Rochdale has the nation’s worst learner drivers, statistics reveal

Rochdale has the nation’s worst learner drivers, with just 31 per cent managing to pass their driving test, figures reveal

  • Rochdale boasts the nation’s worst learner drivers, official statistics say 
  • Novice motorists in Erith, South-East London, had the second-worst pass rate
  • Other locations in the table include Leeds, Wolverhampton and Wanstead


Planning a trip to Rochdale? Then keep a beady eye on your fellow motorists.

According to official statistics, the Greater Manchester town boasts the nation’s worst learner drivers, with just 31 per cent managing to pass their driving test compared with the national average of 46 per cent.

Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which operates 380 UK driving test centres, shows novice motorists in Erith, South-East London, had the second-worst pass rate (32 per cent) followed by South Yardley in Birmingham (33 per cent).

Other locations in the table include Leeds, Wolverhampton and Wanstead in East London.

Planning a trip to Rochdale? Then keep a beady eye on your fellow motorists. According to official statistics, the Greater Manchester town boasts the nation’s worst learner drivers (file image) 

By contrast, Kendal in Cumbria and Peterhead in Aberdeenshire boast Britain’s highest pass rate at 63 per cent, followed by Wellingborough in Northamptonshire (61 per cent) and Yeovil in Somerset (60 per cent). High pass rates were also recorded in Dorchester, Melton Mowbray and Ipswich.

The figures, analysed by researchers from insurance company Tempcover, also show the best time to take a test is between 2pm and 3pm on Sundays, when the pass rate is 56 per cent.

People should avoid Tuesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 5pm, when an average of 53 per cent passed.

Tempcover spokesman Alan Inskip said: ‘Choosing the right day and time can improve your chances of passing, wherever you take your test.’