Over half of Hartlepool learners pass test first time

Over half of learner drivers pass first time in Hartlepool

Over half of learner drivers passed their test first time at the Hartlepool Test Centre last year, new figures reveal.

But the RAC Foundation warned the real challenge for newly qualified drivers comes after their test – as they are much more likely to have a crash in their first year on the road.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency figures show 2,639 learner drivers made a first attempt at passing driving test at Hartlepool Test Centre in 2019-20 – with 1,415 being successful, which at a pass rate of 54%, was well above the national average of 46%.

Of the first attempts made in Hartylepool, 68 drivers passed with no faults.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Every driver knows that passing the test is only the first hurdle. The real challenge comes when a newly qualified driver has to take full responsibility themselves.

“Safely negotiate the first 1,000 miles after gaining your licence and the risk of having a crash drops sharply.”

Mr Gooding also said data suggested that a decline in the number of young people holding a driving licence in recent years had begun to reverse.

He added: “With the challenges of Covid-related restrictions we could witness higher numbers of young people learning to drive because they see it as important to their employment prospects."

Edmund King, president of the AA, said pass rates can be affected by many factors before the test, including the number of lessons a learner takes, their level of experience and road layouts in the area.