The cost of car and motorcycle theory tests will drop from £25 to £23 for tests taken from 1 October 2015.

Theory test fees for other types of vehicle will also be reduced at the same time.

The changes apply to theory tests taken from 1 October 2015. You can now book tests for this date onwards.

You’ll have to pay the old fee if you choose a test date before 1 October 2015.

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A learner driver did not pass his driving test under their 36^th attempt. The learner finally passed at Sutton Coldfield five years after their first attempt, spending £2,232 in fees.

The driver failed their first ten attempts in Kingstanding, then tried once in Kings Heath. They then went back to Kingstanding for another 12 unsuccessful efforts, before switching back to Kingstanding, Sutton Coldfield and South Yardley. The motorists was finally successful in 2013.

However this is not the record for highest number of failing driving test. A learner in Stoke failed 36 times.

The learner from Birmingham almost passed on their second attempt but racked up a serious fault leading to an automatic fail. If it were not for that mistake, they would have avoided their 33 subsequent tests.

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It is 80 years since driving tests became compulsory for all new drivers in Britain, but why does it matter where you take the test?

Every learner driver goes through the same motions when going for their test. The nerves, ensuring you have the right documents, your last run through with your instructor before you go into the test centre. Pass and you are greeted with freedom, career prospects and that rewarding pink licence that you can show off. Fail and you have to wait just that bit longer for that rewarding moment, and the pressure of the day can even put people off trying again.

In recent years the number of people requiring 3, 4, 5 or even more tests in order to pass seems to be increasing and a lot attribute it to the test getting hard. But with some test centres boasting pass rates well in excess of that national average, does it matter where you take your test? In short, the answer is no since the DVSA states that examiners are regularly assessed to ensure tests are consistent across the country.

However, the case is more complicated than this. Learners in rural areas are effectively learning test routes in a fairly predictable environment. That way, there will be no nasty surprises. The opposite is the case in major cities as the situation is constantly changing with multiple hazards. Figures show that the lowest pass rate was in Belvedere in London with a pass rate of just 32.2% whilst the highest pass rate is in Isle of Mull, off the coast of Scotland with an 80% pass rate.

Shona from Britannia Driving School says ‘Driving tests in London are harder but this gives pupils a more varied experience, providing them with the skills to tackle all kinds of situations. The driving tests used by our pupils have pass rates above the national average and are the highest rates in the London area.’

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Before you attempt a practical test you will need to pass the theory test, which costs £25 and can be booked online, and have taken enough lessons to get you to test standard. The DVSA currently recommends 47 hours, this can be more or less depending on the individual and the programme on lessons.

Next, you need to think of where and when you want to book your test for. It is best to speak to your instructor regarding these details as they will be able to advise you on the test centre and time that best suits your needs. The test centre with the best record is Gairloch, a small village in the Scottish Highlands, with a 93.8% pass rate. On the other end of the scale, Belvedere test centre in London is the worst with a 30% pass rate. It is generally harder to pass in London than rural areas, however, the test centres used by our instructors generally have higher pass rates than the national average.

When it comes to actually booking your test, it is a common misconception that there is a ‘test cancellation list’. This is not the case and services claiming to find you a test cancellation are generally a scam and should be avoided. You can either book yourself either online or by calling the DVSA. Alternatively, you can use our fast track driving test service where our bookings team can find you an earlier test date.

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The first step to gaining a full UK licence is to apply for a provisional licence. This can be done either online (which costs £34) or by posting off the hard copy form, which can be obtained from the Post Office, to the DVLA (which costs £43). In Great Britain, you have to be at least 15 years, nine months old to apply for a provisional licence but you can’t start taking lessons or attempt your theory test until you are at least 17.

Once you have applied to the DVLA, you will receive your provisional licence through the post. This currently comes in the form of a photocard and paper counterpart but from June 2015, learners will receive only the photocard as the counterpart is phased out.

To get your provisional driving licence you must meet the minimum age and eyesight requirements and live in Great Britain.

The photocard is only valid for 10 years, however. Most learners pass before the provisional expires. However, if you do leave a long gap in your lessons or don’t take lessons on your provisional, you will need to renew it after 10 years. You will get a reminder to renew from the DVLA. This again can either be done online (at a cost of £14) or by post (at a cost of £17).

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Janine Mars, 31, from Chatham in Kent has been barred from local driving schools having forked out more than £5000 on 14 years of lessons but still not being up to scratch. She has taken 250 lessons, used five different instructors and failed her practical test four times.

After driving the equivalent of London to Perth, Australia, she still can’t master pulling away from a junction without stalling. And now instructors in Kent won’t take her on because they know how bad she is.

Janine started driving in 2001, but changed instructor after 15 lessons because they didnt get on. When she moved to her second teacher, she had more than 100 lessons before realising he wasn’t going to put her forward for a test. As work got in the way, it wasn’t until 2012 that Janine got back in the driver’s seat. After switching to a fourth tutor and even sitting double lessons with him, she moved to her fifth instructor last August but still couldn’t pass her test.

She now says she took a break after her last test in October but wants to do an intensive course. She puts down her issues with driving to a lack of confidence. She has now adopted a routine before every driving lesson. She said: ‘Before I get in the car, I eat a big breakfast and drink a mug of tea. Then, without fail, I play Happy by Pharrell to get myself into a more relaxed mindset.’

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