TUESDAY is the best day to take your driving test if you want to tear up your L plate, new figures have revealed.
The second day of the working week is dreaded by some, but for those hoping to impress driving examiners and receive a pass mark it’s the prime pick as it’s when most candidates get the green light.
Data from the DVSA, acquired under the Freedom of Information Act by Select Car Leasing, has revealed that 181 per cent more learners pass their practical driving test on a Tuesday than on the worst day, Sunday.
The stats show 337,308 were given the thumbs up for their “mirror, signal, manoeuvre” skills on a Tuesday across 2022 and 2023 - the most recent complete figures.
Wednesday was the next best for a test appointment, with 326,000 wannabes making the grade.
Meanwhile, only 16,750 learners passed on a Sunday over the 24-month period.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “With the current waiting time for driving tests being 15 weeks, any advantage candidates can get will be gratefully received. So, according to the figures, having your test on a Tuesday or Wednesday seems to be the best result if you want to achieve a pass mark.
“However, the best way to make the grade is to practise, have the skills you are being judged on and keep calm behind the wheel. If you can tick all of those boxes you have a great chance of progressing from learner to newly-qualified driver.”
The DVSA data also revealed the test centres with the highest success rates.
Goodmayes in north east London topped the list, with 19,896 candidates passing their practical tests in 2022 and 2023.
Llanishen in Cardiff was second, with 16,290 successes, while Manchester’s West Didsbury was third with 16,043.
Pinner (14,525) and Morden (14,139) in London, plus GIllingham in Kent (13,501) also featured in the most likely centres to pass your test.
Select Car Leasing’s Mr Conway said: “Some test centres get a reputation for being more favourable for a pass mark, but in reality all examiners are held to the same standards. If you can prove you are a skilled driver with good judgement and temperament, you should cruise through your test and be out on the open road in no time.
“However, it’s worth pointing out to new drivers that the learning process does not stop there. Encountering different situations and working out how to deal with them can only come with time.”
The DVSA has also revealed some of the most common reasons why people don’t pass their practical driving test.
The leading faults were not making effective observations at junctions, not using mirrors correctly when changing direction, not moving off safely and 'incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions'.
The government agency revealed not having proper control of the steering, not responding appropriately to traffic lights and poor reverse parking technique are other popular ways to scupper hopes of a pass.
Best day to take your driving test (2022-23)
- Monday - 307,252
- Tuesday - 337,308
- Wednesday - 326,300
- Thursday - 322,972
- Friday - 275,753
- Saturday - 99,182
- Sunday - 16,570
Driving test centres with most passes (2022-23)
- Goodmayes (London) - 19,896
- Cardiff Llanishen - 16,290
- West Didsbury (Manchester) - 16,043
- Pinner (London) - 14,525
- Morden (London) - 14,139
- Gillingham - 13,501
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