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Driving test pass rates

Compare driving test pass rates near you

Pop in your postcode to check pass rates near you. If there’s a long wait at your local centre, you might find an earlier slot nearby.

Which UK regions have the highest pass rates?

Around 1 in 4 learners say that knowing their test centre’s pass rate would help them feel more confident on the day.

Our interactive map shows how pass rates vary across the UK, and the difference is bigger than you might think.

Here are the top 3 regions with the best pass rates:

  • Scotland – 60%
  • Northern Ireland – 58%
  • Wales – 56%

In England, the top 3 regions with the highest driving test pass rates are:

  • East Midlands
  • North East
  • South East

The hardest regions to pass in are London and the West Midlands, both sitting at just 46%.

Use the map to see if the odds for your region are in your favour.

How to get an earlier driving test date

In busy areas learners can be waiting over 22 weeks to take their test!

What's causing delays?

  • Covid backlog – Over a million tests were missed during lockdown.
  • Examiner shortage - The UK needs more trained examiners.
  • Bots & booking scams – Slots get snapped up in seconds, then resold for profit.

How to book a test sooner

  • Check early – the DVSA slots usually drop on Mondays around 6 AM.
  • Be flexible on location – centres in quieter locations might have earlier dates compared to busy cities.
  • Try a cancellation app – 'Driving Test Cancellations 4 All' is Trading Standards approved and helps you book cancellations.

How to prepare for your driving test

More than 60% of learners say that knowing the test area helped ease their nerves, and nearly half felt more confident after some recent practice and knowing which manoeuvres to expect. Here's how to give yourself the best chance:

  • Practise everything – city traffic, country roads, bad weather, late nights. Be ready for anything.
  • Do a mock test – get used to the pressure. You might even drive the same route on the day.
  • Build your stamina – 2-hour lessons get you used to driving for longer.
  • Warm up before – book a lesson right before your test to settle your nerves.
  • Pack the night before – don’t forget your provisional licence and theory pass certificate.

The top reasons people fail their driving test

These are the most common mistakes, straight from the DVSA:

  • Not making effective observations at junctions - always look properly before pulling out.
  • Not using mirrors correctly - changing lanes or turning without checking mirrors will cause you to fail.
  • Not moving off safely - such as pulling away without checking your blind spots or forgetting to indicate.
  • Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions- wrong lane or angle is a no-no. It’s all about clear positioning.
  • Not responding appropriately to traffic lights - jumping the lights or hesitating too long can both cost you.

New driver insurance

You’ve done the hard part, but before you get on the road, you’ll need car insurance.

You’ll get your pass certificate when you pass. You can use it to apply for your full driving licence, which gets sent in the post. You can start driving as soon as you're insured.

Compare car insurance for new drivers

How to get cheaper car insurance

1. Pick a sensible first car – look for smaller engines and lower insurance groups.

2. Add a named driver – an experienced driver like a parent can help lower the price.

3. Pass Plus course – some insurers offer discounts for completing this extra course.

Need more help?

What do I need before I can book my test?

You'll need 2 things:

  • A valid provisional licence
  • A theory test pass certificate - it's valid for 2 years

And when test day comes, don’t forget to bring:

  • Your provisional photocard licence
  • Your theory pass certificate
  • Glasses or contacts if you need them for driving

How do I book my test, and what does it cost?

Head to the official GOV.UK site. Avoid third-party sites; they charge extra for something you can do in minutes.

Prices:

  • £62 for a weekday test
  • £75 for evenings, weekends, or bank holidays

You’ll need your licence number, theory certificate number, and a card to pay.

How do I cancel my test?

Make sure you give at least 10 working days’ notice, or you’ll lose your fee. You can cancel or change it on the same GOV.UK page you used to book .

Can I use my own car for the test?

Yes. Although your instructor’s car might be an easier option. To use your car, it must be:

  • Taxed, insured, and roadworthy
  • Fitted with L plates
  • Smoke-free and clean inside
  • Equipped with an extra interior mirror for the examiner
  • Not on the DVSA’s banned list of car models