THE DRIVING test centres in the UK with the highest pass rates have been revealed – and one boasts a perfect 100% record.
By contrast, the figures also reveal the area where over a quarter of the drivers who take their test go home disappointed and out of pocket.
RED Driving School, one of the largest driving schools in the country, along with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), has shared the need-to-know data exclusively with .
And it's great news for aspiring drivers in Scotland.
Top marks
Ullapool, in the Highlands, which lies on the shores of Loch Broom and serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the North West Highlands, is a hub for those who enjoy hiking and fishing.
But its test centre also boasts an incredible 100% record, according to the most recently available statistics released each quarter.
But what do high pass rates actually mean? While they don’t necessarily indicate that passing your test will be “easy,”; they do suggest that certain locations may offer conditions that make success more achievable.
Factors such as quieter roads, simpler junctions, and less traffic congestion can contribute to higher pass rates, especially in rural areas.
However, it’s important to note that passing still depends on the skill and preparedness of the individual driver.
Second on their list is another location in Scotland – Huntly in Aberdeenshire, which has an impressive 87.5% pass rate.
Joining Huntly with an 87.5% pass rate is the Isles of Scilly, the small archipelago off the southwestern tip of , famed for its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Benbecula Island – which boasts a population of just over 1,200 people – is just behind in fourth place with an 84.6% pass rate.
Inveraray is in fifth place with an 83.3% pass rate, while the first location in England’s mainland boasts an equal score, with Carlisle’s LGV centre in .
It’s worth noting that this test centre only specialises in Large Goods Vehicles, such as lorries and trucks.
Completing the list are Arbroath (78.6%) and Golspie (77.8%), both in Scotland, while Portree, on the Isle of Skye (76.9%), is in ninth place.
Bringing up the rear is the test centre in Pwllheli, , with a score of 75.4%.
Testing times
In contrast, was found to be the Plymouth LGV test centre in Devon, with a record of just 27.3%.
That means just over a quarter of the drivers who took their test were going home disappointed and out of pocket.
Second on the list was the test centre in Watnall, Nottinghamshire, with a 29.4% pass rate.
Third on the list is the city of , just an hour away from Plymouth, with a 33.3% pass rate.
Do your research
Pass rates across the country can really vary, with some locations offering a much higher likelihood of success than others.
The top 10 best places to pass your test are dominated by rural areas, where quieter roads and less traffic may play a role.
While relocating solely to increase your chances of passing isn’t practical for most, it’s worth researching pass rates at your local test centres and discussing your options with your driving instructor.
Their expertise can help you determine the best strategy for achieving success.
While it might be tempting to pick a test centre known for its high pass rate, it’s more important to simply focus on being properly prepared.
Expert tips
Seb Goldin, the CEO of RED Driving School, has given learners his top tips on succeeding behind the wheel – even if you’re struggling with nerves.
To put it plainly, it really is all about practice.
“Consistency is important when learning how to drive, as it can help you remember the manoeuvres you learn and the more you drive, the more comfortable you will feel behind the wheel,”; he said.
“You can speed up the process by keeping your schedule organised and booking driving lessons well in advance, or booking intensive driving lessons.
“However, it’s important to keep in mind not to rush through the learning process as you should be taking time to absorb and understand your learnings from each lesson.”;
It’s important to focus on progress rather than perfection – everyone learns at their own pace
Seb GoldinCEO of RED Driving School
Everyone can feel nervous when out on the roads – especially as a new driver – but there are ways to manage these feelings of anxiety.
Seb said: “Nervous learners should start with quiet roads and gradually work up to busier environments as their confidence grows.
“Taking deep breaths and staying calm before each lesson can also help ease nerves.
“It’s important to focus on progress rather than perfection – everyone learns at their own pace.
“Practising with a trusted friend or family member outside of lessons can provide extra reassurance and help reinforce skills.”;
Driving tests themselves can be nerve-racking, with the pressure to perform, the unpredictability of real-world driving scenarios, and the fear of judgment.
But Seb champions preparation, mindfulness techniques and a focus on the process.
“To stay calm during the test, take deep breaths and remind yourself that you are prepared,”; he said.
“Avoid overthinking and focus on driving as you would in a lesson.
“A good night’s before the test can also make a big difference, and if you make a mistake, don’t panic – small errors don’t always mean an automatic failure.
“Instead, stay focused and carry on with confidence.”
Of course, many people do fail their test initially, but it’s not the end of the world; it can always be retaken.
Seb added: “If you fail, don’t be discouraged – many people don’t pass on their first try.
“Take feedback from the examiner seriously and work on the areas that need improvement.
“Booking a retest as soon as you feel ready is a good idea, but don’t rush it.
“Take the time to fix mistakes and build confidence before trying again.”
L PLATES
Having clear, defined goals for each lesson is vital for progress – otherwise, learners risk aimlessly practising.
“Have a clear goal for each lesson or practice session you go to, so that you’re always learning something new in your lessons,”; said Seb.
“For example, if you want to master parallel parking during your lesson, set that as a goal for your next lesson and let your driving instructor know.
“Driving instructors will always be happy to focus and dedicate some time to areas of improvement.”
Some learners choose turn to intensive driving lessons, which are best suited for those with the availability to commit to several hours of lessons each day and can handle the fast-paced nature of the course without feeling overwhelmed.
Seb added: “Intensive driving courses are ideal for those who have the availability to commit to focused lessons and want to pass in a shorter time frame, provided a test is available.
“These courses offer fast progression and are cost-effective. Taking back-to-back lessons can also help boost your road confidence quickly.
“However, it’s important to keep in mind that you might need some top-up lessons before your driving test if your course ends well before your booked test.”
It’s important to book your test only when you feel fully confident and prepared
Seb GoldinCEO of RED Driving School
However, for learners who need more time to build confidence or prefer a slower pace, traditional lessons spread over several weeks may be a better option.
“The DVSA states that on average, a minimum of 45 hours of lessons with a driving instructor is required to pass your driving test,”; Seb said.
“It’s important to book your test only when you feel fully confident and prepared, so if you feel as if you need more than 45 hours, take more lessons until you feel ready.”
RED has a national network of over 1,700 franchised driving instructors.
