Revealed: Worst Learner Driver Test Attempts
Shocking Figures Reveal Britain’s Worst Learner Drivers
Figures have been released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency which show the worst areas for learner driver test attempts for the last 10 years.
Most Attempts By One Person Before Passing
A 38-year-old man in Garston, Liverpool topped the rankings after taking the practical test 39 times before passing. Second place was shared by two 44-year-olds, a man in Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham) and a woman in Weston-super-Mare, who both took 36 attempts to pass the practical test. A further 19 other people across the UK have sat the test over 30 times before passing, including people in Middlesbrough, London, and Leeds. With practical tests being priced at £62 or £75 for evenings, it means the man from Liverpool will have spent at least £2,418 on his practical test alone!
Highest Theory Test Fails
The most astonishing figures come from those who failed to pass the theory test. A 30-year-old woman from Ilford, London has failed the test a staggering 113 times, but hasn’t attempted it since 2015. However a man 10 years her senior, and from the same area is hot on her heels, having failed the test 107 times, with the latest attempt coming this year. Whilst a woman heads the top 20 it’s men who are doing worse overall, with 70% of the top 20 attempts being men. Only the two already mentioned have gone into triple figures, with third and fourth spot being occupied by a 30-year-old man from Peterborough who has had 86 failed attempts, and a 41-year-old man from Birmingham who has passed after 80 times. Interestingly no one under the age of 24 features in the top 20, and only 55% went on to pass the theory test.
DVSA Say:
Lesley Young, chief driving examiner of the DVSA, said: “It’s essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to drive safely. The driver testing and training regime tests candidates’ ability to drive safely and responsibly as well as making sure they know the theory behind safe driving. All candidates are assessed to the same level and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.”
Driving Instructors Association Say:
Olivia Baldock-Ward, Driving Instructors Association Training Manager, said: "There is the issue of whether people who are failing the theory test 100 times should be allowed to try again and again. There is an issue of road safety here. On average, people might need two or three goes at passing the tests. If it is much more than that, then there may be other issues involved. Driving is a serious matter - people do die on the roads."
Insurance
Are you a learner driver or a young driver that’s recently successfully passed their practical driving test? If you need insurance, get in touch by calling Think Insurance on or 0800 221 8077 clicking Get A Quote below.
