Broughton School of Motoring

Which test centres have the lowest pass rates?

Steve Watson — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:44:30 +0000

According to recent figures, driving test pass rates remain low across the UK, with some test centres seeing fewer than one in three learners pass on their first attempt. This not only highlights the challenges many candidates face but also contributes to the ongoing backlog, as unsuccessful learners are required to rebook and rejoin an already strained system.

But which UK test centres have the overall lowest first-time pass rates?

To find out, car insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket analysed DVSA data on first-time pass rates. This forms part of a wider study, which also identified the UK cities with the highest driving test demand by analysing search volumes for a range of terms related to booking and taking a test, including “driving test near me,” “book driving test,” and “driving test wait time.”

You can find further information on how to beat the driving test backlog here:
https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/news/how-to-beat-the-driving-test-backlog/

Key findings:

Wolverhampton records the lowest first-time pass rate in the UK, with just 30.9% of learners passing on their first attempt. Out of 4,544 tests taken, only 1,402 resulted in a pass, highlighting the significant challenges faced by candidates at this centre.

Featherstone follows closely behind, with a first-time pass rate of 32.6%. From 5,198 test attempts, 1,694 learners passed, showing that fewer than one in three candidates successfully pass on their first try.

Wednesbury completes the top three, with a 33.2% first-time pass rate. Of the 3,783 driving tests taken at this centre, 1,256 were successful, reinforcing a wider trend of low pass rates across parts of the West Midlands.

With thanks to moneysupermarket.com Data extracted in May 2026

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Pull push steering? It’s not difficult…

Steve Watson — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:10:09 +0000

Although you are allowed to cross your hands while steering - providing the steering is smooth, safe and controlled - pull push steering is the DVSA approved method because it is safer. Crossing your hands over the centre of the steering wheel enables you to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, it's just as quick as any other method and it keeps your arm away from the airbag.

This is how driving examiners are told to assess your steering:

"To ensure uniformity, when conducting car or vocational tests and ADI qualifying examinations, only assess the candidate’s ability to control the vehicle and do not consider it as a fault if, for example, they do not hold the steering wheel at ten to two or quarter to three or if they cross their hands when turning the steering wheel. The assessment should be based on whether the steering is smooth, safe and under control."

How to steer using the pull push method:

- Take the pulling hand up to the very top of the steering wheel - a little past 12 o'clock if you like. This first pull is your most valuable input, so make the most of it.

- Bring that hand all the way down to the bottom of the wheel, while at the same time sliding the other hand down to the bottom to meet it.

- When it reaches the bottom and comes into contact with the other hand, and NOT before, start pushing up with that hand, while sliding the first hand back to the top ready for another pull, if necessary.

- When unwinding the steering, do the same in reverse. Get a hand right up to the top, and make the first pull really count. Unwinding is often more difficult than winding "on", because it has to be done quickly, as the car is now accelerating away from the corner.

- Remember that only one hand is active at a time - either pulling, or pushing, but not both together.

These videos also demonstrates the technique - it's not difficult, just needs lots of practice!

How NOT to pull push:

- The "shuffle". The hands only complete half a pull, or push, at a time (or less). This is what makes pull-push look difficult - because it is, if you do it like that!

- The "hand over hand". Here the pushing hand is not "pulling its weight" so the pulling hand has to rush back to the top of the wheel to start another pull. Imagine someone pulling a rope in, with one very weak arm. The other arm has to do all the work.

Now practice with a dinner plate, a circular tray or something similar. If you choose something breakable, make sure it's not expensive!

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Driving lesson tips – hill starts

Steve Watson — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:41:40 +0000

Hill starts are easy!

Updated February 2026

When new drivers have a problem with starting on hills, it is usually because they are worried about rolling back. If the car rolls back, even a little bit, they ‘panic’ and start tap-dancing with the pedals!

But the truth is, if you can move off OK on a level road you already have all the skill you need to move off on a hill.

