New research from Tempcover has revealed stark regional differences in UK driving test pass rates.

In some cases, learners can take their test, potentially doubling their chances of success.

Of course, regional differences do not necessarily mean the tests are any different, but external factors, such as traffic levels or the number of roundabouts, can affect test realities.

Fifty fifty

The study, based on the latest DVSA data, found that the national average pass rate continues to sit below 50% (around 48.7%), meaning fewer than half of learners pass first time.

However, that headline figure masks significant variation across regions and individual test centres.

According to the research, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales consistently outperform England, with average pass rates of around 60%, 58% and 56% respectively.

In contrast, some of England’s busiest regions lag behind, with London and the West Midlands among the hardest places to pass, both averaging around 46%.

Round the corner

The disparity becomes even more pronounced at a local level.

Among larger test centres handling over 1,000 tests per year, Dorchester recorded the highest pass rate at 66.7%, followed by Kendal (64.8%) and Chichester (64.2%).

These areas tend to have quieter roads and less complex traffic conditions, factors widely believed to improve candidates’ chances.

At the other end of the scale, several urban centres reported dramatically lower success rates.

Wolverhampton ranked as the toughest location, with just 33.4% of learners passing, while Featherstone (34.1%), Wednesbury (36.4%) and Chingford in London (36.5%) also featured among the lowest-performing areas.

Tempcover’s analysis suggests that road complexity, traffic volume and familiarity with test routes are key factors influencing outcomes.

Busy city environments, with multi-lane junctions, frequent stops and higher traffic density, present additional challenges compared to quieter rural or coastal locations.

The research also highlights how more remote test centres often achieve the highest success rates.

In some cases, pass rates exceed 80%, although these figures are typically based on smaller numbers of tests and simpler road networks.

Wise heads

Age also plays a role in pass rate variation.

The data shows that 17-year-olds have the highest success rate at around 61%, with performance declining steadily among older age groups.

Learners over 50 are significantly more likely to fail, with some groups recording fail rates above 60%.

More broadly, long-term trends suggest pass rates have slightly declined in recent years. Government data indicates a drop from 49.8% in 2020–21 to around 48.2% in 2023–24, as the number of tests increased following the pandemic backlog.

Industry experts say the findings underline the importance of preparation over location alone.

While some learners may consider booking tests in higher-performing areas, instructors warn that familiarity with local roads and conditions remains crucial.

Ready steady…

Tempcover’s report concludes that pass rate statistics should be used as a guide rather than a guarantee, and that a fully prepared driver should pass regardless of the test centre’s location.

A higher pass rate does not necessarily mean an easier test; it reflects a combination of the environment, candidate readiness, and local driving conditions.

With waiting times for tests still at record levels,  the data is likely to fuel ongoing debate about fairness and accessibility in the UK driving test system—particularly for learners in densely populated urban areas, where passing first time remains significantly more challenging.

However, being test-ready is key, and the DVSA’s ‘Ready To Pass?’ campaign was designed to emphasise this for pupils, parents and instructors alike.

A better pass rate will have a significant positive effect in reducing test waiting times, ensuring more competent, confident, and fully prepared drivers, and undoubtedly improving road safety statistics.