Where are you most likely to pass your driving test?

There are many factors that affect whether you’ll pass your driving test– with practice and studying at the top of the list. But what else could work in your favour?

We regularly examine the pass rate percentage of major driving test centres in the UK to determine the ones with the highest pass rates, and then review the centres in terms of women and men.

New figures covering April 2021 to March 2022 were released by the DVLA in April 2022, illustrating that the pass rate remains at a steady 49.6% in the UK (compared to 2021’s 49.8% and 2020’s 45.9%).

What is interesting is that the number of tests conducted has increased significantly, from 436,044 to 1,112,424 driving tests (year to date) compared to the previous period. As we recover from the effects of the pandemic, it’s great to see so many people now able to take their driving test and hit the roads this year!

We take a look at the latest test centre data provided by the DVLA, currently running from April to December 2021, and review centres that have conducted at least 1,000 tests during this period.

Highest pass rates by driving test centres

You may not think that where you live makes a difference to a driving test pass rate, but it could. In fact, Scotland still has the highest overall pass rate in the UK!

Chichester is at the top spot for total pass rates between April and December 2021 with an average of 67%!  And the pass rates are identical for both sexes, with 67% of men and 67% of women.Some of the centres with the highest average pass rates, according to the most recent data, includes Barry and Aberdeen South, both totaling a 64% pass rate.While London areas do suffer from lower pass rates, the problem is not exclusive to London. Some of the centres with the lowest pass rates include Erith (London) at just 28%, Belvedere (London) at 31%, while Bury (Manchester) and Crewe come in equal with a 40% pass rate each.Test centres in Birmingham also have some of the lowest pass rates: Sutton Coldfield is 35%, its 36% for Kingstanding and South Yardley, 39% for Kings Heath, 42% for Garrets Green, and Wyndley is 47%. Interestingly, Shirley is just above the national average at 51%.

Driving test by sex

The difference between the male and female pass rate is fascinating and we have been eager to review whether this changes over the years.

There is some good news that illustrates a slow balancing of the scales, with the men’s pass rate dropping from last year’s 53%, while the women’s rates increased on last year’s 47%.

Ten years ago, for the period 2011/2012, the gap was far wider, with 50% of men passing versus 44% of their female counterparts – and the gap has continued to close year on year.

For the period 2021/2022, there were 570,938 tests taken by men, with a pass rate averaging 52%.During this same period, there were 541,219 tests taken by women, with a pass rate averaging 47%.

If you are male looking to take your driving test:

Lee-on-the-Solent remains at the top for the highest pass rate for males out of all test centres in the UK during the period April to December 2021, standing at 69%.Yeovil takes second place with 68%.Chichester, Barry, Brecon and Dorchester come in at a joint third, with average pass rate standing at 67% each!

If you are female looking to take your driving test:

Chichester takes the top spot for the highest pass rate for females out of all test centres in the UK during the period April to December 2021, standing at 67%.Lee-on-the-Solent takes second place with 64%Yeovil takes the third place with 63%.While Aberdeen South, Barry, Dorchester, Rugby, and Sevenoaks come in at a joint fourth place, all with average pass rate standing at 62% each.

Wherever your driving test is held, make sure you turn up prepared, well rested and 15 minutes early. Keeping calm, and arriving unflustered, could give you the extra edge you need to pass first time. Good luck!

Looking for insurance for a learner, new or young driver? Find out what your options are via our previous blog, and give the experts at your local branch a call. Find your local branch here.