More men pass test than women in King's Lynn

The practice seems to be better than theory for learner drivers taking their tests in Lynn, according to new data.

Research published earlier this year suggested men taking their driving theory tests in Lynn have the worst pass rate in the entire country.

But new data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency suggests men do better than women when they take the practical test here.

During the year to the end of March, 51.7 per cent of men who attempted the practical test managed to pass, while 42.5 per cent of women were successful.

Across that period King’s Lynn test centre carried out 6,166 tests - 3,375 for women and 2,791 for men.

There were 2,875 passes, at a rate of 46.6 per cent, slightly above the national average of 46 per cent.

Last December, the driving test was changed, with many observers saying the new test is tougher than the old one.

Learners now must navigate for 20 minutes using a satellite navigation system, and explain how to test the brakes, clean the windscreen and demist your windows while driving.

However the new test does not seem to have bothered rookie drivers. In April 2017, under the old test, the pass rate was 42.4 per cent, less than the rate in March 2018, in the new test.

The data also shows that 46 per cent of people taking their test for the first time managed to pass, with 16 learners succeeding first time with no minor faults.

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

DVSA deputy chief driving examiner, Gordon Witherspoon, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of 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 expect candidates and instructors to become more familiar with the new test and well continue to monitor the impact of the changes.”