Last Updated on November 20, 2024
Driving tests are among the most stressful days we can encounter, and it is natural to look for any kind of advantage possible. For many learner drivers, passing their practical driving test driving test is a significant milestone, and the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. To maximise their chances of passing, some driving instructors advise their pupils to book tests at specific times. The idea is that certain times of the day or days of the week might offer a better chance of success. This concept leads many to strategically planning their DVLA driving test booking in the hopes of finding a time slot that increases their likelihood of earning that iconic pink licence.
Exploring DVLA data: does timing affect your test success?
As specialists in learner drivers, we decided to delve into the DVLA data to find out whether the time and date of a DVLA driving test really matter. Are certain times of day, or specific days of the week, more likely to lead to learner drivers getting their pink licence? We thought it was time to find out! By analysing the pass rates across various time slots and days, we aimed to uncover any patterns that might suggest an optimal time for booking a driving test. Our goal was to provide clear, data-driven insights to help learner drivers make informed decisions when scheduling their DVLA test booking.
Does the time and day of your test make a difference?
While the DVLA driving test data shows variations in pass rates depending on the time and day, it’s not definitive that these factors alone determine success. Some slots show higher average pass rates than others, but the ultimate determinant is the learner’s readiness and driving ability. This blog aims to explore whether there’s a significant advantage to booking your test at certain times and days, while emphasizing that personal readiness remains key.
What time and day have the highest average pass rate?
Pass Rate by Hour Slot (UK Wide)
5pm – 6pm appears to be the most successful slot.
The data appears to show that there are slightly different driving test success rates depending on the time slot the learner opts for.
The early evening slot of 5pm-6pm is the most likely to lead to a pass with an average pass rate of 50.5%
The time slot after this from 6pm-7pm however, has the lowest average pass rate of 41.7%. The second lowest is the early bird-slot of 6am-7am with average pass rate of 46%
Of course, the only thing that matters when it comes to a test is your driving ability. If your driving skills are up to scratch, you should reap your rewards, regardless of the time of day it is.
Between January 2023 and December 2023
| Time | Pass % |
| 06:00 – 06:59 | 46.0% |
| 07:00 – 07:59 | 48.0% |
| 08:00 – 08:59 | 48.0% |
| 09:00 – 09:59 | 50.2% |
| 10:00 – 10:59 | 48.7% |
| 11:00 – 11:59 | 47.5% |
| 12:00 – 12:59 | 47.5% |
| 13:00 – 13:59 | 47.9% |
| 14:00 – 14:59 | 48.2% |
| 15:00 – 15:59 | 47.6% |
| 16:00 – 16:59 | 48.4% |
| 17:00 – 17:59 | 50.5% |
| 18:00 – 18:59 | 41.7% |
| After 19:00 | 50.0% |
Of course, the only thing that matters when it comes to a test is your driving ability. If your driving skills are up to scratch, you should reap your rewards, regardless of the time of day it is.
Pass Rate by day of week
The DVLA data suggests that learner drivers should look to book their test on either a Sunday or Monday with average pass rates of 50.1% and 49.3% respectively.
| Day | Pass % |
| Monday | 49.3% |
| Tuesday | 48.4% |
| Wednesday | 48.1% |
| Thursday | 47.9% |
| Friday | 47.3% |
| Saturday | 47.8% |
| Sunday | 50.1% |
@collingwoodinsurance Apparently some days are better than others when it comes to booking your driving test! 🚙 #learntodrive #drivingtest #uk #drive #passingtest #learnerdriver #drivinglessons #carsoftiktok #learningtodrive ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
Pass Rates by Day of the Week – Selected Cities
Birmingham
Pass Rates by Day of the Week at Birmingham DVLA Test Centres
| Day | Garretts Green | Kings Heath | Shirley | South Yardley | Sutton Coldfield |
| Monday | 42.2% | 45.2% | 55.3% | 44.2% | 45.9% |
| Tuesday | 40.4% | 43.1% | 52.7% | 42.5% | 46% |
| Wednesday | 40.7% | 44.9% | 53.1% | 41.4% | 42.8% |
| Thursday | 40.5% | 44.4% | 53.3% | 40.7% | 41.9% |
| Friday | 40.6% | 43.7% | 48.4% | 41.5% | 40.6% |
| Saturday | 41.3% | 44.1% | 51.1% | 43.5% | 41.1% |
| Sunday | 41.0% | 44.1% | 62.7% | 48.4% | 50% |
Manchester
Pass Rates by Day at Manchester DVLA Test Centres
| Day | Bredbury | Bury | Chadderton | Cheetham Hill | Sale | West Didsbury | Rochdale |
| Monday | 52.6% | 37.1% | 44.2% | 44.3% | 51.3% | 52.6% | 38.2% |
| Tuesday | 52.5% | 38.2% | 44.5% | 40.3% | 49.3% | 51.1% | 36.9% |
| Wednesday | 52.4% | 39.7% | 46.8% | 39.8% | 52.1% | 51.1% | 37.5% |
