The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has reported that the driving test pass rate increased to 52.1% in July 2026, describing the figure as a "testament" to learners.
The agency, which carries out driving tests in Great Britain, said the rise reflects the hard work of learner drivers and their instructors, and urged candidates to use its "Ready to Pass?" checklist to ensure they are properly prepared for the test's high standards.
DVSA statement on pass rate
A DVSA spokesperson told The Mirror: "In July 2026, the driving test pass rate increased to 52.1%. This is testament to the hard work of learner drivers, their instructors and our 'Ready to Pass?' campaign in ensuring that learners are ready to meet the high standards the driving test demands."
"Improving the pass rate is vital to ensuring that as many test slots as possible are available to people booking for the first time, and that learner drivers are spared an often lengthy wait to retake their test."
"We're determined to reduce waiting times further, building on the over 300,000 additional tests delivered since June 2025 – supported by driving examiner numbers at their highest level in recent years."
Changes to driving test booking rules
Following measures announced in November 2025 and a public consultation on changes to the driving test booking system, the DVSA brought in changes to how tests are booked. These changes were made to make the process fairer and crack down on firms reselling slots at inflated prices.
The three changes to how learner drivers can book and manage their car practical driving test appointments are:
- A maximum of two changes can be made to a booking - introduced on March 31
- Only learners are allowed to book a practical car driving test and make changes to their own booking - introduced on May 12
- Learners can move their booked test only to a nearby centre - introduced on June 9
The DVSA warns: "It’s against the law to book a driving test for someone else." It adds: "You’re not allowed to change, swap or cancel a driving test for someone else."
The new rules only apply to car driving tests. They do not apply to other types of tests.
What is the DVSA's Ready to Pass?
The official DVSA Ready to Pass campaign notes that 48 out of every 100 driving tests were failed in Great Britain during July 2026. With this in mind, it's important to check you’re ready to pass before test day.
The DVSA shares advice on the skills learners need, handling test-day nerves, doing mock tests and avoiding driving-test scams.
The motoring experts believe that a learner will usually be ready to take their practical driving test when:
- You do not need prompts from your driving instructor.
- You do not make serious or dangerous mistakes when you’re driving.
- You can pass mock driving tests.
- You have practised ways of managing your nerves.
- Your driving instructor agrees you are ready.
Move your driving test
If you don’t feel ready, consider postponing your driving test. You’ll improve your chances of passing by giving yourself extra time to sharpen your skills, fit in a few more mock tests and work on managing nerves.
The DVSA reminds learners that changing your appointment is free as long as you do it at least 10 full working days beforehand (Monday to Saturday). Delaying also frees up a slot for someone who is ready to take their test.
