From hill starts to parallel parking, driving tests let new drivers prove they’ve got what it takes behind the wheel. Between April and September 2023, 865,703 tests were taken across the UK, with an average pass rate of 48.8%.
During this period, half of all male drivers earned their licences, while 47.3% of women passed—marking the highest female pass rate in over 15 years.
But where are you most, or least, likely to pass your test and hit the road?
According to data from the DVLA, we’ve broken down the UK locations with the highest and lowest pass rates.
Top Locations for Passing Driving Tests
Most of the UK’s best pass rates are in Scotland, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
Between April and September 2023, several spots in Scotland—including Ballater, Benbecula Island, Duns, the Isle of Skye, and Mallaig—had a 100% pass rate for driving tests.
One standout area is Arbroath in Angus, where 91% of the 45 drivers who took their test in September 2023 passed. Clearly, learners here know how to perform on exam day.
Meanwhile, England’s highest pass rates were found in Barrow-in-Furness (77.1% in August) and Kendal (73.4% in July). In Wales, Newtown (Powys) took the lead, with 72% of drivers passing their tests in August.
Lowest Driving Test Pass Rates
London, named the slowest European city to drive in, isn’t the easiest place to pass your driving test either. For example, the Belvedere test centre in south-east London had a 36% pass rate, with only 31.2% of drivers passing in April.
The town of Castle Douglas in Scotland had a rough month in June, with just 30% of learners passing, though its overall pass rate is a healthier 55.7%. In England, Liverpool’s Speke area had the lowest pass rate at 30.3% in June, while Wolverhampton saw only 30.6% pass in September.
How does your town stack up? If you're taking your driving test soon, stay calm and good luck!
