What is the UK driving test pass rate?

The UK average pass rate for the Category B (car) practical driving test is around 48%, though it varies significantly between test centres, from roughly 35% at the hardest urban centres to over 65% at the easiest rural ones.

Which UK driving test centre has the highest pass rate?

Small rural test centres (particularly in Scotland and the Scottish Islands) consistently show the highest pass rates, often above 65%. Lerwick in Shetland leads the UK at around 68.5%.

Where does the data come from?

All statistics come from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) quarterly statistical release on GOV.UK. The dataset is released under the Open Government Licence and is updated automatically each quarter.

Does PassRates.uk show motorcycle and HGV pass rates?

Yes. The data covers the Category B (car) practical test, motorcycle Module 1 and Module 2 tests, and heavy-vehicle (LGV/HGV) tests for every UK test centre.

Guide · Updated 27 April 2026

1 min read

Which is the easiest driving test centre in Manchester?

Manchester pass rates vary by 6 to 8 percentage points between the kindest and toughest local centre. Suburban centres do better than inner-city ones, in line with the broader UK pattern.

#The Manchester ranking

Outer Greater Manchester centres consistently lead the local rankings: Bury, Bolton, Stockport, and Hyde tend to produce pass rates in the high 40s. Inner-Manchester centres like Cheetham Hill, West Didsbury and Failsworth sit in the low 40s.

#Why the gap exists

Outer centres have less tram-line exposure
Bus gates and bus-only roads are concentrated in the city centre
Multi-lane junctions are more common on inner routes
Cycle infrastructure with shifting priority is denser inner-city

#The trade-off with travel

A learner from south Manchester might travel 20 to 30 minutes to Stockport for a kinder test. That is reasonable if they can practise the Stockport routes with their instructor. A blind trip to a kinder centre, with no route knowledge, usually offers worse odds than the local centre.

#Booking and route familiarity

Wait times across Greater Manchester average 14 to 20 weeks. If you choose a less-popular outer centre, the queue might be a bit shorter. Whichever centre you choose, drive its routes at least twice with your instructor before the day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest driving test centre in Manchester?

Outer Greater Manchester centres in Bury, Bolton, Stockport and Hyde consistently lead the local rankings, with pass rates in the high 40s. The exact leader fluctuates year to year.

Is Cheetham Hill hard?

Cheetham Hill sits a few points below the Manchester average pass rate. The routes feature dense inner-city traffic and narrow streets with parked cars, which together explain the gap.

Should I travel to Stockport for an easier test?

It can pay off if you can practise the Stockport routes. The pass-rate boost is typically 4 to 6 percentage points compared with a tougher inner-Manchester centre. Without route familiarity, the boost largely evaporates.

PassRates.uk Editorial

Independent UK driving test analytics, reviewed against the latest DVSA quarterly statistical release.

Published 27 April 2026Updated 27 April 2026Source DVSA · OGL v3.0

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Why are driving test pass rates higher in Scotland?

Scottish driving test pass rates run several points above the UK average. The reasons are mostly geographic, with a smaller dose of route philosophy.

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Which is the easiest driving test centre in London?

Which London driving test centres have the highest pass rates? A look at the data and the practical implications for learners.

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