The latest figures from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) revealed that less than a third of learner drivers passed the practical exam at Heaton Test Centre.

According to the DSA difference in test centre results doesn’t mean that some test centres are easier (or harder) than others. A spokesman for the DSA said: “Examiners are highly trained to ensure that they consistently apply the DSA standard of assessment and all driving tests are assessed to a uniform standard throughout the country.

And then added: “The wealthier the area, the more likely people are able to invest more money on lessons and will have more opportunities for private practice.”

But Julie Sinclair from Auto Express hit back with  “The idea that wealthy learners are more likely to pass is ludicrous. St Albans in Hertfordshire is down the list with a 44 per cent pass rate, and you’d hardly call it poverty stricken.

“A more convincing explanation for these results is that learners in rural areas get off lightly, with dramatically lower levels of traffic, and more simple road layouts making it easier.”

The article was based on a new survey of official Driving Standards Agency test centres by motoring magazine Auto Express.  They survey found that drivers taking their driving tests in London are the most likely to fail, while learner drivers in Scotland are the most likely to pass.

A spokesman for the DSA responded to the survey by saying that the variation was simply due to some drivers being better prepared for their test than others. He said: “The wealthier the area, the more money budding motorists have to spend on lessons.” He said that L-test examiners were trained to ensure test consistency across the country.

A spokesperson from Auto Express the people behind the survey said: “A more convincing explanation for these results is that learners in rural areas get off lightly with lower levels of traffic.”

source www.thisislondon.co.uk