New analysis from automobile guarantee supplier ALA Insurance coverage has revealed one of the best and worst locations within the UK for learner drivers to take their driving take a look at, with Scotland rising because the clear chief for first-time move charges.
The research comes as September, historically the busiest month for birthdays, sees a surge in 17-year-olds seeking to begin classes. However with lesson prices climbing and the common take a look at wait standing at 14 weeks, location could make a big distinction to learner drivers.
Scotland leads with highest first-time move charges
Scotland is house to the highest 10 driving take a look at centres with one of the best first-time move charges, considerably increased than the UK common of 47.8 per cent.
Inveraray topped the desk with an 85.5 per cent first-time move fee, adopted intently by Mallaig (85.2 per cent) and Islay Island (82.9 per cent). Different high-performing centres included Gairloch, Ballater, and Benbecula Island.
Prime 10 driving take a look at centres (first-time passes)
| Take a look at Centre | First Try Cross % |
|---|---|
| Inveraray | 85.5% |
| Mallaig | 85.2% |
| Islay Island | 82.9% |
| Gairloch | 81.1% |
| Ballater | 80.4% |
| Benbecula Island | 79.0% |
| Montrose (Broomfield Ind Property) | 78.0% |
| Peebles | 77.5% |
| Crieff | 76.9% |
| Arbroath | 76.1% |
In keeping with ALA Insurance coverage, quieter rural roads possible contribute to those increased success charges by lowering the complexity of driving circumstances.
Birmingham and London wrestle
On the different finish of the dimensions, take a look at centres in Birmingham and London recorded the bottom first-time move charges.
The Pavilion in Birmingham had the UK’s lowest determine at simply 30.4 per cent, whereas London’s Wanstead centre recorded 30.7 per cent. Belvedere, Erith, and Kingstanding additionally ranked among the many backside 5.
Backside 10 driving take a look at centres (first-time passes)
| Take a look at Centre | First Try Cross % |
|---|---|
| Birmingham (The Pavilion) | 30.4% |
| Wanstead (London) | 30.7% |
| Belvedere (London) | 30.4% |
| Erith (London) | 33.0% |
| Birmingham (Kingstanding) | 33.6% |
| Speke (Liverpool) | 33.7% |
| Wednesbury | 34.2% |
| Birmingham (South Yardley) | 34.1% |
| Chingford (London) | 34.4% |
| Featherstone | 34.7% |
Aimee Anderson of ALA Insurance coverage famous that residents in these cities have round a one in three probability of passing their take a look at on the primary try. She stated heavy site visitors and bigger, extra complicated roads are more likely to be a significant component.
Prices differ considerably by area
The research additionally discovered that Scotland, regardless of excessive move charges, has among the costliest lesson prices. Peterhead topped the checklist at £47.14 per lesson, in contrast with the nationwide common of £37.33. In contrast, Liverpool had the most cost effective common at £31.17.
Least expensive and costliest cities for classes
| Least expensive cities | Worth per lesson | Worth to move | Costliest cities | Worth per lesson | Worth to move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | £31.17 | £1,402.65 | Peterhead | £47.14 | £2,121.30 |
| Sheffield | £31.60 | £1,422.00 | Kirkcaldy | £45.13 | £2,030.85 |
| Manchester | £32.12 | £1,445.40 | Edinburgh | £44.31 | £1,993.95 |
| Cardiff | £32.40 | £1,458.00 | Coventry | £42.29 | £1,903.05 |
| Dundee | £33.05 | £1,487.25 | Aberdeen | £42.11 | £1,894.95 |
Lengthy waits stay a problem
Throughout the UK, learners are ready on common 14 weeks for a take a look at, with solely six centres displaying speedy availability.
Anderson suggested learners to keep away from reserving earlier than they’re test-ready, warning that speeding can result in preventable failures.
The analysis was performed by ALA Insurance coverage utilizing DVSA driving take a look at information from 2014–2024, common lesson prices from GoRoadie, and ready instances from Driving Take a look at Cancellations 4 All, collected in August 2025.
