21 August 2025
Where are you most likely to pass your driving test?
6 minutes
Taking your driving test is a milestone moment, and there are many factors that will affect whether you'll pass. Aside from lots of practice, where you take the test can make all the difference. With pass rates varying widely across the UK, choosing the right test centre could boost your chances of success.
We’ve analysed the most recent DVSA data on pass rates across the country* to uncover the test centres where learner drivers are most likely to pass. We'll also cover top reasons learners fail their test, and tips to help you pass fast. Let’s dive in.
What's covered:
- 5 factors which affect driving test pass rates
- The 15 driving test centres with the highest pass rate in the UK
- The 15 driving test centres with the highest pass rate in England
- The 15 driving test centres with the lowest pass rate in the UK
- 10 top reasons learners fail their driving test
- How much should pass rates factor into your test centre choice?
- Tips to help you pass your driving test
- Final thoughts
Are you looking for learner driver insurance? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy!
5 factors which affect driving test pass rates
Pass rates can vary dramatically between test centres, and it’s not just down to luck. Here are five key factors that influence how likely learners are to pass:
1. Road type and traffic conditions
Urban test centres often have lower pass rates due to busy roads in the area, complex junctions, and frequent hazards. In contrast, rural routes tend to be quieter and more straightforward, making them easier to navigate.
2. Examiner variability
While all examiners follow the same DVSA standards, individual differences in approach can influence outcomes. Some may be stricter on minor faults, while others take a more lenient view. This can lead to slight variations in pass rates, even within the same test centre.
3. Weather conditions
Rain, fog, or icy roads can make driving more difficult and increase the likelihood of mistakes. While you can’t control the weather, being prepared for different conditions is essential.
4. Test route difficulty
Some test centres have notoriously tricky test routes, with challenging roundabouts, multi-lane junctions, or frequent lane changes. Centres with simpler, more predictable routes often see higher pass rates.
5. Confidence and preparation
Ultimately, your own readiness plays a huge role. Learners who feel confident, understand the Highway Code, and have practised a wide range of scenarios are more likely to succeed—regardless of location.
Also read: How to book your practical driving test in 2025 | Howden Insurance
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The 15 driving test centres with the highest pass rate in the UK
Benbecula island, off the west coast of Scotland, takes the crown with an average pass rate of 82%. As you can see, Scotland takes all but 2 of the top 15 test centres.
You'll notice that most of these test centres are in very remote or rural locations (e.g. Benbecula Island, Stranraer, Crieff), where roads are quieter and driving conditions are less stressful. These locations benefit from low traffic volumes, simpler junctions, and fewer distractions.
The 15 driving test centres with the highest pass rate in England
We've covered the UK, but what about England? Here are the easiest test centres across England:
The 15 driving test centres with the lowest pass rate in the UK
At the other end of the scale, these test centres are the hardest to pass in the UK - certainly something to take into account (and perhaps avoid!) when booking your test.
As this data shows, the hardest test centres mostly appear in large cities and urban areas. Several are also located in and around London (Chingford, Belvedere, Greenford and Barking).
Navigating large cities can be tough for learner drivers. Busy roads, complex roundabouts, one-way systems, and dual carriageways all add to the challenge. These factors often make urban driving tests more difficult to pass compared to those in quieter rural areas, where there's less traffic and fewer potential hazards.
However, for many people living in cities, travelling to a rural test centre simply isn’t a practical option.
10 top reasons learners fail their driving test
What are the most common mistakes made by learners? The DVSA highlights ten common faults* that frequently lead to driving test failures:
1. Poor observations at junctions
Failing to make timely and effective observations at junctions, roundabouts, and slip roads can lead to serious faults and dangerous situations.
2. Incorrect mirror use when changing direction
Not checking mirrors properly before signalling or changing lanes, especially on roundabouts and dual carriageways, can cause collisions or force other vehicles to slow down.
3. Unsafe moving off
Learners often fail to check blind spots or move off safely from parked positions, slopes, or after emergency stops, putting other road users at risk.
4. Wrong positioning when turning right
Incorrect lane positioning when turning right at junctions or roundabouts can confuse other drivers and obstruct traffic flow.
5. Poor response to traffic lights
Common errors include running red lights, blocking junctions, or failing to move when the light turns green, all of which can disrupt traffic and cause accidents.
6. Lack of steering control
Understeering, late steering, or mounting pavements during manoeuvres are signs of poor control and can lead to test failure.
7. Misreading road markings
Ignoring lane arrows, box junctions, or solid white lines shows a lack of awareness and can result in serious faults.
8. Ignoring traffic signs
Disregarding signs like ‘stop’, ‘no entry’, or ‘keep left’, or driving in restricted lanes, indicates poor understanding of road rules.
9. Poor road positioning during normal driving
Driving too close to the kerb or centre line, or unnecessarily staying in the right-hand lane, can endanger pedestrians and other drivers.
10. Unsafe speed choices
Driving too fast for road conditions, weather, or speed limits is a major reason for test failure and contributes to many road accidents.
How much should pass rates factor into your test centre choice?
It might seem logical to book your test at a centre with a high pass rate to improve your chances, but this approach isn’t always practical or effective:
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Local knowledge is key: Examiners expect you to be familiar with the area. If you’re unfamiliar with the roads, junctions, or traffic flow, you may find the test more difficult.
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Popular centres often have long wait times: High-pass-rate locations can be in high demand, meaning longer delays before you can take your test.
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Travel costs and logistics can outweigh the benefits: The time and expense of travelling to a distant centre may not be worth it.
Instead, focus on becoming a confident and adaptable driver in your local area. Knowing your test routes and being prepared for a range of driving conditions is far more valuable than chasing statistics.
Tips to help you pass your driving test
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Practise on actual test routes if possible to build familiarity.
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Take a mock test with a different instructor to simulate real test pressure.
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Book a lesson just before your test to sharpen your focus.
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Be honest about your weak areas — whether it’s roundabouts, clutch control, or parallel parking — and practise them thoroughly.
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Stay calm and breathe — nerves are one of the most common reasons for failure.
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Get extra private practice with a family member or friend to reinforce your skills outside of lessons.
Final thoughts
While some rural centres in Scotland and Wales boast high pass rates, and major cities like London, Birmingham, and Glasgow tend to be more challenging, your best chance of success lies in knowing your routes and being fully prepared. Confidence, familiarity, and readiness are the real keys to passing your test.
Sources:
- DVSA - Driving test and theory test data:
- DVSA - Top 10 reasons for failing the driving test in Great Britain