What Is a Good Driving Instructor Pass Rate?
One question I occasionally get asked is:
“What is your pass rate?”
It’s a reasonable question, but on its own it doesn’t tell the whole story.
According to my latest DVSA Driving Test Data Report covering the period June 2025 to June 2026:
93.75% Pass Rate
DVSA test data for the 12 months ending June 2026.
1.94 Average Faults Per Test
Learners averaged fewer than two driving faults per test.
Structured Test-Ready Approach
Learners are encouraged to take tests when genuinely ready.
Source: DVSA Driving Test Data Report, June 2025–June 2026.
These figures reflect the approach I take with learners, so I wanted to explain what they actually mean rather than just publish the numbers on their own.
Why Pass Rates Matter (But Don’t Tell The Whole Story)
A driving test is designed to assess whether a learner can drive safely and independently.
If an instructor regularly presents learners who are not ready, pass rates tend to fall. Equally, if learners are encouraged to take tests too early, they often spend unnecessary time, money and emotional energy dealing with avoidable failures.
For that reason, pass rates do provide some indication of preparation and readiness. However, they don’t tell the whole story on their own.
Why Fault Counts Matter
A pass is a pass. Someone who passes with 15 driving faults receives exactly the same licence as someone who passes with zero faults.
This is why fault counts matter alongside pass rates. Learners taking their test through AutoCoach recorded fewer than two faults per test on average during the reporting period, which suggests they weren’t just scraping through — they were reaching a standard where they could drive independently, safely and confidently.
In other words, the goal isn’t just to pass the test — it’s to become a capable driver.
The AutoCoach Approach
My approach is straightforward:
- Structured lessons
- Regular practice
- Honest feedback
- No pressure to take a test before you’re ready
In some cases this means delaying a test. In some cases it means having an honest conversation that more preparation is needed. That isn’t always what learners want to hear, but it usually produces better long-term outcomes — I’d rather a learner pass confidently a few weeks later than rush into a test they’re not fully prepared for.
Driving Beyond The Test
The goal isn’t simply to pass. It’s to become a safe, confident and independent driver.
A driving licence lasts far longer than a driving test — the test itself is just one milestone along the way.
If you’re looking for automatic driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells and want a calm, structured approach to learning, I’d be happy to help.
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