Featherstone and Wolverhampton are the toughest driving test centres in the UK with almost two thirds of drivers failing
Passing a driving test in Featherstone and Wolverhampton is harder than anywhere else in the country.
New research revealed nearly two thirds of drivers failed their tests at Featherstone Test Centre. which has the worst rate in the country, with Wolverhampton closely behind in second.
Drivers hoping to pass their tests in neighbouring Sandwell will not get much more joy from Wednesbury Test Centre, which is the fourth worst place in the country with a pass rate of 35.82 per cent.
Those determined to pass their test should try and get a slot north of the border with Scottish test centres boasting a much higher pass rate. The top two Arbroath and Stranraer both have pass rates above 70 per cent.
The study by UK CBD brand BROWN'S CBD analysed the official GOV.UK stats from April to September 2024 to identify where learners have the best shot at success across Britain.
Arbroath topped the nationwide rankings with a 78.57 per cent pass rate from 168 tests, meaning nearly four in five candidates walk away with a full licence.
However, Featherstone was bottom of the rankings as the UK's toughest test centre with a 33.85 per cent pass rate, meaning two-thirds of candidates went without a full licence.
However, Featherstone Test Centre is also one of the busiest in the country, processing 7,741 tests during the period studied, so more people actually passed their tests than the top three sites in country put together.
Wolverhampton ranks second-worst with just 33.92 per cent of learners passing from 6,345 tests and Wednesbury ranked fourth from the bottom, with 35.82 per cent of learners passing from 4,821 tests.
Laurence Brown, director of BROWN'S CBD, believes the data shows the massive difference drivers face depending where they live and learn to drive.
He said: “The stats expose a clear link between test numbers and pass rates nationwide. While the five test centres with the highest pass rates ran an average of just 198 tests each during the six months studied, the five toughest centres processed an average of 5,608 tests each, over 28 times more."
“This suggests test centre size makes a massive difference to a learner's chances. Small centres often offer a more personal experience with less pressure while examiners at bigger centres deal with dozens of tests daily on much busier roads.
He added: ""The results also revealed a massive north-south divide in driving test pass rates. Rural Scottish centres give learners almost double the chance of success compared to busy English cities like London and Wolverhampton, where most candidates fail. Test anxiety is often responsible for driving test failures. Learners nervous about their test should consider travelling to quieter areas to boost their chances of success."
However, there was good news, as several drivers passed their tests at Featherstone yesterday (Tuesday) as their driving instructors posted on social media their success.
Hub and Pat Driving School posted: "Congratulations to Jay from Cannock on passing his practical driving test at Feather driving test centre."
And: "ongratulations to Nathan from @raf_cosford on passing his practical driving test first attempt at Featherstone driving test centre."
