Learner drivers in Bangor have been given another reason to feel confident after new figures revealed the city has the highest driving test pass rate anywhere in Great Britain.
The latest data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), analysed by Bill Plant Driving School, shows that 62.23% of learners taking their practical driving test in Bangor pass first time or on a subsequent attempt – well above the national average of around 48.7%.
Bangor topped the national rankings ahead of Norwich, which recorded a pass rate of 61.72%, and Chichester on 61.59%.
The analysis grouped DVSA driving test centre data by the city or town in which each test centre is located, placing Bangor firmly at the top of the league table.
The five best-performing locations were:
| City | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Bangor | 62.23% |
| Norwich | 61.72% |
| Chichester | 61.59% |
| Hereford | 58.78% |
| Carlisle | 58.51% |
At the other end of the table, Wolverhampton recorded the lowest pass rate at 34.26%, followed by Dunfermline (36.39%) and Liverpool (38.87%).
Commenting on the findings, Paul Wrigglesworth, Head of Trainer Development at Bill Plant Driving School, said the figures highlight the importance of quality instruction and thorough preparation.
“These results reflect learners in Bangor arriving at test day well prepared, confident and ready to demonstrate safe driving,” he said.
“Our instructors know that success comes from much more than learning how to pass a test. We focus on developing safe, independent drivers who understand how to handle a wide range of real-world road situations. When learners build those skills consistently, passing the practical test becomes a natural outcome.
“While local road layouts and traffic conditions can all influence pass rates, the biggest factor remains the quality of preparation before test day.
“Every driving test centre has its own challenges. The best approach isn’t simply choosing the location with the highest pass rate – it’s making sure you’re genuinely ready. Learners who receive structured tuition, gain experience in different road and weather conditions, and practise consistently will always give themselves the best chance of success, wherever they take their test.”
The findings suggest Bangor’s learners are among the best prepared in the country, with more than six in every ten candidates successfully passing their practical driving test – making it officially the best-performing driving test location in Great Britain.
