An investigation by the AA Driving School has uncovered towns and cities throughout the country where learner drivers are performing most successfully during their practical driving assessments.
The research examined figures from the DVSA to establish which testing centres report higher numbers of candidates passing during their initial attempt without incurring any penalties.
Ipswich in Suffolk recorded the greatest proportion of examinations passed on the first occasion without any errors, while an additional location in Sussex also featured among the results.
A West Sussex town secured a position among the leading areas for flawless practical driving assessments.
Worthing in West Sussex claimed fourth place in the AA’s assessment.
Compiled using data from January to November 2025, Worthing documented 8,191 candidates who passed during their first attempt, with 620 of those assessments producing zero driving faults.
The percentage attaining first-time passes without errors reached 7.57%.
The wider West Sussex region featured among England’s top areas for immaculate first-attempt test results, positioned behind Somerset, Cumbria and Suffolk.
The full listing of the United Kingdom’s leading 15 locations for first-time flawless driving examinations is as follows:
Mark Born, who oversees training activities at AA Driving School, explained that while smaller testing venues in countryside areas including the Highlands and Cumbria feature prominently in the rankings for error-free results, it would be inaccurate to suggest these centres offer simpler examinations. He noted that test candidates at these sites may be less probable to encounter heavy traffic or particular road layouts, however country roads present their own set of difficulties and risks, and drivers must demonstrate competence on these routes just as they must on urban roads. Born stated that regardless of where you sit your assessment, passing with very few or no faults constitutes a noteworthy achievement deserving acknowledgement. He added that learners with forthcoming assessments who aim to attain comparable results should carry out thorough preparation alongside their driving instructor to confirm their capabilities satisfy the necessary criteria. A capable instructor will work alongside you to build all required competencies for success, while also assisting you in becoming a calm and self-assured motorist.
Upcoming DVLA assessment revisions commencing this month
From March 31, the DVSA will introduce a two-strike approach, limiting learners to merely two alterations per driving test booking.
Any further changes will demand full cancellation and fresh reservation.
The amendment will additionally extend the cancellation refund window to 10 working days.
To deter system misuse, all applicants will receive a fresh start of two alterations on this date, accompanied by fresh regional restrictions in late spring that will confine test relocations to centres near the original reservation location.
These modifications, combined with a prohibition on third-party reservations from May, intend to stamp out test browsing, slot hoarding which involves selling time slots for profit, and the use of booking bots by resellers.
How many attempts did you need to pass your driving test? Share your experience in the comments section.