London is driving test failure hotspot

• First time test takers more than twice as likely to pass in Kelso, Scotland, than Belvedere, London
• Less than half (48 per cent) of all drivers pass their test first time
• Top reasons for driving test failures revealed
   

Learner drivers gearing up to take their first driving test are twice as likely to pass in Scotland as those in London, according to analysis of driving test results by Privilege Car Insurance1.

Its analysis reveals that London has the test centres with the four lowest pass rates in the country for first time test-takers, with only 31 per cent of learner drivers in Belvedere passing the first time. Wanstead (32 per cent), Barking (32 per cent) and Wood Green (33 per cent) were the other lowest scoring centres in the capital, all with first time pass rates significantly below the national average (48 per cent).

By contrast, Scotland dominates the top of the table for successful first time novice drivers, with a 70 per cent pass rate in Kelso. Lochgilphead (69 per cent), Stranraer (67 per cent) and Kendal (67 per cent) were other top scorers, followed by Barrow-in-Furness, which had the highest pass rate for first time drivers in England (66 per cent).

Top five test centres with the highest and lowest pass rates in Great Britain:

Source: Privilege Car Insurance

Separate analysis from Privilege also shows that the overall pass rate for drivers who took their test last year was 47 per cent. Male drivers passed 51 per cent of the tests they took, slightly higher than women, who collectively had a pass rate of 44 per cent. Perhaps surprisingly, pass rates were slightly higher for first time test takers, with a 48 per cent pass rate compared to 47 per cent for all driving test takers.

Charlotte Fiedling, head of car insurance at Privilege, commented:“The general rule is that if you are driving on busier roads and complex road systems, your driving test is likely to be tougher. However, learning in tough conditions can make safer drivers in the long run, and the key factor is not where you take your test, but how well prepared you are.

“The important thing to keep in mind is that wherever you end up taking your test, make sure you are in a clear frame of mind to give yourself the best possible chance of success.”

Reasons for failing

A Freedom of Information Act request by Privilege also revealed that the number of minor faults in driving tests increased by 49 per cent between 2011 and 20134, with major faults rising by 47 per cent. The most common errors in tests were drivers failing to move off safely, while most major errors were for right turns at junctions.

Top 10 major and minor faults April - December 2013:

Source: Privilege Car Insurance

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Analysis of data from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) undertaken by Privilege Car Insurance, May 2014 [DSA1202 Practical car pass rates by first driving attempt, gender and Driving test centre including zero faults recorded]. Statistics refer to April 2012-13 (latest available) NB – only test centres with 100+ tests were included within the analysis.
2.  Analysis of data from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) undertaken by Privilege Car Insurance, May 2014 [Practical car test1 pass rates by gender, monthly, Great Britain: April 2007 to December 2013].
3. Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request conducted in April 2014.
4. The FOI request covers the period from April 2011 – December 2013.

For further information, please contact:

Kia McLean

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 282 1092

E-mail: Kia.McLean@citigatedr.co.uk

Chloe French

Privilege Press Office

Tel: 01651 831 715

Mobile: 07770 640 865

Email: chloe.french@directlinegroup.co.uk

Privilege

Privilege Insurance specialises in car insurance for safe drivers. It also offers home insurance and breakdown cover by phone or on-line.

Privilege general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Privilege and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Privilege’s products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 0515 or visiting www.privilege.co.uk