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Derry among NI’s toughest places to pass driving test, new figures show
Learner drivers in Derry are facing tougher-than-average odds of passing their driving test, according to new analysis from CompareNI.com
Overall, just 49.5% of learners taking their test in Derry passed in 2025 - lower than the NI average of 52.9%. Photo: iStock GoodLifeStudio
Reporter:
Staff Reporter
08 Apr 2026 12:33 PM
Email:
news@derrynow.com
New research has revealed stark regional differences in driving test pass rates across Northern Ireland, showing which areas learners are finding it more difficult to obtain their licence.
The latest figures show some locations are significantly outperforming others, with pass rates varying by more than 20% between some test centres.
It comes as Northern Ireland prepares to 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.
The system, set to come into force from 1st October 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.
With these changes on the horizon, there could be a spike in demand for driving tests in the coming months, as learners seek to attain their licence before the new laws come into effect.
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.”
CompareNI.com can help drivers in Northern Ireland find savings on all sorts of car insurance products, including young driver insurance, learner driver and multi vehicle cover.
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