How pass rates vary in region for learner drivers

DATA SHOWS candidates are far more likely to pass their driving test in Beverley than Leeds.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 103,837 people took a test in Yorkshire and the Humber between April 2020 and September 2021.

Of those, 50,563 passed, which was the third lowest pass rate in England and Wales at 48.7 per cent. The highest was Wales at 57 per cent.

The figures suggest areas where fewer overall tests are carried out are likely to have a higher pass rate.

The top pass rate was Beverley, where nine out of 12 candidates passed – a 75 per cent pass rate. It was followed by Whitby, where 61.8 per cent passed and Malton (60.4 per cent).

At the other end of the scale in Leeds, where over 7,000 tests were taken, just 40.4 per cent passed. Second from bottom was Sheffield (Handsworth) (41.6 per cent) and Doncaster 43.1 per cent.

The pandemic severely hampered the number of tests carried out. In the 12 months to March 2021, just under 440,000 were conducted, with half of drivers (217,000) passing.

The most recent figures available, covering the six months from April to September 2021, show a big increase. Some 700,000 tests were completed, again with about half (350,000) of drivers passing.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said candidates were tested on their ability to drive safely and responsibly as well as making sure they knew the theory behind safe driving.

A spokesperson said: “All candidates are assessed to the same standard and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.”