Driving tests: How hard is it to pass at Burgess Hill test centre?

Data has revealed how hard it is to pass your driving test at Burgess Hill test centre.
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Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency show 41 per cent of all learners passed their practical test there between April and September 2018.

| See how learner drivers fared at the Crawley and Lancing test centres |

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The average pass rate for test centres across Great Britain was 46 per cent.

Overall built up urban areas tended to have lower pass ratesOverall built up urban areas tended to have lower pass rates
Overall built up urban areas tended to have lower pass rates

The Pavilion, in Birmingham, was the toughest test centre, with 29 per cent of drivers successfully getting their licences.

Overall built up urban areas tended to have lower pass rates, while at quieter rural test centres learners appeared to find the exam easier.

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Gairloch, in the Scottish Highlands, has the highest pass rate, 81 per cent.

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Burgess Hill test centre conducted 4,527 tests over the sixth-month period and 1,875 people passed.

Historically men have paid more for car insurance than women as they have more accidents, but the figures show they have a higher pass rate.

At Burgess Hill test centre, 43.7 per cent gained their licence compared to 39.3 per cent of women.

Just over a year ago, the driving test was changed, with many observers saying the new test is tougher than the old one.

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Learners now must navigate for 20 minutes using a sat-nav, and explain how to test the brakes, clean the windscreen and demist their windows while driving.

And rookie drivers do seem to be finding it harder at Burgess Hill test centre – in April 2018, the pass rate was 41 per cent, compared with a pass rate of 50.1 per cent in April 2017, under the old test.

Data from the 2017-18 financial year shows the number of first time passes.

At Burgess Hill test centre, 45.2 per cent of people taking their test for the first time passed, with 110 learners succeeding first time with no minor faults.

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Drivers taking the test can pass with up to 15 minor faults, such as not checking their mirrors at the right time.

DVSA chief driving examiner, Mark Winn, said: “The driver testing and training regime tests candidates’ ability to drive safely and responsibly as well as making sure they know the theory behind safe driving.

“All candidates are assessed to the same level and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.

“We constantly monitor our examiner’s performance so they conduct and assess driving tests in accordance with the standards set. This includes the supervision of live tests.”

• Report by Ralph Blackburn, data reporter

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