When is the Best Time for Your Driving Test?

Looking at the official DVSA figures from January 2024 to September 2025, some interesting patterns have emerged so far.

• Pass rates have increased year-on-year in every month from January to September.
• August 2025 has had the highest monthly pass rate so far at 50.7%, compared to 49.2% in 2024.
• February and March 2024 had the lowest overall pass rates, at 46.8% and 46.9%, respectively. 
• The highest monthly average across both years was in August (50%)

These figures promisingly show that pass rates are improving in 2025. Whether this is down to better preparation, improved instruction, or more test-ready candidates, the upward trend is reassuring if you’re looking to book your test this year. 

Whilst seasonal factors can affect monthly pass rates, it’s important to remember that how prepared you are for your test is the most important factor. The government’s Ready to Pass campaign advises that to be well prepared for your test, you should have undertaken at least 45 hours of lessons with an instructor and 22 hours of practice sessions with a supervisor. 

As a result of COVID, there was a massive backlog of driving tests, making it nearly impossible to book one. The BBC reported that average waiting times were at 22 weeks back in April. There are many reasons for this, including people booking tests as soon as they can (even before they’re ready), and a lack of driving examiners. The high demand also created a problem with bots and resellers exploiting the booking system, taking advantage of learners by securing test slots and reselling them at inflated prices.

Whilst pass rates have been lower over the past few years, it’s reassuring to see them improve from 2025 – a clear indication that more and more are going into their tests ready, rather than rushing. Hopefully, this means waiting times will start improving as well.

Summer and milder months are associated with higher pass rates. There are countless reasons why this may be; roads can be quieter at peak times in summer, and better visibility and road conditions are always going to make life a bit easier. 

• August – 50% pass rate.
  
• July – 49.6% pass rate.
  
• April – 49.3% pass rate.
  
• September – 49.2% pass rate.

Winter tests often come with rain, ice, and poor visibility – all of which can increase pressure on new drivers. Given that there are significantly more driving accidents recorded over the winter months, it’s clear that winter driving conditions affect drivers of all experience levels – not just learners.

Spring and summer bring lighter evenings, better weather and often quieter roads during school holidays, increasing the opportunity for learners to practice their driving and easing test conditions.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t pass in winter, but if you’re particularly nervous or don’t feel confident driving in difficult weather, holding off until the summer months may give you a slight edge.