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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Jacob Rawley

The month driving test pass rates are 'highest' as learners succeed in winter

New research has revealed the best month for passing your driving test, and surprisingly, it's in winter.

According to Comparethemarket, who analysed Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency data, February is the month with the highest pass rate.

However, November and December are statistically the worst time to take a test as they have the lowest pass rate - both at 46.8 percent.

February is an exception to the lower success rate in winter, with a 51.4 percent passing their tests, followed by spring months

April, March, May and July rounded out the top five of the rankings, which looked at pass rates over the last five years.

Rank Month Pass rate
1 February 51.4 percent
2 April 50.9 percent
3 March 50.4 percent
4 May 49.3 percent
5 July 49.1 percent
6 June 48.3 percent
7 August 48.1 percent
8 January 47.9 percent
9 September 47.1 percent
10 October 47 percent
=11 November 48.6 percent
=11 December 48.6 percent

Grade A driving instructor Gary Warrington. commented: "Even though driving tests are not conducted in the dark, this variation could be down to the fact that light conditions can vary considerably during the winter months, along with poorer road conditions such as sleet, ice, wet leaves and mud."

The comparison experts also looked at the cities with the highest pass rate as well as the most common mistakes that fail drivers on their tests.

Not making effective observations at junctions was the most common reason for a failed test (Getty Images)

They had Edinburgh taking the third spot, while Glasgow was eighth. The capital city had a 51 percent success rate according to the data, while Scotland's largest city - Glasgow - had a 42 percent success rate.

As for common mistakes that fail drivers, poor observation at junctions and incorrect mirror use topped the list.

These mistakes were followed by not having proper control of the steering and incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.

The fifth most common mistake overall was failing to move off safely, according to the DVSA data analysis.

Julie Daniels, motor insurance expert at Comparethemarket says: "Common learner driver mistakes can easily lead to accidents or damage to the vehicle you’re learning in, which is why it’s important to make sure you have the right kind of insurance when learning to drive.

"If you're learning to drive with an approved driving school or an instructor in their car, they’ll have arranged your insurance.

"But if you’re using your own car or a friend or relative’s car you’ll need learner driver insurance to ensure you’re covered."

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