New data from Department for Transport (DfT) shows that pass rates have officially dropped. In the latest driving stats covering 1 April to 21 October 2022, the pass rate fell to 47.9% in October. That’s compared to 51.9% earlier this year.
More worryingly, there has been an increase in the number of times driving examiners have had to physically intervene during the test – every one in eight – to ensure there isn’t a dangerous incident.
Get checking
It’s led to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) renewing its calls for you to check if you’re properly prepared for your test. To help, it wants to remind learners about its ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign launched in July.
All ticks
It details how you can check your abilities using the agency’s official checklist of five signs, which reveal if you’re ready to ace your test or not. These are:
- You do not prompts from your driving instructor
- You do not make silly mistake when you are driving
- You pass mock driving tests
- You can control your nerves
- Your driving instructor agrees you’re ready.
The right choice
If you pass each with flying colours, then you’re good to go. If you don’t feel you’re ready, the DVSA now lets you rearrange your driving test for free up to at least three full working days before your test (Mondays to Saturdays).
Giving up your slot means it can be given to someone who is ready to take it. Meanwhile, you can spend some more time mastering your skills to ensure you’re 100% ready to pass.
“You’re ready to take your driving test when you can drive safely and follow The Highway Code without any prompts from your instructor, while keeping your nerves under control.”
- Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner
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