Passing your driving test is seen as a crucial stage in adulthood, as being able to drive gives you independence. But, with a national average pass rate of under 50%, most people do not pass the test the first time round. So, are there any factors that affect the likelihood of you passing?
The test centre
Every three months, data is published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency about the pass rates for driving test centres. The data that was recently released in April 2019, shows an interesting trend of where people are passing and where they are failing. Nine out of ten of the driving test centres with high pass rates were in Scotland, and those with lowest pass rates were in big cities. Judging from the data provided by the DVSA, if you take your driving test in a rural area you have higher chances of passing. In our latest Get Licensed Driving School video, Francis the Instructor does not believe it’s about where you take your driving test and thinks it’s about learners not being ready.
The time you take your test
The time of day that you take your test, can also be a factor in if you pass your driving test. Car insurer Dayinsure submitted freedom of information requests to get data on how pass rates vary during the day. Dayinsure’s findings revealed that between 11am and 1pm was the worst time to take your test, with a pass rate of just 48.8%. According to Dayinsure’s study, the best time to take your driving test is in the evening and between 7pm and 9pm which has a pass rate of 65.4%.
How old you are
It appears that the younger you are, the more likely you are to pass your driving test. According to data provided by New Driver Programme, 16 year olds have the highest pass rate of 61.33% and 17 year olds the second highest at 56.76%. 55 year olds have the lowest pass rate of 33.46%. The data suggests that the earlier on in life you take your driving test, the more likely you are to pass. High pass rates for younger people could be because those who seek to take their test as soon as possible, put the work in to pass their driving tests.
Taking a test beforehand
Motoring organisation RAC believes that taking a test beforehand can positively affect your chances. The RAC says: “A lesson beforehand will help calm your nerves and put you in the right frame of mind for driving, especially if you have been receiving two-hour lessons in the weeks building up to your test, which we’d also recommend.”
Why do people fail their driving test?
Although it’s all well and good knowing which factors can improve your chances of passing your driving test, it’s also good to know why people fail their driving test.
According to recent data from the DVSA, these are the most common reasons for a failed test:
Observation of the situation at junctions
Checking mirrors when changing direction
Steering control
Turning right at junctions
Moving off safely
The positioning of the car during normal driving
Control of the car when moving off
Responding to traffic lights
Control of the car when reverse parking
Responding to traffic signs
Practice makes perfect
Also, make sure to practice as much as you can. Check out New Driver Programme who have plenty of resources for learner drivers to look at. Our Youtube channel also has driving lesson and driving tips video.
Ready to take your driving test?
If you’re ready to take your driving test, find a driving instructor who meets your requirements HERE.
