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Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
The 10 best places in the UK to pass your driving test first time revealed… do YOU live near one?
See The Sun's map of the top places below SCHOOL'S OUT The 10 best places in the UK to pass your driving test first time revealed… do YOU live near one? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE best places to take your driving test have been revealed in a new analysis of DVSA data - and it's good news for drivers in Scotland. There are "remarkable" differences in first-time pass rates across the UK, according to the figures. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 A town in Scotland has a staggeringly high pass rate Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 5 A beautiful lake district town is the best place in England to take your test Credit: Alamy 5 Forfar in Scotland is the second-best place in the UK to take your test Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow 5 It comes after The Sun previously revealed the hardest test centres to pass at. From three-point turns to checking blind spots, there is plenty for novice drivers to think about during their test. And with a long wait for a slot, knowing you have a good chance of success is crucial. The best location to take your driving test is Montrose, in Scotland, where a staggering 69.6% of drivers pass on the first attempt. The second-best test centre is Forfar, just down the road from Montrose. Although 69.5% of learners pass in Forfar, men have much more luck than women. While 75.5% of men pass, only 64.2% of women will receive their licence after their first attempt. Although the two best centres in the UK are in Scotland, English drivers shouldn't worry. There is only a tiny difference in the success rate between the best centre in England and Scotland. The beautiful lake district town of Kendal, in Cumbria, has a first-time pass rate of 69.1%. Shocking moment speeding van driver distracted by phone slams into broken-down car leaving victim with lifelong injuries And here women are more likely to get the stamp of approval from their examiner - 71.4% pass first time compared to 66.8% of men. The best centre in Wales rounds out the top five with a 66.9% first time pass rate. Nervous test-takers face a much bigger challenge in other parts of the country. Test centres in cities in the Midlands and North West are the trickiest for first timers, according to the data provided by Traffic Chart. In Wolverhampton, over two-thirds of people will leave disappointed after the first attempt. This makes it the worst place in the country to take your driving test. And down the road in Featherstone, only 31.9% of first-time test takers pass. Martijn Hulshof, founder of Traffic Chart, said: "These figures show remarkable regional variations in driving test success rates. "Scottish test centres perform exceptionally well, possibly due to less congested roads and different driving conditions compared to major urban areas." When it comes to picking a place to take your test, Hulshof said: "Rural locations typically offer better odds of first-time success, but practical factors like travel distance should be weighed against the potential benefits.' He also explained that men generally outperformed women across the country when it comes to first-time pass rates. Hulshof said: "It suggests that factors such as anxiety and pressure may affect male and female drivers differently in testing environments." How to boost your chances of passing first time Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, the largest driving school in the UK, that trains nearly a quarter of all driving instructors in the country, has shared his top five tips to help boost your chances of passing for the first time: Master your manoeuvres Ensure you're confident with key manoeuvres like parallel parking, a forward bay park or a reverse bay park. These can make or break your test, so practice them until you're confident in doing these under pressure. Let your instructor know ahead of your test if there's anything you're concerned about and they can help you practice until needed. Plan your lessons with your instructor wisely Take lessons at different times of day, including busy periods. This helps you get comfortable with all driving conditions and traffic situations, giving you a true feel for real-world driving. Particularly if the only time you can secure a test is during a busy period – you'll be thanking yourself later. Your instructor will also help make sure you're test ready and point out anything that needs to be worked on. They're there to help your chances of passing for the first time! Focus on observation and awareness The driving test is as much about your ability to spot hazards as it is about your car control. Stay alert, check mirrors regularly, and always anticipate what's happening on the road. Your examiner will be looking out for this, so keep this in the back of your mind while taking the test. Know your theory Putting your theory knowledge into practice is more important during your test than ever. There are also resources students can use to ensure that they are fully prepared – at RED, we have apps to help our students prepare for their tests such as the Learn to Drive with RED app and RED's Complete Driving Theory app. Stay calm under pressure Don't let nerves get the best of you. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and if you make a mistake, don't let it get to you. Keep your focus on the next task and show the examiner you can recover quickly.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
The 10 best places in the UK to pass your driving test first time revealed… do YOU live near one?
