The easiest places to pass your driving test in the UK - and where youre most likely to struggle

June 2024 · 3 minute read

PASSING a driving test can be a daunting experience for many learner drivers.

But a recent study has revealed the easiest and toughest places to take your on-road driving test.

A new breakdown by Moneybarn found learners are most likely to pass their test in Dorchester, with a pass rate of 62.4 per cent.

The data comes after changes were made to the driving test in 2017 which effectively made it more difficult for learners to get their licence.

Student drivers now have to 20-minute independent driving section where they must follow a sat nav device, as well as complete two additional "show me, tell me" questions.

Yeovil in South Somerset is another place you're likely to see success, with just under 62 per cent of learners passing with ease.

The top 10 test centres with highest pass rate

  • Dorchester - 62.4 per cent
  • Yeovil - 61.9 per cent
  • Northallerton - 61.8 per cent
  • Ipswich - 60.1 per cent
  • Durham - 60 per cent
  • Bridlington - 58.3 per cent
  • Newtown - 58.3 per cent
  • Ashfield - 58.2 per cent
  • Barry - 58 per cent
  • Chorley - 57.5 per cent

    • New drivers eager to get their licence also have luck in Northallerton in North Yorkshire and Ipswich in Suffolk, with 61 and 60 per cent respectively passing.

    Meanwhile, The Pavillion in Birmingham is the toughest place to take your test, with just 28.6 per cent of drivers earning a pass.

    Shockingly, this more than 17 per cent lower than the national pass rate.

    Speke in Liverpool and Erith in London are some other hotspots with a poor success rate with only 32.5 and 33 per cent of learners passing.

    Bottom 10 test centres with lowest pass rate

  • Birmingham (The Pavilion) - 28.6 per cent
  • Speke (Liverpool) 32.5 per cent
  • Birmingham (South Yardley) - 32.8 per cent
  • Erith (London) - 33 per cent
  • Belvedere (London) - 33.2 per cent
  • Rochdale (Manchester) - 34.2 per cent
  • Barking (Tanner Street) - 34.5 per cent
  • Bury (Manchester) - 34.6 per cent
  • Wolverhampton - 34.7 per cent
  • Luton - 34.9 per cent

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    Tim Schwarz, head of marketing at Moneybarn, said: "“Although the pass rate has lowered slightly, making certain elements of the driving test more challenging demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving road safety.

    "The changes are also more representative of what new drivers will encounter in their everyday driving, with a greater focus on a candidate’s ability to drive safely and responsibly, as well as ensuring they have good knowledge about driving theory and the vehicle itself."

    Earlier this month, we revealed the top ten used cars for learner drivers.

    Drivers facing a raft of new road laws and MOT changes in 2019 – here’s how they will affect you

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