New analysis from automotive guarantee supplier ALA Insurance coverage has revealed the most effective and worst locations within the UK for learner drivers to take their driving check, with Scotland rising because the clear chief for first-time cross charges.
The research comes as September, historically the busiest month for birthdays, sees a surge in 17-year-olds trying to begin classes. However with lesson prices climbing and the common check wait standing at 14 weeks, location could make a big distinction to learner drivers.
Scotland leads with highest first-time cross charges
Scotland is residence to the highest 10 driving check centres with the most effective first-time cross charges, considerably greater than the UK common of 47.8 per cent.
Inveraray topped the desk with an 85.5 per cent first-time cross charge, adopted intently by Mallaig (85.2 per cent) and Islay Island (82.9 per cent). Different high-performing centres included Gairloch, Ballater, and Benbecula Island.
High 10 driving check centres (first-time passes)
| Check Centre | First Try Go % |
|---|---|
| Inveraray | 85.5% |
| Mallaig | 85.2% |
| Islay Island | 82.9% |
| Gairloch | 81.1% |
| Ballater | 80.4% |
| Benbecula Island | 79.0% |
| Montrose (Broomfield Ind Property) | 78.0% |
| Peebles | 77.5% |
| Crieff | 76.9% |
| Arbroath | 76.1% |
In response to ALA Insurance coverage, quieter rural roads doubtless contribute to those greater success charges by lowering the complexity of driving situations.
Birmingham and London battle
On the different finish of the size, check centres in Birmingham and London recorded the bottom first-time cross charges.
The Pavilion in Birmingham had the UK’s lowest determine at simply 30.4 per cent, whereas London’s Wanstead centre recorded 30.7 per cent. Belvedere, Erith, and Kingstanding additionally ranked among the many backside 5.
Backside 10 driving check centres (first-time passes)
| Check Centre | First Try Go % |
|---|---|
| Birmingham (The Pavilion) | 30.4% |
| Wanstead (London) | 30.7% |
| Belvedere (London) | 30.4% |
| Erith (London) | 33.0% |
| Birmingham (Kingstanding) | 33.6% |
| Speke (Liverpool) | 33.7% |
| Wednesbury | 34.2% |
| Birmingham (South Yardley) | 34.1% |
| Chingford (London) | 34.4% |
| Featherstone | 34.7% |
Aimee Anderson of ALA Insurance coverage famous that residents in these cities have round a one in three likelihood of passing their check on the primary try. She mentioned heavy visitors and bigger, extra complicated roads are prone to be a significant factor.
Prices fluctuate considerably by area
The research additionally discovered that Scotland, regardless of excessive cross charges, has a few of the costliest lesson prices. Peterhead topped the listing at £47.14 per lesson, in contrast with the nationwide common of £37.33. Against this, Liverpool had the most cost effective common at £31.17.
Most cost-effective and costliest cities for classes
| Most cost-effective cities | Value per lesson | Value to cross | Costliest cities | Value per lesson | Value to cross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | £31.17 | £1,402.65 | Peterhead | £47.14 | £2,121.30 |
| Sheffield | £31.60 | £1,422.00 | Kirkcaldy | £45.13 | £2,030.85 |
| Manchester | £32.12 | £1,445.40 | Edinburgh | £44.31 | £1,993.95 |
| Cardiff | £32.40 | £1,458.00 | Coventry | £42.29 | £1,903.05 |
| Dundee | £33.05 | £1,487.25 | Aberdeen | £42.11 | £1,894.95 |
Lengthy waits stay a problem
Throughout the UK, learners are ready on common 14 weeks for a check, with solely six centres displaying speedy availability.
Anderson suggested learners to keep away from reserving earlier than they’re test-ready, warning that speeding can result in preventable failures.
The analysis was performed by ALA Insurance coverage utilizing DVSA driving check knowledge from 2014–2024, common lesson prices from GoRoadie, and ready instances from Driving Check Cancellations 4 All, collected in August 2025.