THE best places to take your driving test have been revealed in a new analysis of DVSA data - and it's good news for drivers in Scotland. There are "remarkable" differences in first-time pass rates across the UK, according to the figures. 5 5 5 5 It comes after The Sun previously revealed the hardest test centres to pass at. From three-point turns to checking blind spots, there is plenty for novice drivers to think about during their test. And with a long wait for a slot, knowing you have a good chance of success is crucial. The best location to take your driving test is Montrose, in Scotland, where a staggering 69.6% of drivers pass on the first attempt. The second-best test centre is Forfar, just down the road from Montrose. Although 69.5% of learners pass in Forfar, men have much more luck than women. While 75.5% of men pass, only 64.2% of women will receive their licence after their first attempt. Although the two best centres in the UK are in Scotland, English drivers shouldn't worry. There is only a tiny difference in the success rate between the best centre in England and Scotland. The beautiful lake district town of Kendal, in Cumbria, has a first-time pass rate of 69.1%. Shocking moment speeding van driver distracted by phone slams into broken-down car leaving victim with lifelong injuries And here women are more likely to get the stamp of approval from their examiner - 71.4% pass first time compared to 66.8% of men. The best centre in Wales rounds out the top five with a 66.9% first time pass rate. Nervous test-takers face a much bigger challenge in other parts of the country. Test centres in cities in the Midlands and North West are the trickiest for first timers, according to the data provided by Traffic Chart. In Wolverhampton, over two-thirds of people will leave disappointed after the first attempt. This makes it the worst place in the country to take your driving test. And down the road in Featherstone, only 31.9% of first-time test takers pass. Martijn Hulshof, founder of Traffic Chart, said: "These figures show remarkable regional variations in driving test success rates. "Scottish test centres perform exceptionally well, possibly due to less congested roads and different driving conditions compared to major urban areas." When it comes to picking a place to take your test, Hulshof said: "Rural locations typically offer better odds of first-time success, but practical factors like travel distance should be weighed against the potential benefits.' He also explained that men generally outperformed women across the country when it comes to first-time pass rates. Hulshof said: "It suggests that factors such as anxiety and pressure may affect male and female drivers differently in testing environments." How to boost your chances of passing first time Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, the largest driving school in the UK, that trains nearly a quarter of all driving instructors in the country, has shared his top five tips to help boost your chances of passing for the first time: Master your manoeuvres Ensure you're confident with key manoeuvres like parallel parking, a forward bay park or a reverse bay park. These can make or break your test, so practice them until you're confident in doing these under pressure. Let your instructor know ahead of your test if there's anything you're concerned about and they can help you practice until needed. Plan your lessons with your instructor wisely Take lessons at different times of day, including busy periods. This helps you get comfortable with all driving conditions and traffic situations, giving you a true feel for real-world driving. Particularly if the only time you can secure a test is during a busy period – you'll be thanking yourself later. Your instructor will also help make sure you're test ready and point out anything that needs to be worked on. They're there to help your chances of passing for the first time! Focus on observation and awareness The driving test is as much about your ability to spot hazards as it is about your car control. Stay alert, check mirrors regularly, and always anticipate what's happening on the road. Your examiner will be looking out for this, so keep this in the back of your mind while taking the test. Know your theory Putting your theory knowledge into practice is more important during your test than ever. There are also resources students can use to ensure that they are fully prepared – at RED, we have apps to help our students prepare for their tests such as the Learn to Drive with RED app and RED's Complete Driving Theory app. Stay calm under pressure Don't let nerves get the best of you. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and if you make a mistake, don't let it get to you. Keep your focus on the next task and show the examiner you can recover quickly. 5
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
The 10 best places in the UK to pass your driving test first time revealed… do YOU live near one?
THE best places to take your driving test have been revealed in a new analysis of DVSA data - and it's good news for drivers in Scotland. There are "remarkable" differences in first-time pass rates across the UK, according to the figures. Advertisement 5 A town in Scotland has a staggeringly high pass rate Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 5 A beautiful lake district town is the best place in England to take your test Credit: Alamy 5 Forfar in Scotland is the second-best place in the UK to take your test Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow 5 It comes after From three-point turns to checking blind spots, there is plenty for novice drivers to think about during their test. And with a long The best location to take your driving test is Montrose, in Scotland, where a staggering 69.6% of drivers pass on the first attempt. Advertisement Read more motors news The second-best test centre is Forfar, just down the road from Montrose. Although 69.5% of learners pass in Forfar, men have much more luck than women. While 75.5% of men pass, only 64.2% of women will receive their licence after their first attempt. Although the two best centres in the UK are in Scotland, English drivers shouldn't worry. