Ranked: These are the easiest (and most difficult) places in Yorkshire to pass your driving test first time round

With driving tests and lessons being put on pause over the last few months due to COVID-19, many learner drivers are eager to get on the road as soon as possible with tests resuming in July.
TheUK Driving Test Reportreveals that on average it costs 647 to pass your test, including on average 22 lessons and a theory test too - and that's just if you pass first-time round.TheUK Driving Test Reportreveals that on average it costs 647 to pass your test, including on average 22 lessons and a theory test too - and that's just if you pass first-time round.
TheUK Driving Test Reportreveals that on average it costs 647 to pass your test, including on average 22 lessons and a theory test too - and that's just if you pass first-time round.

A new report by GoCompare reveals where you should take your test, to ensure a first-time pass.

During the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of driving tests across the UK have been cancelled. According to government guidelines, driving tests are planned to resume in early July as the industry gears up for an influx of learner drivers.

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Because of this, GoCompare has conducted a new report using DVSA data, analysing the first-time pass rates from over 324 driving centres across the country to find out where in the UK is the easiest (and most difficult) area to take your test.

The UK Driving Test Report reveals that on average it costs £647 to pass your test, including on average 22 lessons and a theory test too - and that's just if you pass first-time round.

While some learner drivers can take off the L-plates after their first attempt, some need more than five chances before passing. And this can quickly add up. So where is the best place to take your test near you to get a higher chance of passing the first time around?

The best places to take your driving test

In Yorkshire, it's best to avoid Halifax and Leeds central if you're looking for a quick pass as the centres have a low pass rate of 34%. Learners going to Malton and Whitby have almost double the chance of passing in comparison to the centres with the lowest pass rate, Malton is even named in the 10 easiest driving test centres in the country.

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On the list of best places, Whitby is placed second with a 66.4 per cent pass rate. That's 367 passes out of 553 tests.

Bridlington comes fourth with a 65.7 per cent pass rate - 201 passes out of 306 tests.

Scarborough is eighth on the list of best places, with 49.1 per cent pass rate - that's 483 passes out of 983 tests.

Wakefield comes ninth with a 47.8 per cent pass rate - that's 1,572 passes out of 3,290 tests.

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Featherstone comes 21st with a 38.9 oer cent pass rate. That's 1,048 passes out of 2,693 tests.

Pontefract is 23rd with a 38.1 per cent pass rate - 928 people passing out of a possible 2,434.

And in Halifax, who are 26th on the list, has a pass rate of 34.4 per cent. That's just 669 passes out of a possible 1,945.

There is set to be a large backlog of learner drivers, so planning ahead and changing which driving centre you plan to take your test could help you secure a quicker pass, which is something for those booking their practical over the next few weeks to bear in mind.

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These metropolitan areas are full of hazards that can put off even a well-seasoned driver during rush hour, so they are best to avoid if you're looking for a quick win.

For those in Yorkshire, the report reveals that Malton is the best place to take your test with a 66 per cent first-time pass rate overall.

The good news is pass rates, in general, are increasing. In December 2017, a number of changes were introduced to driving tests which corresponded with a 14 per cent decrease in first-time pass rates from June 2017 to 2018. Within a year of these new measures being introduced, there was a 116 per cent increase in first-rate passes.

The report also looks at where in the UK are the busiest and least busy test centres based on driving test booking numbers. Trying to get booked in when lockdown ends may be difficult - so the top 10 busiest and least busy test centres can be found here too.

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Matt Oliver, Driving Expert from GoCompare said: "Preparation is always the key when it comes to tackling any challenge. But there's no harm in looking at extra ways to boost your chances, and choosing a quieter route can keep your nerves at a minimum.

The most common reason for failure in driving tests is responding incorrectly at lights. At busy junctions, it's easy to lose your concentration when surrounded by different distractions - choosing a quieter location is a good way to limit this risk.

"To make sure you're prepared, try to practise in a variety of conditions. Once you've chosen your test centre, drive the routes as often as possible, so you can get used to the trickier roads."