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 check, with Scotland rising because the clear chief for first-time go charges.
The examine comes as September, historically the busiest month for birthdays, sees a surge in 17-year-olds trying to begin classes. However with lesson prices climbing and the common check wait standing at 14 weeks, location could make a big distinction to learner drivers.
Scotland leads with highest first-time go charges
Scotland is residence to the highest 10 driving check centres with one of the best first-time go charges, considerably larger than the UK common of 47.8 per cent.
Inveraray topped the desk with an 85.5 per cent first-time go price, 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.
High 10 driving check centres (first-time passes)
| Take a look at Centre | First Try Move % |
|---|---|
| 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% |
Based on ALA Insurance coverage, quieter rural roads seemingly contribute to those larger success charges by lowering the complexity of driving situations.
Birmingham and London wrestle
On the different finish of the dimensions, check centres in Birmingham and London recorded the bottom first-time go 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 check centres (first-time passes)
| Take a look at Centre | First Try Move % |
|---|---|
| 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 check on the primary try. She stated heavy site visitors and bigger, extra complicated roads are prone to be a significant factor.
Prices fluctuate considerably by area
The examine additionally discovered that Scotland, regardless of excessive go charges, has among the most costly lesson prices. Peterhead topped the checklist at £47.14 per lesson, in contrast with the nationwide common of £37.33. Against this, Liverpool had the most affordable common at £31.17.
Most cost-effective and most costly cities for classes
| Most cost-effective cities | Value per lesson | Value to go | Costliest cities | Value per lesson | Value to go |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 check, with solely six centres exhibiting 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 check information from 2014–2024, common lesson prices from GoRoadie, and ready occasions from Driving Take a look at Cancellations 4 All, collected in August 2025.
