44% of city drivers pass test first time

Nearly half of learner drivers passed their test first time at the Sunderland Test Centre last year, new figures reveal.

But the RAC Foundation warned the real challenge for newly qualified drivers comes after their test – as they are much more likely to have a crash in their first year on the road.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency figures show 2,768 learner drivers made a first attempt at passing driving test at Sundertland Test Centre in 2019-20 – with 1,211 being successful, which at a pass rate of 44%, was below the national average of 46%.

Of the first attempts made in Sundetland, 29 drivers passed with no faults.

RAC Foundation director Steve Goo ding said: “Every driver knows that passing the test is only the first hurdle. The real challenge comes when a newly qualified driver has to take full responsibility themselves.

“Safely negotiate the first 1,000 miles after gaining your licence and the risk of having a crash drops sharply.” Mr Gooding also said data suggested that a decline in the number of young people holding a driving licence in recent years had begun to reverse. He added: “With the challenges of Covid-related restrictions we could witness higher numbers of young people learning to drive because they see it as important to their employment prospects."

Edmund King, president of the AA, said pass rates can be affected by many factors before the test, including the number of lessons a learner takes.