LESS than half of learner drivers in Redditch passed their test first time, new figures have revealed.
Research by the Driving Standards Agency showed a total of 1,778 people first attempted their practical test in 2012/13.
But only 693 were able to ditch their provisional licence and just six of those passed with no minors – four men and two women.
Men were more likely to pass with 41.6 per cent getting their full licence compared to 36.4 per cent of women.
The figures also revealed 329 fewer people got behind the wheel to take the test compared to the previous year.
But the number of people passing with no faults has tripled since 2011/12.
Mark Franklin, who runs Mark Franklin Driving School, said nerves usually prevented even the best of pupils from passing first time.
“Nerves do play the biggest part. No driving instructor would ever let someone take their test if they weren’t ready, it is just a case of nerves getting the better of them.” he said.
“You get the option now to sit in the back of the car and you just see how pupils can change under the pressure.
“The driving test is one of the hardest tests to pass, so not passing first time shouldn’t stop people from having another go.
“Take the positives from what you gained. You got to go on the test route, you know what it looks like, what to expect, so you won’t be as nervous the next time.”
He added the pass rate in Redditch was close to the national average of 46 per cent.
