Where and when you take your driving test is key – with Rochdale parked firmly at the bottom of the “pass” list.
Just 31% from the Greater Manchester town pass their test – compared to a mighty 63% of learners in Kendal, Cumbria, and Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. The national average is 46%.
And drivers who take the test between 2 and 3pm on a Sunday have a far higher chance of passing than at any other time of the week.
Researchers examined Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency data for 2019-2020.
Learners in Erith, South East London, were second worst with 32% passing, South Yardley in Birmingham was on 33% and Speke, Liverpool, on 34%.
At the top end, learners in Wellingborough, Northants, clinched fourth spot with a 61% pass rate, followed by Yeovil, Somerset on 60%.
The data showed that learners in rural areas have a higher pass rate than in cities and large towns.
So far as timing was concerned, learners did best on Sunday afternoon – scoring a 56% pass rate.
Next best was between 4pm and 5pm on either Tuesday or Friday – when 53% of learners passed.
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Insurance company Tempcover analysed the figures.
Spokesman Alan Inskip said: “Where and when you take your test plays a big part.
“Choosing the right day and time can improve your chances. The most important aspect is to thoroughly prepare.”
Cheating during the theory test was also found to be on the increase – up from 454 cases six years ago to 1,167.
Hiring an impersonator for both theory and practical tests was the most common scam – with stand-ins charging as much as £1,600.
Centres with the lowest pass rate %
Rochdale, Gtr Man 31
Erith, London 32
Sth Yardley, B’ham 33
Speke, Liverpool 34
Kingstanding, B’ham 35
Belvedere, London 35
Leeds, W Yorks 36
Wanstead, London 36
Wolverhampton 37
S’n Coldfield, B’ham 38
Bury, Manchester 39
Luton, Beds 40
Centres with the highest pass rate %
Kendal, Cumbria 63
Peterhead, Aberdeen 63
Wellingborough 61
Yeovil, Somerset 60
Dorchester, Dorset 59
Melton Mowbray 58
Northallerton, N Yorks 57
Ipswich, Suffolk 57
Chorley, Manchester 56
Durham 56
Aberdeen 56
Bridlington, E Yorks 56
