This month, the Department for Transport (DfT) published official Driving Test statistics from 1 April to 31 October 2022.

The latest figures revealed the pass rate for October has declined to 47.9%. Alongside this, we also saw an increase in examiners needing to intervene physically during tests to avoid accidents; 1 in every 8 tests.

Since the 2021 lockdown, the DVSA has taken major action to boost test availability, including out-of-hours testing and huge examiner recruitment campaigns.

As a result of this, the provisional data has shown that 836,952 tests were carried out between May and October 2022, 49,647 more than the same period the previous year.

With the DVSA’s new campaign ‘Ready to Pass?’, they are reinforcing the message to learners that they should only take their test once they are ‘test-ready’.

If you can say yes to the following five points, then chances are you’re ready for your test!

• You don’t need prompts from your driving instructor,
• You no longer are making silly mistakes when you’re driving,
• You pass mock driving tests,
• You can control your nerves,
• Your driving instructor agrees that you are ready to take your test.

If you are still unsure about any, then it might be worth having a chat with your instructor about moving your date back slightly.

Moving your test to a more realistic date can give you vital time to:

• Brush up on your skills,
• Get extra practice. Take more mock tests,
• Get more confidence,
• Have a more likely chance of passing.

Have you considered learning outside of lessons with a friend or family member? Why not look at Temporary Learner Insurance with our Insurance partner Dayinsure?

Changing your driving test is free to do so if done three days* before your test date. For more information on how to do so, click here.

One in five people who failed their test said it was down to making a silly mistake. With a bit more practice, these silly mistakes are less likely to happen, resulting in a pass. Don’t waste money by sitting your test too early; be smart and do it when the time is actually right.

See the Ready to Pass campaign here.

*Three full working days (Monday-Saturday).