide was 77.1 (out of 100). Respondents from New York state had the lowest average score, answering just 71 percent of the questions correctly. New Yorkers also had the highest failure rate, with 36 percent failing to earn what would be considered a passing score on the test.

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Idaho had the highest average score, at 87.1.

At least 100 people from each state and Washington D.C. were asked 20 questions taken from actual DMV tests. The questions and answers were applicable to all states.

In general, residents in eastern states fared worst and residents of western states did best.

The bottom five ranked states, from worst to best, were New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The top five states, ranked from best to worst, were Idaho, Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas.

Questions included such things as "A traffic light with a flashing red signal means?" and "If, while driving, a tire suddenly blows out, you should..."

The test can be taken on-line at gmacinsurance.com. (This link will open a new window containing a Website operated by an outside company. CNN and CNNMoney.com are not responsible for the content of that site.)