Image Source: Flickr
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has recently revealed the driving test statistics for the 2013-2014 period which show a huge difference in pass rates between different parts of the country. Pass rates for the practical driving test varied from just 37 percent to 85 percent depending on location, so just where are the best and worst place to sit your driving test in the UK?
The Best Places to Take Your Driving Test
Scotland and the Lake District are shown to be some of the best places to take your driving test in the UK, with all locations in the top 5 leaderboard being situated in Cumbria or north of the border. According to the DSA1202 report, the areas with the highest pass rates are as follows:
- Lairg – 85.7%
- Benbecula Island – 84.2%
- Ballachulish – 80%
- Ballater – 78.8%
- Kendal – 75.8%
Something that all 5 locations have in common is that they are all relatively rural. They are areas where public transport is much more sparse than in big cities, and areas where residents are more dependent on their vehicles to get around. Coupled with quieter roads, and a trend for early tuition in rural areas, it is simple to understand why these locations may have higher pass rates.
The Worst Places to Take Your Driving Test
If rural areas tend to perform best, it can be expected that urban areas have the lowest pass rates. Of the 5 worst areas for passing your driving test, 3 are located in London, one is another major UK city, and there’s one that’s a real shocker. Here are the 5 worst places to take your test:
- Belvedere, London – 34.7%
- Aberfeldy – 34.8%
- Wanstead, London – 35.2%
- Barking, London – 35.6%
- Leeds – 37.4%
London and Leeds are busy cities where traffic jams, stressful situations, and poor parking opportunities are rife, which may explain why pass rates are much lower in these parts of the country. The quiet town of Aberfeldy, Scotland, however, seems out of place so low down on the list. However, with only 23 first attempts made in Aberfeldy during the 2013-2014 period, the pass rate is statistically less likely to be high when compared to areas such as Goodmayes, London, which saw nearly 5000 first attempts in the same period.
Is It Fair?
While it can be argued that, as long as you’re prepared for your test then you should reasonably pass, let’s be realistic here. Driving instructors have acknowledged that there is a level of location bias when it comes to the driving test, with one even stating that ‘there’s no doubt that some areas are easier because the routes are easier’ – it’s as simple as that. Is it fair? No, but it’s something that, as good drivers, we should be able to shrug off. Learner drivers can take their test at any approved centre in the UK, but are widely encouraged to stay within their own area. There’s nothing like having knowledge and experience of your own local roads, so if you’re in an area that ranks low on the list, this is simply the encouragement you need to practice, prepare, and become a confident driver.
