What’s the worst part about learning to drive? The inevitable practical test that we need to pass before gaining our independence on the roads.

Nowadays, unless you live in central London, having a driving licence is a very useful commodity. It’s useful for work, holidays and driving your friends and family around as a chauffeur service.

The build up to the test is a nerve wracking experience. You’ve invested all that time and money into practicing, organising a car and promising people lifts once you pass. It’s not a cheap endeavour and the test itself is the final hurdle before you can be let loose!

There are a few interesting statistics when it comes to the UK driving test which are covered in an infographic from Absolute Reg.

Using official government data, they’ve shared some key facts about practical driving test pass rates that you might not know about. Or might not want to know about…

In 2017, the pass rate for UK car driving tests was 47.1% for people taking the test on their first attempt. Meaning that over half of people fail, so don’t get too disheartened if this happens to you. You’re actually in the majority.

It’s also revealed that the pass rate is higher for men. 50.6% of men passed with the rate lower for women at 43.9%.

Living in a big city like London is also a downside if you’re taking your test. London test takers have a lower pass rate, which is unsurprising given the greater number of distractions you have to deal with on the roads and other drivers getting in your way. So taking your test in a more remote location could be a great option if you’re struggling to pass.

And although young drivers have a bad reputation on the roads, the 16-25 age group has the highest pass rate!

My thoughts

These results don’t surprise me. I am yet to pass my driving test. My theory test has now expired so I will need to take that test again too. I had my first driving test about 5 years ago. I was heavily pregnant with the twins and paranoid. So failing my test came as no surprise.

I am looking forward to passing my driving tests this year. Driving would bring a new form of independence. I won’t have to over plan my trips or wait for anyone to take me where I need to go.

Have you passed your driving tests? How long did it take you to pass them?

*Collaborative post.