Using this method, you will only adjust your feet on the pedals when the car is safely secured with the handbrake is firmly pulled on.

But first.....

How to stop on a steep hill

In a car with gears it's best practice to slow the car down with the brakes before depressing the clutch when you're stopping at the side of the road. That way you reduce the risk of the car speeding up when the clutch goes down.

When stopping on a steep hill the process is different.

Putting the clutch down first and allowing gravity to slow the car down as you roll slowly up the hill and just using the brakes to bring the car to a final, complete stop is better than braking first and risk stopping suddenly.

Once you've stopped, if your car doesn't have hill start assist (if it does, ask your instructor how to use it) make sure the handbrake is firmly applied *before* you take your foot away from the brake!

Moving off

Start by preparing the car. Select first gear and press the gas pedal (accelerator) so the engine makes a bit more noise than it does for a flat road start. Next bring the clutch up to the biting point (the point where the engine start to connect with the wheels). If you notice the windscreen wipers moving up slightly that's the rear wheel starting to turn - you can't roll back now as long as you keep your feet still!

Make your normal safety checks including a final blind spot check when you see an opportunity to move off. Release the handbrake very gently and if you feel the car move back keep your feet still and pull the handbrake back on again.

Re-adjust your feet while the car is secure, double check that the road is still clear, and then try again. Repeat this until you have full control.

With practice you will soon find that you get the right ‘feel’ for the clutch every time and that you won’t roll backwards

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The cost of learning to drive is going up….a lot!

Steve Watson — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:37:06 +0000

With thanks to Honest John - everything you need to know about cars is here!

The cost of learning to drive is continuing to rise with the bill for learner drivers set to hit nearly £2600 in 2026.

It means costs will have jumped 30% over the past five years, mainly due to the price of driving lessons that have gone up 37% since 2020.

At this rate, reckon experts at National Scrap Car, the projected cost of learning to drive could hit almost £4300 by 2035.

By 2045, it could top £7500.

Theory test and driving test prices have remained static since 2020, at £46 and £62 respectively. But the price of 45 hours of driving lessons has gone up by nearly £500 in five years.

National Scrap Car says the hourly driving lesson rate was £28 in 2020, but has now risen to £39. In the next five years, it’s set to increase again, to £53 an hour – and, in the next 20 years, driving lessons could cost more than £137 an hour.

Learner driver insurance has become more expensive too, as has the price of fuel, all adding to the cost of learning to drive.

"The reality is that learning to drive is becoming unaffordable to many budding drivers," says National Scrap Car's Dorry Potter.

"While the cost of provisional licences and practical and theory tests has remained stagnant for years, the cost of learning to drive has nonetheless skyrocketed to over £570. That’s more than 30% in the last five years.”

It’s not even as if learner drivers are being fast-tracked onto the road, either. The system is bottlenecked, with recent figures showing that learners are waiting an average of almost 22 weeks for their practical tests.

"Despite recent efforts from the government to address the test backlog, transport secretary Heidi Alexander has said that the target to get wait times down to seven weeks by summer 2026 won’t be met," adds Potter.

With the cost of learning to drive forecast to keep on increasing, this will “undoubtedly create a significant barrier to opportunity for the next generation of drivers”.

How to save money on your driving lessons

Why you don't want very cheap driving lessons!

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The UK driving test – what to expect

Steve Watson — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:14 +0000

The big day has arrived! It's time to take your driving test.

How to tell if you're ready to take a driving test

You're bound to feel a bit nervous before you start but that's good - a bit of nerves will help you perform well. But it's important not to become too worried. It's not the end of the world if you don't pass - you can have another go once you've had a bit more practice.

On the day of your driving test you'll meet the examiner who will ask you to sign a declaration that your car is insured.

The examiner will ask you if you want anyone to go with you on your test. It's entirely up to you but it is a good idea if your instructor goes with you. Not just for moral support - he or she can't take any part in the test - but so they can see any faults you make for themselves and not rely on the examiner's explanation at the end of the test.

