New data highlights the vast differences in driving test pass rates across the UK, exposing what many consider a “postcode lottery” for learners. Statistics obtained by The Telegraph through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests reveal the examiners with the highest and lowest pass rates over two periods in 2023 and 2024.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), some examiners are 15 times more likely to fail candidates than others. For instance, in 2023, the highest pass rate recorded was 91.7% at Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Meanwhile, at Scunthorpe, one examiner passed just 6% of learners.
The data also showed that while the most lenient examiners pass 9 in 10 candidates, the strictest pass fewer than 1 in 10. Disparities were even seen within the same test centres. At Bredbury in Manchester, the lowest pass rate was 8%, compared to a 67% pass rate by the most lenient examiner. Similarly, at Wrexham in Wales, pass rates ranged from 16.7% to 76.2%, a gap of nearly 60 percentage points.
Other centres with low pass rates included Goodmayes in London and Glasgow, where the lowest was 16.7%, and Borehamwood, at 18.8%. On the other hand, some centres recorded much higher success rates in 2024, such as Newport (Gwent) at 93.3%, Llanelli (Wales) at 92.09%, and Peebles (Scotland) at 92.3%.
The UK’s average pass rate is around 50%. Commenting on the variations, Ruth Cadbury, Chair of the Commons Transport Committee, said the differences undermine claims of consistent testing standards. “These variations seem too great to be anomalies,” she said, urging the Department for Transport to investigate.
To address delays in testing, the DVSA recruited 450 new examiners as part of a seven-point plan to improve the system. Changes included extending the test cancellation period from 3 to 10 working days and considering a reduction of the 24-week booking window to increase availability.
Historical data highlights persistent regional discrepancies. In 2022, the Rothesay test centre on the Isle of Bute in Scotland had a 92.3% pass rate, while London centres like Erith and Wanstead reported just 28% and 34%, respectively. In Birmingham, fewer than a third of learners passed on their first attempt, according to 2020 figures.
Analysis by GoCompare suggests rural centres tend to have higher pass rates due to simpler road layouts, fewer roundabouts, and less congestion. “Quieter routes can reduce distractions and nerves, increasing the chance of success,” said Matt Oliver, the company’s driving expert.
On average, learners spend £647 and take 22 lessons to pass their test on the first attempt. Those who fail multiple times may spend significantly more, making it worth considering the pass rates of different test centres. Oliver also advised learners to practise regularly on local test routes and in various driving conditions to improve their chances of passing.
