Find local news in Kent

Home   Kent   News   Article

The best place in Kent to take your driving test

00:01, 04 August 2018

updated: 08:15, 04 August 2018

Taking a driving test is one of the most terrifying experiences many of us have to face.

From hill starts to parallel parking, becoming a legally qualified driver is no joke.

There is hope, though - today is the day learner drivers across the UK are most likely to gain their license, with an average pass rate of 50.3%.

Kent's top test centres revealed (3427574)
Kent's top test centres revealed (3427574)

And analysis of DVLA figures by Confused.com has revealed where in Kent learners are most likely to pass.

Sevenoaks has the best record for learners with 53% of tests resulting in a pass in the year to March.

It was closely followed by Tunbridge Wells, where 51% of tests were passed, and Gillingham, where 48% meant drivers could rip up their L-plates.

However, it was worrying news for learners sitting their exam in Herne Bay.

Only 42% of tests at its centre resulted in a pass.

Sevenoaks had the highest pass rate in Kent in the year to March. Picture: Getty Images
Sevenoaks had the highest pass rate in Kent in the year to March. Picture: Getty Images

DVLA figures from the past five years revealed Boxing Day is the worst day to book your test.

August has also been named the best month to take a driving test.

March is the worst with a 46% average pass rate nationally.

Statistically, learners who book their test on a Monday have a better chance of gaining their license than those who book on any other day of the week.

Students being examined between 3pm and 4pm may also have a better chance of passing, with a 48% success rate, on average.

The battle of the sexes also threw up some surprising results.

Kent men fared far better than women between April 2017 and March 2018, with a higher pass rate at each of the county's eight test centres.

Male pass rates

1 Sevenoaks - 58%

2 Tunbridge Wells - 54%

3 Gillingham - 50%

4 Canterbury - 50%

5 Ashford - 48%

6 Maidstone 47%

7 Herne Bay - 47%

8 Folkestone 46%

Female pass rates

1 Sevenoaks - 50%

2 Tunbridge Wells - 48%

3 Gillingham - 46%

4 Canterbury - 45%

5 Ashford - 42%

6 Folkestone - 41%

7 Maidstone - 39%

8 Herne Bay - 39%

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More