These Are The UK’s Easiest Driving Test Centres

If you're preparing for your driving test and want the best odds of success, heading north of the border might be a wise move as recent data suggests Scottish test centres are leading the way when it comes to pass rates.

A new analysis has highlighted the parts of the UK where learner drivers are most likely to be handed a full licence, with six of the top 10 locations found in Scotland. The research, carried out by BROWN’S CBD, used official data published on GOV.UK covering the period between April and September 2024.

 

Topping the table is Arbroath, where an impressive 78.57% of candidates passed their test – a figure well above the national average and far higher than some of the lowest-performing centres elsewhere in the UK.

 

At the other end of the scale, learners attempting their test in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, face much tougher odds, with only 33.85% passing during the same timeframe. Even within Scotland, Glasgow's Shieldhall test centre recorded the lowest pass rate at 37.59%.

 

Below is a breakdown of the 10 UK test centres where learners had the highest chance of success.

 

1. Arbroath

Located on Scotland’s east coast, Arbroath boasts the highest success rate in the UK – 78.57% of learners managed to pass their practical test here.

 

2. Stranraer

This southwest Scottish town takes second place, with a solid pass rate of 72.02%.

 

3. Lerwick

In the Shetland Islands, Lerwick sees 69.6% of test takers passing – placing it firmly in third position.

 

4. Girvan

In South Ayrshire, Girvan’s coastal roads may be contributing to its strong performance – with 69.03% of learners passing their tests.

 

5. Montrose

Completing Scotland’s sweep of the top five, the Angus town of Montrose recorded a 68.81% pass rate.

 

6. Newtown (Wales)

Breaking Scotland’s streak is Newtown, Wales, where 68.41% of drivers passed – the highest result outside of Scotland.

 

7. Forfar

Back in Scotland, Forfar – a town around 13 miles north of Dundee – holds seventh spot with a 67.30% success rate.

 

8. Kendal (Oxenholme Road)

This Cumbrian town, set near the Lake District, claims the highest pass rate in England at 67.07%.

 

9. Dorchester

The county town of Dorset performs well too, with 65.74% of learner drivers successfully completing their test.

 

10. Ipswich

Rounding out the top 10 is Ipswich in Suffolk, where 65.49% of those tested came away with a pass certificate.