Once you're in the car, the pre-test briefing will go like this:

"The test will last about 38 to 40 minutes and will include about 20 minutes of independent driving and various roads and traffic conditions. I will ask you to complete one manoeuvre and we may carry out an emergency stop. The sort of things you’ve been practising with your instructor or accompanying driver."

There are 5 parts to the driving test:

an eyesight check
‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
general driving ability
reversing your vehicle
independent driving

The driving test is the same for both manual and automatic cars.

It's useful to know how examiners assess your driving skills. This is the guidance driving examiners follow when they carry out driving tests in Great Britain. It's sometimes known as the 'DT1'.

These tips will help you pass:

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How to remember stopping distances for your theory test

Steve Watson — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:06:39 +0000

The theory test - how to remember stopping distances

Updated June 2025

This article will help you remember stopping distances for the UK driving theory test and also help you overcome theory test nerves.

A common question on the theory test is 'what is the [overall stopping, thinking or braking] distance at 30 mph?' etc.

Rather than remembering a list of the distances, you can calculate them instead using the method detailed below. It works for calculating the distances in feet. You can convert feet to metres afterwards if necessary.

No matter how well prepared you are for the UK driving theory test, you may be feeling a bit nervous about taking it. That's perfectly normal but excess nerves or anxiety can stop you performing at your best.

Anticipatory anxiety is very common. Worrying about your theory or driving test for weeks or months before you take your test - even though you don't actually know what to expect - can stop you driving at your best during your lessons and even affect your mental health.

Your driving instructor will be able to suggest lots of ways to overcome pre-test nerves. Mock tests are really useful, for example, as are breathing exercises and mindfulness.

How we help our customers manage test nerves.

Useful links

Overall Stopping Distance (on dry roads)

The overall stopping distance is built from the thinking distance, i.e. the distance the vehicle has travelled in the time taken to react to a hazard; and the braking distance, i.e. the distance travelled from the moment the brakes of the vehicle are applied to the point when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

The table below applies a 'factor', dependent on the speed you are travelling, which is multiplied with the speed to calculate the overall stopping distance in feet.

The factors are easy to remember - just start at 2 for 20mph and add 0.5 for each 10 mph increase in speed.

Example:

Question: What is the overall stopping distance at 50mph?
Answer: Factor for 50mph is 3.5 and so overall stopping distance at 50mph is 50 x 3.5 = 175 feet.

Thinking Distance

The thinking distance (in feet) is the same as the speed (in mph).

Example:

Question: What is the thinking distance at 50mph?
Answer: Thinking distance at 50mph is 50 feet.

Braking Distance

The braking distance is the overall stopping distance minus the thinking distance.

Example:

Question: What is the braking distance at 50mph?
Answer: Overall stopping distance at 50mph is 175 feet (see above).

Thinking distance at 50mph is 50 feet (see above). So braking distance is 175 - 50 = 125 feet.

If you want to calculate stopping distances in metres instead of feet, simply do the calculations in feet and then convert the final answer back to metres:

1 foot = 0.3048 metres, or, to ease calculation, 1 foot is roughly equal to 3/10 metres, i.e. divide the distance by 10 and multiply by 3.

Example:

Question: What is the overall stopping distance in metres distance at 40mph?
Answer: Overall stopping distance at 40mph is 40 x 3 feet = 120 feet. 120 feet is approximately equal to 120 * (3/10) metres = (120/10)*3 metres = 12*3 metres = 36 metres.

Stopping distances on wet or icy roads

Remember in wet conditions stopping distances are doubled. On snow or icy roads stopping distances can be over 10 times that of normal dry conditions.

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How many hours instruction will you need?

Steve Watson — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 07:39:44 +0000

Updated June 2025

The average number of hours instruction with a driving instructor that people need before they can pass their driving test is 45.¹

Research also shows that people who combine their driving lessons with private practice are 50% more likely to pass the driving test and most people have 22 hours of private practice with friends or family in-between their driving lessons.

