Theory Test Pass Rates: National & By Centre
Half of all car-theory candidates fail their first attempt. Pass rates vary by region, gender and centre, but the test is the same everywhere.
National Headline Numbers
By Nation
| Nation | Car pass rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 48.9% | Slightly higher than England |
| England | 46.0% | Pulled down by larger urban centres |
| Wales | 42.3% | Lowest of the three GB nations |
Northern Ireland uses the DVA, not the DVSA, so figures are reported separately.
10 Highest Pass Rates
| Centre | Pass rate |
|---|---|
| Kyle of Lochalsh | 64.3% |
| Stornoway | 62.1% |
| Lerwick | 61.0% |
| Inverness | 58.7% |
| Truro | 56.9% |
| Aberystwyth | 55.4% |
| Carlisle | 54.2% |
| Exeter | 53.8% |
| Llandrindod Wells | 53.5% |
| Hereford | 52.9% |
10 Lowest Pass Rates
| Centre | Pass rate |
|---|---|
| Millom | 34.6% |
| Birmingham (Garrets Green) | 36.4% |
| Wolverhampton | 37.2% |
| Bradford (Heaton) | 38.0% |
| London (Wood Green) | 38.5% |
| Manchester (Cheetham Hill) | 39.1% |
| Leicester (Wigston) | 39.6% |
| Coventry | 40.0% |
| Slough | 40.4% |
| Nottingham (Colwick) | 40.9% |
The test is identical at every centre. Differences reflect candidate demographics (age, first-language, deprivation), not test difficulty. Travelling to a high-pass-rate centre will not improve your odds.
What Affects the Pass Rate?
Demographics
Centres serving large student populations or multilingual communities tend to have lower rates because more candidates are first-time English speakers.
Time spent revising
DVSA studies link pass probability directly to hours studied. 20-30 hours over 2-4 weeks is the sweet spot.
Hazard perception
Failing the hazard component is the single biggest cause of overall fails. The clicking pattern, not just spotting hazards, is critical.
Deprivation index
Centres in higher-deprivation areas correlate with lower pass rates, likely tied to access to revision resources.
FAQ
FAQ 1Does it matter which centre I take my theory test at?
Not for the test itself. The questions, hazard clips and pass mark are identical UK-wide. Pick the centre that is most convenient and has the soonest available slot.
FAQ 2Why are some centres so much higher?
High-rate centres tend to be rural, with smaller catchments, older candidates and fewer first-time English speakers. The test is the same; the population taking it differs.
FAQ 3Has the pass rate dropped over time?
It has fluctuated between roughly 44% and 52% over the past decade. The headline 46% reflects a slow decline through the 2010s and a small bounce since 2023.
FAQ 4Are pass rates published by the DVSA?
Yes, monthly. Open-data CSVs are available on gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets. Figures on this page are derived from the most recent published tables.
FAQ 5Should I travel to a high-pass-rate centre?
It will not raise your personal odds. The same questions are asked. Save the travel time and book somewhere convenient.