Second time lucky for average AA/Populus respondent who says they took two attempts to gain licence

East sweats the least but London is sheer ‘L’ when it comes to passing your driving test, according to new research from the AA to mark the 75th anniversary of the first test.

An AA/Populus survey of more than 20,000 AA members* reveals that UK drivers have taken, on average, 2 attempts to pass their test – but success varies markedly between regions.

Those in the East of England did best, with an average of just 1.9 attempts (5 per cent better than the UK average), closely followed by the North-east, Yorkshire & Humberside and the East Midlands.  Learners in London and the South-east struggled the most, taking on average 2.1 attempts – 5 per cent worse than the UK average.

The survey reinforces the importance of professional tuition: those who shunned instructors to learn with friends or relatives saw their L-test success rate (at 2.3 attempts) plummet to 15 per cent worse than the UK average.

AA Driving School director Simon Douglas says: “Many factors shape local pass rates.  But, wherever you live, professional tuition with a fully-qualified driving instructor will give you the best possible head start towards passing your L-test and beyond.

“Busy, complex roads in London and the South-east appear to contribute to learners there finding it slightly more difficult.  In some less-populated regions, learners find it relatively less challenging.  But these variations pale in comparison with the difference between those who do and don’t learn with professional instructors.  The choice of who you learn with is key to your success.”

According to the Driving Standards Agency, those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training plus 22 hours of private practice.

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* Findings are based on an AA/Populus Survey responded to by 20,109 AA members who learned with a variety of driving schools, independent instructors and friends and relatives.  Responses were received between 12 and 15 January 2010.

For a first-hand account of the joys and challenges of learning to drive, follow Mike Power’s blog at: http://zone.theaa.com/blogs/detail/8/