But those numbers are just an average.

You might need more than the average if:

You live in a city or if you live on the outskirts of a city;
If you don't have driving lessons regularly every week;
If you take lessons around 3:30pm or 5pm (more congestion, slower learning);
You don't do a little homework between lessons;
You pick up bad habits from friends or relatives.

Another important factor that affects the number of hours instruction someone might need to pass their driving test is how old they are.

The DSA (now the DVSA - Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), published the results of a study that looked at how more than 48,000 new drivers had learned to drive, their age and their experience of driving after they passed their test.²

The aims of the study were:

to investigate how people learn to drive, including the number of hours of tuition they needed;
to explore new drivers’ experiences and attitudes to driving and
to identify their level of accident involvement over time.

The number of hours of professional tuition that pupils needed, on average, to pass their test are shown below.

Age	Very quick learner	Average
17-19	26-29	35-40
20	27-30	37-42
22	28-32	39-45
24	29-34	42-48
26	30-35	44-50
28	31-37	46-54
30	32-39	50-56
32	33-40	52-58
34	34-42	54-62
36	35-43	56-65
38	36-45	58-68
40	37-47	60-70
42	38-50	64-74
44	39-52	66-78
46	40-54	70-82
48	41-55	72-86
50	42-57	76-90
52	43-58	78-93
54	44-59	80-95
56	45-60	82-97
58	46-62	84-102
60	47-68	88-108

If you read the full report by the way, there are some interesting findings regarding new drivers' experiences after they pass their driving test.

Top tips! You'll learn faster and pass your test more quickly if:

You take two or three lessons a week;
You practice between lessons.

But most important of all, pick a local instructor with good reviews!

References

1. https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/driving-skills/track-progress-learning/ , June 2025

2. DSA, Cohort II: A Study of Learner and New Drivers, Volume 1 – Main Report, 2006

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How to overtake…safely

Steve Watson — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:38:43 +0000

Updated 6 June 2025

———

Overtaking is an inherently risky manoeuver. A lot can go wrong if you don’t do it correctly!

So when overtaking it’s important to follow these steps:

Consider if it’s necessary. You may feel frustrated being stuck behind someone driving slowly and holding up your journey, but if you’re getting off that road soon anyway, is it worth the risk? How much time will you really save?
Ask if it’s safe to overtake. Are there ‘no overtaking’ signs in the road? Are there any hazards ahead such as pedestrian crossings or a junction? Are you coming up to a bend or is there a dip in the road obscuring your vision? Never try to overtake unless you have clear visibility of both lanes of the road ahead.
Check both lanes. Do you have a clear line of vision? Will there be enough space (around 100 metres, the length of a football pitch) ahead after overtaking? Remember, you’ll not only need enough space to speed up to overtake, but also space to pass the car in front and cross back over in front without causing them to slow down.
Keep in mind your car’s performance. Are you used to normally driving by yourself, but today you have passengers and luggage in the boot? Or is the road uphill?
Do not assume you can follow another car that’s overtaking ahead of you. They may have judged that there’s enough room for them to overtake, but there may not be for you too. Plus, you won’t necessarily have clear visibility of the road when following another car.
Don’t get too close to the vehicle you want to overtake. If you change your mind about overtaking you need to be able to stop if the vehicle in front stops! Remember (and follow) the two second rule.
Check your mirrors. Make sure the road is clear – not just ahead of you in the oncoming lane, but also behind you and you might need a quick glance into your blind spot, over your right shoulder – there may be a car or motorcycle about to overtake you that you didn’t initially see. Then before you commit to the the overtake – check again!
Drop back slightly and signal. This will give you acceleration space while indicating to the car in front of you (or any behind you) that you’re about to overtake.
Keep checking the road and your mirrors. If there’s an unexpected hazard, you’ll need to drop back quickly and safely.
Accelerate assertively. Make sure to overtake quickly and in a controlled, confident way.
Don’t cut up the driver you’ve overtaken. As a rule of thumb, don’t start to pull back across into your lane until you can see the entire overtaken car in your central rear-view mirror. Then smoothly pull back in and don’t stop accelerating until it’s safe to ease into your normal speed.

