There are stark regional differences in driving test pass rates across Northern Ireland(Image: PA/PA Wire)
New data has uncovered stark differences in driving test pass rates across Northern Ireland, with some centres outperforming others by more than 20%.
And with sweeping new graduated driver licensing laws coming into force later this year, there is the potential for a surge in driving test demand as learners look to get their licence ahead of the changes.
Northern Ireland will soon become the first UK region to adopt graduated driver licensing, in a move to help reduce the number of young people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
READ MORE: Belfast Live readers back tougher rules for newly qualified Northern Ireland driversREAD MORE: Strong public concern about young driver safety ahead of new driving licensing laws
The system, set to come into force from October 1, 2026, will be the biggest overhaul to driving laws here in 70 years, introducing new rules including a six-month wait for learner drivers before taking their practical test. Learners will also have to complete a 14-module training programme, which needs to be signed off by an approved instructor.
Once they pass, new drivers will face an extended ‘R’ plate period from 12 months to 24 months, as well as restrictions on night-time driving and passenger numbers.
In light of the upcoming revamp, the car insurance experts at CompareNI.com have crunched the numbers to rank which Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) test centres motorists are most likely to pass at.
Craigavon had the highest pass rate for private cars out of all 15 test centres in the region in 2025, coming in at 65.4 per cent. This was followed closely by Downpatrick (64.7%) and Enniskillen (64.5%). At the other end of the scale, busier urban areas show markedly lower success rates, with fewer than half of candidates passing.
Belfast recorded an average pass rate of just 47.2%, with Lisburn coming in at 47.4%. The lowest pass rate was at Hydebank, where just 45% of candidates were successful.
Overall, 56,898 learners took their driving test in 2025, but fewer than 30,104 (52.9%) passed. Failing a driving test can have a significant financial knock-on effect for learners, particularly young drivers or those on a tighter budget.
There is no discount for resitting the test, meaning candidates must pay the full fee – ranging from £65-£95 – each time they take the test, while also covering the cost of additional lessons and car hire. This means failing a test could see some learners face hundreds of pounds in extra costs.
This financial strain is compounded by the long delays that learners may face when trying to book test slots – with wait times as long as 10 weeks in some areas, meaning they will likely need to take extra lessons to stay test-ready.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and managing director at CompareNI.com said: “Getting your driving licence is a huge achievement, especially in recent years when the cost of learning has become so high.
“Where you take your driving test can have a big impact on your chances of passing, and that is mainly down to the driving environment.
“While the same core skills are being assessed in urban and rural test centres, each has its own set of challenges, and a well-rounded driver needs to be comfortable driving in both environments.
“As soon as you pass your test, don’t forget you are no longer covered under learner driver insurance, so make sure to speak to your provider, and take out a new car insurance policy before you get behind the wheel.
“Insurance is typically more expensive for new and young drivers because they are considered a higher risk on the road so it’s important to shop around and compare multiple quotes to help you find competitive insurance.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.