Where are the best places in the UK to learn to drive?

September is the busiest in the UK for birthdays, which means more 17-years-olds are set to hit the road and learn how to drive. But which cities are the best (and worst) for learner drivers? With expensive lesson costs and a whopping 14-week average week for your test, here’s the best places to take your driving test.

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Scotland reigns supreme for first time pass rates

If you learn in Scotland, you’re more likely to pass your test first time. It’s home to the top 10 driving test centres with a first-time pass rate much higher than the UK average of 47.8%, according to the research from car warranty provider ALA Insurance.

In first place was Inveraray in Argyll and Bute with an 85.5% rate. Following close behind was the Mallaig test centre in the Highlands with an 85.2% first-time pass rate. Closing out the top 3 was Islay Island’s centre, found on the Inner Hebrides islands – it had an impressive 82.9% rating.

But why do young drivers in Scotland have the highest chance of passing their test on the first attempt? It’s likely due to quieter rural roads that aren’t quite as complex, helping learners navigate away from busy traffic.

Here are the top 10 test centres for first attempt passes:

Birmingham has the lowest first-time driving rates

But residents in Birmingham and London didn’t score as well. The lowest performing test centre for first time passes was The Pavilion in Birmingham with a 30.4% pass rate, 17.7% below the national average.

Closely behind was London’s Wanstead centre with a first-time pass rate of just 30.7%. London’s Belvedere and Erith driving centres closed out the top 4 with 30.4% and 33%, respectively. In 5th place is another Birmingham test centre, Kingstanding, scoring a first-time pass rate of 33.6%.

Why might this be the case? Busy traffic conditions and larger roads could be impacting the success rate of learner drivers taking their first test. So, it’s best to, if possible, try to avoid busy periods when booking your driving test.

Here are the bottom 10 test centres for first attempt passes:

But what are the cheapest and most expensive cities for driving tests?

Although Scotland has some of the highest chances of passing on the first try, they’ll likely be forking out more on driving lessons, taking 5 spots in the top 10 on the cost of lessons.

Peterhead in Aberdeenshire came out the most expensive with an average price of £47.14 per lesson, significantly more than the £37.33 average. That’ll add up to an estimated £2,121 to pass first time.

Not far behind was Kirkcaldy with an average price of £45.13 per lesson, followed by Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, with £44.31 per lesson.

Coming out as the three cheapest cities for driving lessons were Liverpool (£31.17), Sheffield (£31.60) and Manchester (£32.12), three Northern cities. Each city was under the national average of £1,679.85 for 45 lessons.

To pass in Liverpool, residents would save themselves £276.70 compared to the national average.

To help keep the cost down when taking your lessons, try to get in as much practice as possible. Start off with an instructor before practising with a friend or family member. Just remember that they must be over 21 and have had their licence for at least 3 years.

Here are the cheapest and most expensive cities for driving tests:

Only 6 test centres have immediate availability

On average, learner drivers will have to wait at least 14 weeks for their driving test, one of the highest wait times. This is caused by pandemic back logs, increased demand, test centre capacity and more, learners are having to wait longer for tests.

Learner drivers are often booking tests in advance when they’re starting lessons to avoid the wait. This is a good way to cut down the time, but it can also cause issues as people are taking their test before they’re ready.

Therefore we advise you to only take your test when you’re ready. And if you do book it in advance, rearrange if you’re not ready when it comes around.

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