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive There is only a tiny difference in the success rate between the best centre in The beautiful lake district town of Kendal, in Cumbria, has a first-time pass rate of 69.1%. Shocking moment speeding van driver distracted by phone slams into broken-down car leaving victim with lifelong injuries And here women are more likely to get the stamp of approval from their examiner - 71.4% pass first time compared to 66.8% of men. The best centre in Advertisement Nervous test-takers face a much Test centres in cities in the In Wolverhampton, over two-thirds of people will leave disappointed after the first attempt. This makes it the worst place in the country to take your driving test. Advertisement And down the road in Featherstone, only 31.9% of first-time test takers pass. Martijn Hulshof, founder of "Scottish test centres perform exceptionally well, possibly due to less congested roads and different driving conditions compared to major urban areas." When it comes to picking a place to take your test, Hulshof said: "Rural locations typically offer better odds of first-time success, but practical factors like travel distance should be weighed against the potential benefits .' Advertisement He also explained that men generally outperformed women across the country when it comes to first-time pass rates. Hulshof said: "It suggests that factors such as anxiety and pressure may affect male and female drivers differently in testing environments." How to boost your chances of passing first time Seb Goldin, CEO of Master your manoeuvres Ensure you're confident with key manoeuvres like parallel parking, a forward bay park or a reverse bay park. These can make or break your test, so practice them until you're confident in doing these under pressure. Let your instructor know ahead of your test if there's anything you're concerned about and they can help you practice until needed. Plan your lessons with your instructor wisely Take lessons at different times of day, including busy periods. This helps you get comfortable with all driving conditions and traffic situations, giving you a true feel for real-world driving. Particularly if the only time you can secure a test is during a busy period – you'll be thanking yourself later. Your instructor will also help make sure you're test ready and point out anything that needs to be worked on. They're there to help your chances of passing for the first time! Focus on observation and awareness The driving test is as much about your ability to spot hazards as it is about your car control. Stay alert, check mirrors regularly, and always anticipate what's happening on the road. Your examiner will be looking out for this, so keep this in the back of your mind while taking the test. Know your theory Putting your theory knowledge into practice is more important during your test than ever. There are also resources students can use to ensure that they are fully prepared – at RED, we have apps to help our students prepare for their tests such as the Learn to Drive with RED app and RED's Complete Driving Theory app. Stay calm under pressure Don't let nerves get the best of you. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and if you make a mistake, don't let it get to you. Keep your focus on the next task and show the examiner you can recover quickly. 5 Learner drivers have a much higher chance of success in some parts of the UK Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Chaos for learner drivers as £122 fee slapped on 'impossible' to book tests
Learner drivers desperate to take their test are being forced to pay nearly double the standard fee just to secure a booking as Labour announces plans to try and cut waiting times Almost a third of learner drivers have reported using unofficial booking services to secure a practical test slot, new research has revealed. It comes as concerns over the DVSA booking process continue to be raised. Learners have admitted to paying an average of £122 for a test through unauthorised services - which is almost double the standard fee. The government has launched a consultation to try to review and improve the rules for booking tests which aims to make the process 'easier and fairer for everyone while preventing excessive charges for learner drivers'. In information provided by the DVSA, a consultation on how improvements can be made to car driving test booking rules opened on May 23. The consultative period will close on July 23. The DVSA is seeking views on who should be allowed to book and manage driving tests, and whether there should be a limit on the ability to swap tests between different learners or change test locations. They say that rather than creating new laws specifically banning the reselling of tests, the consultation focuses on proposals to change how the system works to help prevent reselling. An analysis of almost 27,000 responses from learners and instructors following a call to evidence found that learners felt they needed to use unofficial booking services to get earlier test days, while some said they were even recommended to do so by their instructor. The current booking system allows learners to change a test date or location up to six times, and allows test appointments to be swapped between learners. However, learners have reported having to wait months for a test which has forced them to turn to unofficial booking services or one of the dozens of Facebook groups for test-swapping. There are also people using the official DVSA booking service to make money off of others looking for tests, it's claimed. To do this, they book tests using a learner's provisional licence details, then find another - often desperate - learner who will pay extra for the test, and use the swap feature on the DVSA website to transfer the test to them. This essentially creates a secondary of test resales and means that learners who are unable to book a test due to high demand are able to be exploited. 'I've paid more than £500 to take my test' One learner, Laura Carr, told The Mirror that she has found the test booking system 'incredibly stressful' due to the long wait times. She said that she has 'even considered going out of the county in order to get a test in an unfamiliar area' .Laura lives in Essex and said it was 'almost impossible to get one there unless you're extremely lucky'. The 32-year-old also said she has been tempted to pay more for a test through an unofficial booking service, explaining: 'Not being able to drive is restricting the jobs I can apply for or get. The unofficial sources seem to have a lot more availability than the DVSA website.' Meanwhile, 18-year-old Layla Nihat described the process as 'absolutely awful'. 