Driving tests: November the 'worst' month to try and pass

Passing the first time around would obviously be helpful for learners, but there might be some bad news for those who have booked their test for November as statistically it is the worst month for pass success rate.

Research from the car insurance team at Comparethemarket carried out research on how the UK’s driving test pass rates differ depending on the time of year and where the test is taken.

Data from the DVSA has revealed that November has the joint-lowest pass rate of 46.8%, which it shares with December.

November and December have the worst pass rates for learner drivers (Image: PA)

On the other end of the spectrum, February is the best month for the pass rate, with an average of 51.4%.

What are the best and worst months for driving test passes?

1. February - 51.4%

2. April - 50.9%

3. March - 50.4%

4. May - 49.3%

5. July - 49.1%

6. June - 48.3%

7. August - 48.1%

8. January - 47.9%

9. September - 47.1%

10. October - 47%

11. December - 46.8%

= November - 46.8%

When will the driving test backlog end in the UK?

Marmalade made an FOI request in January 2022 which revealed gross demand for driving tests across all of 2021.

Using the data, Marmalade has established an average gross monthly demand for driving tests in 2022.

They've worked out that the backlog will only be cleared by January 2024 at the current rate.

READ MORE: When will the driving test backlog clear in the UK?

Around three million learner drivers will be battling for test slots over the coming 20 months with it predicted to peak in May next year.

Although the backlog will slowly begin to clear from June onwards, there will still be more than 250,000 learners waiting to book their test at the start of 2023 - a stark reminder of the depth of this issue.

In fact, it won’t be until August next year when the backlog dips back below 100,000 people.