| Thursday | 54.2% | 37% | 42% | 42.6% | 47.7% | 51.4% | 37.3% |
| Friday | 51.5% | 38% | 43.5% | 39.9% | 49% | 49.7% | 34% |
| Saturday | 52.3% | 40.9% | 44.5% | 41.2% | 48.5% | 50.2% | 40% |
| Sunday | 55.5% | 39.8% | 46.6% | 45.7% | 52.1% | 53.1% | 46.7% |
Edinburgh
Pass Rates by Day at Edinburgh DVLA Test Centres
| Day | Edinburgh (Currie) | Edinburgh (Musselburgh) |
| Monday | 45.1% | 48% |
| Tuesday | 47.9% | 44.6% |
| Wednesday | 45.7% | 42.4% |
| Thursday | 45.7% | 44.5% |
| Friday | 49.1% | 42.6% |
| Saturday | 45.3% | 44.3% |
| Sunday | 45.1% | N/A |
Leeds
Pass Rates by Day at Leeds DVLA Test Centres
| Day | Horsforth (Leeds) | Leeds |
| Monday | 51.8% | 49.7% |
| Tuesday | 48.7% | 46.9% |
| Wednesday | 51.2% | 49.8% |
| Thursday | 48.3% | 46.2% |
| Friday | 47.2% | 48.2% |
| Saturday | 51.5% | 48.4% |
Nottingham
Pass Rates by Hour at Nottingham Test Centres
| Day | Nottingham (Chilwell) | Nottingham (Colwick) |
| Monday | 43.2% | 49.1% |
| Tuesday | 41.4% | 47.6% |
| Wednesday | 40.3% | 47.7% |
| Thursday | 37.8% | 44.9% |
| Friday | 37.2% | 43.1% |
| Saturday | 36.8% | 49.1% |
How to Book Your Driving Test
Booking your driving test in the involves several steps, but with careful planning, it can be a straightforward process. Here’s a simple guide to help you through:
- Pass Your Theory Test: Before you can book a practical driving test, you need to pass the theory test. This includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
- Choose Your Test Centre: Select a convenient DVLA test centre. Consider the location and pass rates but choose one where you feel comfortable driving.
- Check Availability: Use the DVLA’s online booking system to check available dates and times for your test. Consider the data on pass rates by time and day but prioritize your personal schedule and readiness.
- Book Your Test: Once you’ve chosen a date and time, book your driving test online. You’ll need your provisional driving licence number and a credit or debit card to pay the fee.
- Prepare for the Test: Use the time before your test to practice driving in various conditions and at different times of day, ideally with a qualified instructor.
Why should I get learner driver insurance?
Learner driver insurance helps you get extra driving practice in your own car, or in a friend or family member’s car, completely legally, without risking their No Claims Bonus.
Collingwood offers competitive learner driver insurance for UK provisional licence drivers with short-term and annual cover available, from 28 days up to 12 months. Choose your level of cover below, receive your quote in minutes, then get behind the wheel and start driving!
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Conclusion
Ultimately, while there are certain times and dates that statistically have higher pass rates, the most important factor in passing your driving test is your driving ability. Choosing the best time and day for your DVLA test booking can potentially give you an edge, but being well-prepared and confident in your driving skills is what truly makes the difference. Remember, practice and readiness are key to turning that provisional licence into a full one. Good luck!
FAQs
It’s advisable to book your driving test as early as possible, ideally several months in advance. Test slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so booking early ensures you have a better chance of securing your preferred date and time.
Yes, you can change your driving test date if needed. The DVLA allows you to reschedule your test online up to three working days before your original test date. This flexibility helps if you need more time to prepare or if your circumstances change.
If you fail your driving test, you must wait at least 10 working days before you can book another test. This waiting period allows you to practice and improve your driving skills before attempting the test again. Make sure to review the areas where you need improvement to avoid repeating the same mistakes and practice with a qualified instructor.
Driving tests are typically not conducted on public holidays and bank holidays. Additionally, availability may be limited around Christmas and New Year. It’s important to check the DVLA website for specific dates when tests are not available to plan your booking accordingly.
On the day of your driving test, you must bring your provisional driving licence, your theory test pass certificate, and a valid form of ID if your provisional licence does not include a photo. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure to bring them as well. It’s essential to have all necessary documents to avoid any issues on the day of your test.
Sources
Data sourced via Freedom of Information request and covers the date period between 01/01/23 and 31/12/23.
