Top 10 UK areas with highest driving theory test pass rates are all in Scotland

10 October 2023 , 09:10

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Fewer than half of aspiring motorists passed their driving theory test in the past year in the UK (Image: AA)

New drivers up in Scotland are the most likely to be successful in their theory test, according to DVSA figures – as towns and villages north of the English border make up the top 10 theory test pass rates in the UK.

Those in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands, were the most likely to pass their theory test in the past year, with a pass rate of 73.5%.

This was followed by Gairloch, in the north-west of the country, with a pass rate of 69%, and Symbister, in the Shetland Islands, where the pass rate this year has been 64.3%.

On the other hand, those in Hornsea, Yorkshire have not fared so well with the qualification – with the lowest pass rate in the UK, at just 23.6%. Similarly low rates were seen in Fakenham, Norfolk (35.5%), and Uxbridge, London (37.4%).

In fact, the nationwide driving theory test pass rate for the year 2022/23 was just 44.2% – having fallen consistently almost year on year for the last 15 years, since it was up at 65.4% back in 2007/08.

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The AA Driving School commissioned research of 12,903 motorists, which found that just 18% reckon they could pass a driving theory test now, if they had to retake it.

Those in Aviemore, Scotland, were most likely to be successful, with a pass rate of 73.5% this year (AA)

An overwhelming nine in ten admitted they don’t understand all road signs – with 26% of these saying this happens either sometimes, or very often.

And a separate study of 12,598 drivers revealed knowledge of stopping distances was also an issue – with fewer drivers knowing the right answer the faster the car is travelling.

At 20mph (in dry conditions), 38% correctly said the stopping distance would be between 11 and 20 metres. But only 24% could identify what the stopping distances would be at both 50mph and 60mph.

And just 23% knew it takes 96 metres to stop when travelling at 70mph – with 9% believing it took less than 50 metres.

The analysis comes as the AA Driving School launches a new theory test app to tackle the problem. To aid those who find it difficult, the AA Driving School App is designed to present up to 700 different theory questions and hazard perception clips to users.

Managing director, Camilla Benitz, said: “The theory test pass rate went up briefly during the pandemic, when fewer people were taking it, but it’s now lower than ever.

AA Driving School has launched a new theory test app to help tackle the problem (AA)

“Learners face enough challenges as it is at the moment with the driving test backlog – we don’t want the theory test to be another hurdle for them, which is why we’ve created our new app.

“The fact so many qualified drivers also struggle with important elements of driving theory, such as road signs and stopping distances, just shows it takes revision and practice to get to grips with the questions and the hazard perception.

“We want to help learners do this in an easy to manage, enjoyable way. Users will be able to use flash cards for quick revision sessions, both on and offline, as well as track their progress with real-time statistics.”

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Keanan Lloyd-Adams, a young driver social media influencer, added: “There’s loads for learners to take on board when they start lessons, and the theory test can feel intimidating, but it’s got to be done.

“My generation always has access to a phone now, so using an app to pass your theory test is a great way to get your revision done – it’s the best way I can think of.

“In my own experience, and from what I see on social media, learning to drive is a really key moment in your life, when you turn from a child into an adult.

“Crucially, when you pass your test you have other lives in your hands, which is a huge responsibility. Making sure you really know your theory is an important first step to becoming, and staying, safe behind the wheel.”

DVSA THEORY TEST PASS RATES – BY YEAR AND PASS RATE PERCENTAGE:

• 2007/08 – 65.4%
• 2008/09 – 65.4%
• 2009/10 – 63.8%
• 2010/11 – 63.1%
• 2011/12 – 60.8%
• 2012/13 – 59.1%
• 2013/14 – 51.6%
• 2014/15 – 51.0%
• 2015/16 – 49.3%
• 2016/17 – 48.7%
• 2017/18 – 48.7%
• 2018/19 – 47.3%
• 2019/20 – 47.1%
• 2020/21 – 55.7%
• 2021/22 – 50.1%
• 2022/23 – 44.2%

TOP 10 TEST CENTRES WITH HIGHEST THEORY TEST PASS RATE:

1. Aviemore, Scotland – 73.5%
2. Gairloch, Scotland – 69.0%
3. Symbister, Scotland – 64.3%
4. Ullapool, Scotland – 62.2%
5. Castlebay, Isle of Barra, Scotland – 62.1%
6. Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland – 60.8%
7. Tarbert, Isle of Harris, Scotland – 59.5%
8. Craignure, Isle of Mull, Scotland – 58.8%
9. Brechin, Scotland – 58.5%
10. Tongue, Scotland – 56.5%

TOP 10 TEST CENTRES WITH LOWEST THEORY TEST PASS RATE:

1. Hornsea, Yorkshire – 23.6%
2. Fakenham, Norfolk – 35.5%
3. Uxbridge, London – 37.4%
4. Bradford, West Yorkshire – 37.1%
5. Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland – 38.5%
6. Ilford, London – 38.8%
7. Leicester – 39.2%
8. Porthmadog, Wales – 39.4%
9. Dudley, West Midlands – 39.6%
10. Kings Lynn, Norfolk – 39.8%

Martin Winter