With UK driving test pass rates plummeting year on year, now at just 46.3% on average, Zuto has analysed over 190 countries to find out how practical and theory exams vary around the world, and which countries have the easiest and most difficult tests.
Alongside this, we’ve explored the cheapest and most expensive tests, the longest and hardest theory tests, medical requirements, and finally, a selection of the most bizarre requirements from around the world.
In the last decade, figures from GOV.UK show a decline in UK pass rates, most dramatically in the theory test, where the current pass rate stands at 47.1%, falling from 63.1% in 2010.
Practical pass rates have also decreased since the test was updated in 2017, with the addition of independent driving and safety questions. Currently, the figures for young drivers are at an all-time low just 45.7% passing first time. In comparison, the pass rates in 2015/16 were around 47.9% on average.
With this in mind, we used our findings to measure how difficult the UK test is compared to other countries. Whilst by no means do we have the most difficult test, thankfully we have a more rigorous procedure than the likes of India, Mexico, and Uganda.
Explore the map below to read more about the driving test requirements in each country, along with the age restrictions, and the cost of taking each exam.
In the UK, it currently costs £23.00 to take the theory test and £62.00 for the practical test from Monday to Friday. During the weekend, it costs £75.00. To obtain your provisional license, you’ll also have to pay £34.00. Whilst this may seem like a lot to fork out, other countries charge much more.
Revealing the world’s most expensive driving tests, we’ve converted national currencies to highlight how much it would cost to pay for each test in GBP. For countries where it’s mandatory to attend a driving school, where possible, we’ve also included the price you would expect to pay for training.
Whilst in the UK, there is no requirement to take a medical test before obtaining your driving licence, in 21 of the 190 countries we studied, this is a legal requirement. From colour blindness to psychology exams, we’ve pulled out the strictest medical tests that learners are required to sit.
Number of theory questions
Required pass rate
As we compiled the data in our study, we stumbled upon some pretty bizarre testing elements. From driving tests without examiners to those with students and police officers in the back seats, take a look at the weird and wonderful requirements around the world.
If you’ve just passed your driving test and are looking for car finance, we could offer you a great deal on a new or used car finance loan. If you’re worried about your eligibility, there are also options for bad credit car finance where you can apply without affecting your credit score.
We conducted desk research into driving test regulations and driving laws in all 193 countries in the world - for 46 countries we were not able to find any data due to lack of available resources online. As part of the research, we looked at multiple different aspects of driving certification including the cost of tests and licensing fees, the minimum age permitted for learners, as well as the nature of theory, practical and medical exams required in each country. Data comes from a range of sources including government Department of Transport websites in each country, forums and expat websites, local driving schools and more.