New analysis from automotive 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 cross charges.
The research 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 typical take a look at wait standing at 14 weeks, location could make a major distinction to learner drivers.
Scotland leads with highest first-time cross charges
Scotland is dwelling to the highest 10 driving take a look at centres with one of the best first-time cross charges, considerably larger than the UK common of 47.8 per cent.
Inveraray topped the desk with an 85.5 per cent first-time cross charge, 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)
| Check 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 accordance with ALA Insurance coverage, quieter rural roads possible contribute to those larger success charges by decreasing the complexity of driving circumstances.
Birmingham and London battle
On the different finish of the size, take a look at centres in Birmingham and London recorded the bottom first-time cross 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)
| Check 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 likelihood of passing their take a look at on the primary try. She stated heavy visitors and bigger, extra complicated roads are more likely to be a significant component.
Prices fluctuate considerably by area
The research additionally discovered that Scotland, regardless of excessive cross charges, has a number of the costliest 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 costliest cities for classes
| Most cost-effective cities | Worth per lesson | Worth to cross | Costliest cities | Worth per lesson | Worth to cross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 instant 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 Check Cancellations 4 All, collected in August 2025.
