When Is the Best Time to Take Your Driving Test?

The timing of your driving test can influence your chances of passing and how comfortable you feel behind the wheel. Remember, you're not just picking a random date and a time of day; you're choosing the conditions you'll be facing on the road and taking your test in.

The unpredictability of the UK weather can also make a difference. Learner drivers who are facing icy roads on the day of their test may find the process a little more challenging than those who book driving tests on dry, clearer days.

Traffic times can also play a role in your likelihood of getting a pass, as they vary throughout the day. Navigating the roads through busy and stressful rush-hour traffic can be much more difficult than those quieter periods in the early afternoons, when you can take your time and you don't feel as much pressure from other drivers.

While there's strictly no magic formula when it comes to the best times for a driving test, understanding that there are additional variables to consider can help you know which times to avoid and which slots might be worth waiting for, ultimately giving you the edge on the day.

Learner drivers can take their test at any time of year; however, the season you choose may influence the conditions you'll be facing, which could impact your performance behind the wheel on the day of the test.

Spring and early summer

Booking your test in the spring and early summer months is often viewed as the best time for taking your test. This is mainly due to the milder weather and because you're less likely to encounter extreme conditions such as fog or ice. When you don't have to worry too much about visibility and the road conditions, you'll be able to concentrate more on checking your mirrors and listening to the examiner's instructions.

Summer

The summer months of July and August usually mean driving conditions are more likely to be dry and clear. This is often reflected in a higher pass rate compared to winter months. For example, in July 2024, the average pass rate was 49.2%, which is 2.4% higher than the average pass rate for February. However, while usual school run congestion may have gone, you may find a rise in summer holiday traffic, which means some areas may be a little busier than others at certain points in the day. However, as many learners hope to take their tests before they return to or begin university, competition for driving test slots is fierce, and the higher demand means you should book well in advance.

Autumn

Leaner drivers who book their test in the autumn are more likely to face rainy conditions, coupled with the fact that there are fewer hours of daylight due to the shorter days. However, if you've had the opportunity to practice driving in harsher weather conditions, then you might fare better than someone who has had very limited exposure to driving in poor weather.

Winter

Driving in winter means dealing with fog, ice, and potentially other drivers who may drive erratically or put additional pressure on you to move faster or complete a manoeuvre the first time due to adverse weather. In fact, according to data from the DVSA, the average pass rate in February 2024 was 46.8%, lower than at other times in the year

While certain months may bring better weather for learning to drive, your success ultimately depends on how confident you feel and the amount of experience you’ve gained during your lessons.

Another major factor is the time of day you take your test. Choosing the right time can help to influence your confidence and performance on the day.

Early mornings (8-10 am)

This time is ideal for those who would rather get their test completed as early as possible instead of worrying about it all day. One consideration would be the potential for a higher volume of traffic due to commuters and rush hour. This period could mean you're sitting waiting in traffic for the majority of your driving test, or you could be faced with potentially more stressful situations to manage.

Late mornings (10 am-12 pm)

At this time of day, rush hour traffic has eased, roads are quieter, and if you're taking your test in autumn or winter, you'll have the best light. But if you're taking your test in the summer months, traffic may be higher due to tourists and holidaymakers.

Afternoon tests (12 pm-3 pm)

If you're a learner driver who still has plenty of energy and focus after lunch, then you may want to consider booking your driving test in the afternoon. Road conditions are often the same; however, be wary of the upcoming school run rush and fading daylight in the autumn and winter months.

Ask yourself what time of day you might feel the most confident to take your test. Consider getting in some additional practice and booking some lessons during different periods, that way you can find out first-hand which period you'd rather drive in under test conditions.

You can book your driving test on any weekday, but learner drivers may find that a mid-week test (Tues-Thurs) may offer better road conditions and help you feel more confident. This is because you may find you're more settled into your week, and having not worried about your test all weekend or seeing it as an obstacle to overcome to get to the weekend ahead, can help to keep your nerves under control.

Mondays can also mean busier roads with more traffic as people hurry to get to work. While Fridays might mean you're feeling tired, and potentially heavier afternoon traffic as people head home for the weekend as quickly as possible.

If you want to book your driving test, here are some additional factors to consider to help you get your pass.

• Your own readiness: Only book your test when you consistently drive confidently and safely, not just because a slot is available.
• Your familiarity with local test routes: Ensure your lessons involve driving around regular driving test routes in your area. Your driving instructor can help you here. Practise in the area around your chosen test centre to get used to common junctions, roundabouts, and road layouts.
• Booking early: The demand for test slots is at an all-time high, so try to book in advance as much as possible.
• Your personal life: Avoid booking a test on days when you might be rushed, stressed, or distracted by other things on the day.