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UK Driving Test Pass Rates: What the Numbers Tell You

National pass rates, the best and worst test centres, and what affects your individual chance of passing.

5 min read

The UK national practical driving test pass rate is around 47% — slightly less than half of all candidates pass on their first attempt. But this varies enormously by test centre, age group, and time of year.

The Full Guide

The DVSA publishes pass rate data annually. The national average for car practical tests is around 47%. First-attempt pass rates are slightly lower — repeat attempts skew the average upward. The theory test pass rate is slightly lower at around 47% too.

Common Faults

    What the Examiner Looks For

      Quick Tips

      • 1Pass rates are a guide, not a guarantee — your preparation matters more
      • 2Check your local centre's pass rate on the DVSA website
      • 3A centre with a high pass rate might have a long wait — use TestSwap to get there faster
      • 4Book when your instructor says you're ready — not when you feel ready

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