Bedford Driving Lessons

LEARNER drivers in certain parts of Wales have nearly twice the chance of passing their tests than those in others. Figures released yesterday show a huge disparity between pass rates across the country, sparking calls for an investigation into test procedures and the way results are monitored. The figures show that the overall pass rate in Rhyl during 2009-10 was just 38.4%; 40.2% in the now closed centre at Mold and 45.2% in Bala. However, in Llandrindod Wells the pass rate was 73.3%, with 60.3% in Lampeter and 58.7% in Brecon. According to the Driving Standards Agency, the Welsh average is 51.2%. The figures were obtained by Plaid Cymru South Wales Central AM Chris Franks, who maintains that drivers in North Wales are no worse than those in the areas he represents. Mr Franks said: “Two years ago I obtained details of the pass rates for drivers across Wales. It appears that little has changed. There is still a huge discrepancy between test centres.” He added: “While the DSA say that pass and fail rates among individual examiners are analysed, there must be an issue when pass rates vary so much – from under 40% to more than 70%. “I don’t believe that learner drivers in North Wales are any worse than those in Mid or South Wales, despite the figures. “The position hasn’t changed in two years, so there must be an issue with the difficulty of the area where drivers do their tests and perhaps a difference in the attitude between examiners.  More