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The ten ‘most difficult’ theory test questions

Steve Watson — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:00:02 +0000

Updated April 2025

You can see some tricky theory test questions (and the answers) below.

If you need any help with your theory feel free to drop me an email and I'll try to help

Want to save some money on your driving lessons?

If you're learning to drive you will learn much faster and need fewer driving lessons (fewer lessons = saving lots of money) if you practice in-between your driving lessons in a friend's or parent's car.

Adding yourself to their insurance can be very expensive though.

But did you know that you can get your own, cheap, insurance?

In April 2025 my daughter was quoted £87 for a 30 day policy. Not bad.

Click on the link below to get yourself a quote. It take about 5 minutes and could save you £hundreds!

* Your discount code (my i number) is i1036 *

Cheap insurance for learner drivers

40% of learner drivers can't answer these theory test questions when they take their theory test!

You are involved in a collision. What documents may the police ask you to produce?
Name three situations where you may overtake another vehicle on the left?
When can you drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line?
How can you identify areas reserved for trams?
You have broken down on a motorway. When you use the emergency telephone what information will you be asked?
Where would you find reflective amber studs on a motorway?
You are in a collision with another moving vehicle. Someone is injured and your vehicle is damaged. What four things should you find out?
If your car has unbalanced wheels, what can this cause?

Download the questions in multiple choice format and the answers

Take a free theory test on us! Click here

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The Fatal Four

Steve Watson — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:08:40 +0000

Updated February 2025

The four main causes of KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) on our roads are known by the emergency services as The FATAL FOUR.

1. Inappropriate speed

Even the difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The speed limit is not a target, you should drive at a speed that suits the conditions and the type of road. For example, if it’s foggy or raining, if you’re driving near a school or in a town centre, then driving at the speed limit could be too fast.

Make sure that you’re driving at a safe speed at all times, and never exceed the speed limit.

2. Using a mobile phone

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone when driving - making calls, texting, reading posts, playing games, taking photos, anything.

You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.

The law still applies to you if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

You can only use a hand-held phone if you’re safely parked with the engine switched off or you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

What about hands free? Even though hands-free kits are legal, it is also worth knowing that tests have shown people using these kits can be as distracted as if they were driving drunk. Don't use one.

3. Not wearing a seatbelt

You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seatbelt. So...make sure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt or secured in a car seat.

Children should use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.
Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

4. Drink/drug driving

When you drink, it takes longer for your brain to receive messages from your eye, and processing information becomes more difficult. All of these can significantly impact your driving. Driving = NO alcohol.

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Further reading

THINK! provides road safety information for road users.

ROSPA - road safety is your responsibility.

BRAKE - the road safety charity.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Services - the Fatal Four (video)

The post The Fatal Four appeared first on Broughton School of Motoring.

Broughton School of Motoring

Which test centres have the lowest pass rates?

Pull push steering? It’s not difficult…

Driving lesson tips – hill starts

Hill starts are easy!

The cost of learning to drive is going up….a lot!

The UK driving test – what to expect

How to remember stopping distances for your theory test

The theory test - how to remember stopping distances

Updated June 2025 This article will help you remember stopping distances for the UK driving theory test and also help you overcome theory test nerves.

How many hours instruction will you need?

How to overtake…safely

The ten ‘most difficult’ theory test questions

Want to save some money on your driving lessons?

40% of learner drivers can't answer these theory test questions when they take their theory test!

The Fatal Four

Updated June 2025

This article will help you remember stopping distances for the UK driving theory test and also help you overcome theory test nerves.