Learner drivers face 'lottery' with huge variation in pass rates across the UK

Learner drivers across the UK are experiencing a 'postcode lottery' when it comes to passing their practical driving test, with chances of success varying dramatically depending on the location of the test centre.

New research by Confused.com reveals a striking disparity in driving test pass rates depending on where the test centre is based. Between 2021 and 2024, more than 6.2 million driving tests were taken in the UK, with only 3.05 million passed, giving an overall success rate of just 49 per cent.

In 2024 alone, almost 976,000 learners sat their tests, but fewer than 477,000 were successful, which also works out at less than half.

READ MORE: 'I'm a psychologist and this is exactly what your car colour says about you'

READ MORE: Tesla launching new £35,000 EV as it battles competition from China

According to figures obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, driving test results vary dramatically depending on where the centre is located. Test centres in the North West and Midlands record the lowest outcomes, with Speke in Liverpool at the very bottom with a pass rate of just 33.4 per cent.

Wolverhampton followed at 34.6 per cent, with Belvedere in London at 35.1 per cent and then Featherstone in the Midlands at 35.9 per cent. In sharp contrast, Scotland is home to the highest pass rates, with Mallaig recording 80.6 per cent and Inverary 79.6 per cent.

Behind the figures are thousands of failed tests for avoidable reasons. The most common errors in 2023 included poor observation at junctions, failing to use mirrors when changing direction and moving off without doing the proper checks.

Another growing frustration is the length of time learners are having to wait for a test slot. Between 2021 and 2024, more than one in four waited between two and four months between booking and taking their test. Official data shows that by March 2025, the national average wait time had stretched to 21.9 weeks, or more than five months, compared with 16.1 weeks the previous year.

A quarter of learners (25 per cent) feel the price of retaking the test is too high, which can pile on even more pressure — one in five said they felt forced to pass quickly because rebooking would take too long or cost too much. Some learners are becoming more tactical, with 31 per cent believing the time of day makes a difference to their chances and one in four avoiding rush hour bookings.

Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines sent straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter

More than half admitted they would travel up to 10 miles away for a higher pass rate, with more than a quarter switching test centres after failing once already. This combination of waiting times, costs and the 'postcode lottery' has fuelled calls for change.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has urged the DVSA to broaden access to driving tests through its Plan for Change. However, the 2024/2025 DVSA Annual Report and Accounts show that average waiting times for a practical driving test continue to rise.

To help learners give themselves the best chance to pass their tests, Confused.com has created a driving test pass rate calculator. The company's car insurance expert, Rhydian Jones, explained: "Passing your driving test is a huge milestone but our latest research shows just how challenging and inconsistent the system can be.

"This is especially true when learners are waiting months for a test date, only to find their chances of passing depend heavily on where they take it… It's clear more needs to be done. But in the meantime, our learner driver tool can help learners make smarter choices about where to book.

"By ranking nearby test centres based on their pass rates, it encourages you to consider alternative locations that might speed up your booking and increase your chances of passing. You can also search by location to explore the options available near you."

Driving test centres with lowest average pass rates (2021–2024):

• Speke (Liverpool), North West – 33.4%
• Wolverhampton, Midlands – 34.6%
• Belvedere (London), South East – 35.1%
• Featherstone, Midlands – 35.9%
• Wednesbury, Midlands – 36.9%
• Crawley, South East – 37.3%
• Rochdale (Manchester), North West – 37.7%
• Bury (Manchester), North West – 37.8%
• Chingford (London), South East – 38.2%
• Erith (London), South East – 38.4%

Highest pass rates (2021–2024):

• Mallaig – 80.6%
• Inverary – 79.6%

With costs mounting and waiting times growing, the statistics suggest where you take your test could play a massive part in your chances for success. So it might be a good idea to find out the pass rates at centres near you, or maybe even travel to one further afield to improve your odds.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured.