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The best and worst places for theory test pass rates in the UK

We've reviewed UK test centres to get the stats

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Last updated: 22 September 2025

Who'd have thought that theory test pass rates differ depending on where they're taken across the UK?

Whether you've got your eyes on a used BMW, Mercedes or something else - passing your theory test is a crucial first step towards getting on the road.

Scotland has emerged as the nation's driving theory test champion with a national pass rate of 48.9% - ahead of England (46%) and Wales (42.3%), according to our analysis of DVSA data for both 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Kyle of Lochalsh in the Scottish Highlands achieved Britain's highest pass rate at 64.3% - nearly 30 percentage points higher than bottom-ranked Millom in Cumbria (34.6%).

The study also found that less than half of Brits pass their driving theory test on average (44.9%), and more than 2.7 million driving theory tests were taken across Britain between April 2024 and March 2025. That's an increase of over 198,000 compared to the previous year.

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Scottish locations rule Britain’s top 10 for pass rates

The top 10 list of highest-performing places for theory tests in Britain for 2024/25 is dominated by Scotland, with six Scottish locations making the list.

Kyle of Lochalsh ranks as number one with a pass rate of 64.3%, followed by Helmsdale (60.7%) and Portree (59.2%).

Four locations in England made it into the top 10, with Huntingdon (55.6%) achieving the highest pass rate for the country, while Wales failed to secure any spots in the top 10.

10 highest pass rates (2024/25)

  1. Kyle of Lochalsh: 64.3%

  2. Helmsdale: 60.7%

  3. Portree: 59.2%

  4. Aviemore: 57.4%

  5. North Berwick: 56.3%

  6. Huntingdon: 55.6%

  7. Ullapool: 55%

  8. Rushden: 54.5%

  9. Royal Tunbridge Wells: 53.6%

    = Guildford: 53.6%

Cities find the theory test more challenging

Interestingly, some major cities appear in the bottom 10 for pass rates. Bradford (36.8%), Birmingham (40.4%), Leicester (39.7%) and Wolverhampton (38.5%) all feature among the worst-performing locations for theory tests in Britain.

10 lowest pass rates (2024/25)

  1. Millom: 34.6%

  2. Porthmadog: 35.7%

  3. Bradford: 36.8%

  4. Dudley: 38.2%

    = Uxbridge: 38.2%

  5. Wolverhampton: 38.5%

  6. Leicester: 39.7%

  7. Birmingham: 40.4%

  8. Newton Stewart: 40.5%

    = Merthyr Tydfil: 40.5%

The South West leads on regional pass rates

The South West topped Britain’s regional performance with an average pass rate of 47.8%. This was closely followed by strong performances from the South East (47.0%), Scotland (46.9%) and East of England (46.0%).

  1. South West: 47.8%

  2. South East: 47.0%

  3. Scotland: 46.9%

  4. East of England: 46.0%

  5. North East: 44.7%

  6. London: 44.6%

  7. North West: 44.1%

  8. East Midlands: 43.6%

  9. Yorkshire & Humber: 42.9%

  10. Wales: 42.8%

  11. West Midlands: 42.3%

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Edinburgh claims best pass rate among Britain’s biggest cities

Analysing pass rates in some of Britain’s biggest cities, Edinburgh came top of the pile. Other big cities with high pass rates include Bristol (48.9%), Nottingham (46.8%) and Liverpool (45.4%).

  1. Edinburgh: 50.6%

  2. Bristol: 48.9%

  3. Nottingham: 46.8%

  4. Liverpool: 45.4%

  5. Glasgow: 45.0%

  6. London: 44.6%

  7. Leeds: 44.2%

  8. Sheffield: 44.1%

  9. Birmingham: 40.4%

  10. Leicester: 39.7%

Bowmore leads with most improved pass rate

When it comes to year-on-year improvements, Bowmore on the Isle of Islay recorded the largest increase, jumping 14.9 percentage points compared to 2024/25 compared to the same period a year earlier.

Portree (+14.6%) and Helmsdale (+12.9%) took second and third spots for most improved.

10 most improved areas (year-on-year change)

  1. Bowmore (Isle of Islay): +14.9%

  2. Portree: +14.6%

  3. Helmsdale: +12.9%

  4. Ballater: +12.4%

  5. Cumnock: +9.7%

  6. Rushden: +9.6%

  7. Kyle of Lochalsh: +9.5%

    = Lochmaddy: +9.5%

  8. Newton Stewart: +5.7%

  9. Tarbert (Argyll & Bute): +4.8%

Millom sees the biggest tumble in pass rates year-on-year

However, not all areas have seen year-on-year improvements. Millom experienced the steepest decline in pass rates, dropping 16.3 percentage points year-on-year, followed by Diss (-11.7%) and Hexham (-9.9%).

10 least improved areas (year-on-year change)

  1. Millom: -16.3%

  2. Diss: -11.7%

  3. Hexham: -9.9%

  4. Penrith: -8.8%

  5. Ullapool: -8.3%

  6. Fakenham: -5.8%

  7. Hornsea: -5.6%

  8. Wick: -5.4%

  9. Brodick (Isle of Arran): -5.0%

  10. Newtown: -4.6%

It’s often the smaller rural centres that appear at the very top or bottom of the table, because even a handful of extra passes or fails can have a big impact on the percentages.

Ben Welham, our motoring expert, said: “It’s often the smaller rural centres that appear at the very top or bottom of the table, because even a handful of extra passes or fails can have a big impact on the percentages. That’s why we see Kyle of Lochalsh leading with the highest pass rates this year, while Millom finds itself at the other end of the rankings.

“Although our research shows Scotland ahead of England and Wales overall, and bigger cities generally posting lower pass rates, what doesn’t change is the importance of preparation. Wherever you sit the test, the learners who study and practise have the best chance of passing first time.”

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