The DVA also disclosed how learners in NI are most likely to slip up during their driving test
New research today reveals a striking postcode lottery when it comes to passing a practical driving test in Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK.
More than 6.2 million driving tests were taken between 2021 and 2024 But just 3.05 million passed, giving an average pass rate of 49% over the last four years.
That’s according to new figures from Confused.com, obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, where the average pass rate was 58%. In Scotland the pass rate was 60% and 56% in Wales.
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In 2024 alone, almost 976,000 learners took their test, but fewer than 477,000 passed. As a result, more learner drivers are having to pay to retake the test, adding further financial and emotional stress when learning to drive.
The DVA also disclosed how learners in NI are most likely to slip up during their driving test. The most common reason in 2023 was poor observation at junctions, with many simply not checking properly before moving. Forgetting to use mirrors when changing direction came next. While failing to move off safely was the third most common mistake. These errors cost thousands their licence each year.
The 2024/25 average driving test pass rates at test centres across NI:
Meanwhile a survey of 2,000 UK drivers and learner drivers, found that the pressure to pass is high for many. More than 1 in 5 (21%) drivers felt under pressure to pass because the rebooking would take too long or cost too much.
For many, the long wait times are one of the biggest frustrations with the current system. More than a quarter (26%) believe there should be a national cap on how long people can be left waiting for a test. As more than 1 in 4 (27%) learner drivers had to wait between 2-4 months between booking and taking their driving test.
To help learners set themselves up for the best chances to pass, Confused.com has created an online driving test pass rate calculator. It ranks test centres near the learner by their average pass rate, helping them decide where to take their test, so they can choose one with the best chance of success and won’t have to wait even longer to hit the road.
Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert, said: “Passing your driving test is a huge milestone but our latest research shows just how challenging and inconsistent the system can be. This is especially true when learners are waiting months for a test date, only to find their chances of passing depend heavily on where they take it.
“Shockingly, only around half of the 6 million tests taken since 2021 have passed. And with some centres showing pass rates as low as 33%, it’s no wonder many feel the system isn’t setting them up for success.
“It’s clear more needs to be done. But in the meantime, our learner driver tool can help learners make smarter choices about where to book. By ranking nearby test centres based on their pass rates, it encourages you to consider alternative locations that might speed up your booking and increase your chances of passing. You can also search by location to explore the options available near you.”
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