Jaguar offers chance to drive classic cars
For many motoring enthusiasts, their passion is led by the dream of driving some...
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
By: Ella
Last updated: 09 August 2016
Today I am going to take my driving test, in a location where the pass rate is just 35%. This figure does little to ease my nerves, and begs the question: how much does location play a part in your chances of passing?
Taking your driving test is a day that almost everyone dreads – it’s costly, downright nerve wracking and you are under tremendous pressure not to make those dreaded major mistakes, but how much is where you take your test a factor in passing or failing? We have looked at the top locations to pass your test and the places you’re least likely to pass, and unsurprisingly, rural locations had higher pass rates across the board, where you are more than twice as likely to pass your test.
We found the difference between the highest and lowest pass rate was a whopping 47.7% as published by the DVSA (driving & vehicle standards agency). They claim that examiners are to be consistent across locations, but some places are simply harder to drive in – with more traffic and more complicated roads such as roundabouts, cross roads and multi-lane roads. Rural routes are generally more predictable than busy city roads. Therefore, reacting quickly and making decision making is even more crucial in urban routes. In rural locations you can cover all test centre routes far quicker than you would in a city.
The pass rate in the UK is currently at 43% yet the driving test is only set to continue getting harder and stricter, with trials for a new test which includes different maneuvers imitating more ‘real life’ situations, such as reversing in and out of a bay and increasing the time of independent driving to 20 minutes. There has also been much speculation of the theory test becoming written rather than a multiple choice test.
Interestingly, all of these are rural locations. In fact, 3 of the top 5 locations are in Scotland, probably due to its sparser population and more rural setting.
Photo credit: SpeedKingz / Shutterstock
However, that’s not to say that all pass rates in and around London and cities are as low as this. Pass rates in Slough and Borehamwood are above half, with 50.6 and 52.4% respectively. Loughton, Tolworth and Reading have pass rates of 48.7, 49.9 and 48.9, which are above the national average and all based in cities. So, perhaps other factors are at play when comparing pass rates?
It has been found the pass rate is higher in affluent areas probably because the learners can afford to take more lessons with an instructor. With lessons ranging from £20-30 per lesson it is understandable that some will get lessons off Mum and Dad for free instead. Kendal is an affluent area and most learners come to the test with their instructor who they have been having lessons with.
Ultimately, passing a driving test is never easy - there is usual a certain amount of luck involved. To pass in a busy city means you are more prepared for a wide variety of roads and will be grateful for it in the long run. Moreover, once you've passed they say that's when you really start learning, so don't think that stops after your test.
Feature image credit: michaeljung / Shutterstock
Welcome to the Click4reg industry blog. Get your daily fix of the latest industry news and information for private number plates and motoring enthusiasts.
Jaguar offers chance to drive classic cars
For many motoring enthusiasts, their passion is led by the dream of driving some...
Drink Driving Accidents in the UK 2016
Figures from the Governmen...
Online tax scam highlighted again as pensioner falls victim
The importance of buying tax discs through the correct channel has been highligh...
DVLA Warn of Rogue Websites Once Again
The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have once again issued warnings ...
DVLA reveals popular cars by location
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has a lot of figures at its finge...
Amazon orders delivered to your boot!
Amazon are starting a pilot scheme in Munich Germany allowing Prime customers to...
What Does Non-Transferable Registration Mark Mean?
Once you have purchased a new car, you may decide that you would like to add ...
Motorists must understand latest car tax changes
Later this year, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will abolish the...
© 2021 Click4Reg Ltd
(Registered in England and Wales) Company No. 08578609 | Vat No. 165583776
Tel: 0203 600 1234 | Email: info@click4reg.co.uk
Click4Reg offers private registrations from both stock numbers & private sellers. DVLA is a registered trade mark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Click4Reg Ltd is not affiliated to the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. Click4Reg Ltd is a recognised reseller of DVLA registrations, please see our terms & conditions for further details.
Registered office address: Click4Reg, Unit 2 Conqueror Industrial Estate, Moorhurst Road, St Leonards On Sea, East Sussex, TN38 9NA.
Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC (FRN:704348) & Specialist Lending Ltd (FRN:422339) are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Click4reg Limited FRN: 630511 trading as Click4reg are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker, not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability, and is provided by a panel of lenders of whom we have a commercial relationship.