Kyle of Lochalsh named as highest performing driving theory test centre in the UK, with Helmsdale close behind
Helmsdale has been revealed as one of the the top-performing driving theory test centre in the whole of Britain, according to new analysis carried out by UK-wide car retailer, cinch.
The study reviewed all test centres with complete DVSA data for both 2023/24 and 2024/25.
Flying the flag for the north-west, Kyle of Lochalsh achieved a 64.3 per cent pass rate to top the overall list as the highest in the UK and almost 30 percentage points above bottom-ranked Millom in Cumbria (34.6 per cent).
Ullapool was also among the top ten in seventh position with 55 per cent, while Aviemore was named fourth with 57.4 per cent.
Scotland dominated the rankings overall, securing six of the top 10 highest-scoring test centres - including Helmsdale (60.7 per cent), Portree (59.2 per cent) and Aviemore (57.4 per cent).
By comparison, England’s national pass rate was 46 per cent and Wales’ was 42.3 per cent, while Scotland led with 48.9 per cent.
Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, said: “It’s often the smaller rural centres that appear at the very top or bottom of the table, because even a handful of extra passes or fails can have a big impact on the percentages.
“That’s why we see Kyle of Lochalsh leading with the highest pass rates this year, while Millom finds itself at the other end of the rankings.
“Although our research shows Scotland ahead of England and Wales overall, and bigger cities generally posting lower pass rates, what doesn’t change is the importance of preparation.
“Wherever you sit the test, the learners who study and practise have the best chance of passing first time.”