UK driving test data page

We take a closer look at the latest data on driving test results across the country.

The Government has provided data since 2007, and there are some interesting changes that have happened over the years.

The UK’s driving theory test has long been a crucial first step for learner drivers, and the data over the past 17 years paints a fascinating picture of how test-taking and success rates have evolved.

From 2007 to 2025, the number of theory tests conducted each year has fluctuated considerably. In the 2007–2008 period, over 1.45 million theory tests were conducted, with nearly 950,000 candidates passing. However, this number dipped in the years following, dropping to a low of 1.24 million in 2012–2013.

A surge followed, with a peak in 2021–2022, when 2.46 million tests were conducted—likely a result of backlogs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had drastically reduced testing numbers the year prior (just 891,279 tests in 2020–2021). The most recent full year, 2023–2024, recorded 2.59 million theory tests—the highest in the dataset—showing continued high demand.

While the number of tests has generally risen, the pass rate has steadily declined over the years. In 2007–2008, the pass rate stood at a solid 65%. Fast forward to 2024–2025, and that figure has fallen to just 45%. This represents a 20 percentage point drop over the 17-year period.

Several factors could be influencing the falling pass rates. The theory test has seen updates over the years, including more challenging questions, video clip hazard perception, and stricter marking.

Additionally, the increasing availability of online revision resources hasn’t necessarily translated into better preparation, possibly due to overreliance on practice apps without understanding core concepts.

UK driving theory tests: Conducted vs Passed (2007–2025)

The DVLA data on tests conducted, tests passed, and pass rates reveals trends in test performance. From January 2019 to December 2024, the pass rate largely fluctuated between 44.9% and 50.3%.

Initially, the pass rate hovered around 46% in 2019 and 2020, with a notable dip in late 2019 and early 2020 due to a significant reduction in tests conducted, especially during the pandemic. By mid-2020, the pass rate saw improvements, peaking at 56.6% in July 2020.

In the following years, test volumes steadily increased, particularly in 2021-2024, with the highest number of tests conducted recorded in November 2023 (196,481 tests).

Pass rates during this period ranged from 46.9% to 50.3%, often surpassing the earlier years, reaching a peak of 50.3% in December 2020 and fluctuating around 48-49% throughout 2023 and 2024. This trend suggests improving test efficiency despite fluctuating test volumes.

Here is a table of tests conducted, passed and the pass rate from 2019 to 2024 in the UK.

Data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed that the backlog for driving tests has hit a new high, with the number of tests conducted falling substantially.

In March 2025, a total of 162,259 tests were conducted, which is a decrease of 22,058 tests (about 12% fewer) than the 184,317 tests conducted in March 2024.

Similarly, the number of tests passed also declined, from 86,501 in March 2024 to 79,541 in March 2025, representing a drop of 6,960 passes or about 8%.

Despite the decrease in both the number of tests conducted and tests passed, the overall pass rate improved.

In March 2024 the pass rate was 46.9%, while in March 2025 it rose to 49.0%, showing a 2.1 percentage point increase. This shows that although fewer people were tested, a higher proportion of them succeeded in passing the test.

Furthermore, in the first three months of 2025 there were 466,446 tests taken, compared to 560,436 in the same period this year.

This marks an 18.3% drop in the number of driving tests taken by learners.

DVSA data shows that 48.9% of those who took a test in Q1 2025 passed, compared to 47% over the same period in the previous year.

Over the past five years, driving tests in the UK have experienced significant fluctuations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in demand and system backlogs, with the DVSA aiming to address the latter with a serious of measures (outlined below).

According to the DVSA, there are currently 583,189 driving tests scheduled across the UK.

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Analysing 2025 driving test data

In the first three months of 2024, 560,436 tests were conducted, with a pass rate averaging 46.96%, and 1,551,105 forward bookings. In the same period in 2025, 466,446 tests were conducted, with a higher pass rate of 48.9% and 1,742,438 forward bookings.

Although testing volume and passed tests decreased in 2025, the pass rate improved by about 2 percentage points. Forward bookings saw a 12.3% increase.

If you look at the data for the first three months of 2025, 151,171 tests took place in February and 153,016 tests in January, compared to 162,259 in March.

Tests passed in March totalled 79,541, showing a slight improvement over 73,844 in February and 74,779 in January.

Also, the pass rate in March was 49.0%, higher than the 48.8% in February and 48.9% in January.

What does the driving test data show over the last few years?

Over the past few years, driving tests in the UK have experienced significant fluctuations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in demand and system backlogs.

The data from January 2019 to March 2025 reveals insights into test volumes and pass rates.

In 2019, the UK driving test system operated with steady numbers. Monthly test volumes averaged at 135,000, with pass rates hovering around 46%.

This stability continued into early 2020, until the pandemic disrupted operations in April, where only 606 tests took place – the lowest on record.

COVID-19 severely impacted driving test operations. Between April 2020 and March 2021, test volumes dropped drastically. In April 2020, the 606 tests conducted had a surprisingly high 61.2% pass rate. This was likely due to tests being limited to key workers and specific cases.

In February 2021, just 68 tests took place, with over 433,000 in the backlog at that time.

However, as restrictions lifted, the number of tests began to recover. From May 2021 onward, testing volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels, with some months exceeding 150,000 tests. However, demand outpaced availability, and forward bookings continued to climb, peaking at over 568,000 in September 2021.

Pass rates also stabilised around 48–50%, slightly higher than pre-pandemic figures.

By 2023 and into 2024, the DVSA had largely restored normal testing volumes. Monthly test counts consistently exceeded 140,000, with October 2023 seeing a record 196,481 tests.

Pass rates from 2023 onward hovered between 47% and 49%, suggesting a stable testing environment. Meanwhile, forward bookings remained high but relatively stable, hovering between 530,000 and 580,000.

The driving test system in the UK has weathered a turbulent period over the past five years. From near shutdowns to historic booking backlogs, the sector has shown resilience. With test volumes stabilising and pass rates returning to normal ranges, the biggest remaining challenge appears to be managing sustained demand and reducing waiting times for new drivers.

As of April 2025, the system is functioning more efficiently, but high forward bookings suggest that the ripple effects of the pandemic and increased learner demand continue to shape the learner driver landscape in the UK.

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What is the DVSA doing to tackle the driving test backlog?

In December 2024, the DVSA has launched a 7-point plan to cut driving test waiting times and protect learner drivers.

Key measures include recruiting and training 450 new examiners and improving the test booking system, with proposed legal changes if required.

Stricter terms for instructors using booking services will prevent misuse, while tougher penalties are planned for candidates who miss or disrupt tests.

The notice period to cancel or change a test will increase from 3 to 10 working days to help fill slots more efficiently. The DVSA will also consider adjusting the 24-week booking limit to better match demand.

Additionally, the ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign will continue, helping learners prepare more effectively by promoting skills, mock tests, and readiness assessments.

This comprehensive plan aims to reduce long delays, prevent exploitation, and ensure only prepared candidates book tests.