'Using the DVSA website I haven't seen a single test date come up for my area so I have had to use unofficial booking services and with booking three tests in total, I have paid over £500.' She said the government needed to 'crack down on all of the scammers', and added that her driving instructor 'feels the same way', with the majority of his students having to use unofficial websites to book their tests. Carr agreed, adding: 'I feel that something has to change as at the moment it is easier to buy concert tickets than it is to obtain a driving test.' Labour's plans to cut waiting times In April, transport secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged the demand problems, and called upon the DVSA to work to reduce wait times. DVSA workers in other roles who are qualified to examine will be asked to return to the frontline to provide tests, the government announced, and the number of permanent trainers to skill up new driving examiners is set to be doubled. Alexander said that the government had 'inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates but being forced to endure record waiting time for their tests'. She added: 'I am instructing DVSA to take further action immediately to reduce waiting times which will see thousands of additional tests made available every month. We're acting fast to get Britain's drivers moving.' The high demand has resulted in learners and driving instructors misusing the online booking services, the government said. It explained that, as a result, placeholder tests were being booked in locations where learners did not intend to take their test - purely so they could be swapped with someone reselling a test at their local centre. The DVSA also noticed that there are commercial websites offering to search for tests on behalf of learners, and tests being resold with extra fees, which it said is making it harder for the agency 'to offer test slots fairly'. DVSA to 'make booking a driving test easier and fairer' Loveday Ryder, DVSA chief executive, told The Mirror that the DVSA's goal is to "make booking a driving test easier and fairer for everyone while preventing excessive charges for learner drivers." She said in a statement: 'We've been working tirelessly to bring down the driving test waiting times. To help tackle this, in December 2024 we announced a new plan, on which we're making good progress. DVSA is currently running a consultation on improvements we can make to the test booking system, which will help us plan our next steps.' Some of the government's potential solutions include removing or limiting the ability to swap tests or change test locations, and making it so that only learner drivers can book and manage tests. Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, said the company was 'very concerned by the rise of unofficial test booking services'. He told The Mirror: 'With reports that students are often paying an average of £122, which is almost double the official fee for test slots, many are unaware that these services offer no guarantee. Once money changes hands, particularly through third-party apps or bank transfers, it's incredibly difficult to get it back if something goes wrong.' Goldin said that thousands of RED's students are currently waiting to book a test, and that for many, driving is essential for work, education, or caring responsibilities. He pointed out that the system therefore must 'prioritise access for real people over profit-seeking parties'. The government's consultation to tackle these issues is a 'step in the right direction', Goldin acknowledged. 'We support any efforts that genuinely increase test availability and help students access tests fairly, and I will be an active part of these discussions.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Staggering number of motorists now waiting to take their driving test
New figures show Britain's driving test backlog has surged to more than 630,000. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), 631,472 practical driving tests were booked as of the end of May, a significant increase from 527,368 a year prior. Learners are only permitted to book one test at a time. Despite the rising demand, the number of tests conducted between January and May fell by 14 per cent compared to the same period last year. There were 757,867 tests taken, down from 877,387. The DVSA had temporarily deployed eligible staff from other roles to act as examiners between October 2023 and March 2024, resulting in a higher number of tests taken during that period. Learners appear to be heeding calls to wait until they are confident they can pass before taking a test. May's pass rate matched the figure for April at 50.2 per cent, up from 48.9 per cent in May 2024 and the highest monthly figure since August 2021 (50.3 per cent). The DVSA previously attributed the backlog to 'an increase in demand and a change in customers' booking behaviour'. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said in April that the Labour Government 'inherited an enormous backlog' but was 'acting fast' to tackle the issue, with at least 10,000 extra tests to be available each month. She told the Commons' Transport Select Committee her department aimed to reduce the average waiting time for driving tests in Britain to seven weeks by summer 2026. Analysis by the AA Driving School showed the average waiting time was 20 weeks in February. The Government last month launched a consultation on amending the driving test booking system, in an attempt to stop bots mass-booking new slots so they can be resold on the black market for inflated prices. This will be conducted over eight weeks instead of the usual 12 to enable changes to be made sooner. Other measures in response to the backlog include instructing the DVSA to offer additional overtime payments to incentivise instructors to conduct more tests. Staff at the agency qualified to conduct tests are being asked to voluntarily return to the front line, while the number of permanent trainers for new examiners is being doubled. Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: 'While congratulations are due to those candidates who passed their driving test and helped nudge the overall pass rate over 50 per cent, there's little cause for celebration for applicants anxious to book a test slot anytime soon. 'We're not even at midsummer, yet learner drivers are already competing for test slots in November. 'We can only hope that the package of measures the Government announced will start to bite soon, alongside a sustained improvement in the pass rate as candidates make the most of the delays to ensure they are match-fit when their test day arrives.' A DVSA spokesperson said: 'We know that many learners are still struggling to book driving tests, and we're working tirelessly to reduce waiting times and help more people get on the road. 'Despite this, there are currently over 630,000 learners who have a future test date secured – which is the highest number of test slots that we've ever seen booked. 'As we continue to make more tests available, the number of learners with a slot booked will continue to rise, providing more people with the opportunity to continue their learning journey.'
