FIGURES show men are more successful than women at passing their driving tests in Bournemouth and Poole.

A study of insurance deals shows that men often pay higher premiums than women as they have more accidents.

Pricing differently based on gender was banned by the EU in 2012.

However they appear to find learning more easy...

Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency show that, across both boroughs between April 2017 and March 2018, between 57-61 per cent of men who attempted the practical test passed, compared with 52 per cent of women.

On December 4 last year the driving test was changed, with many observers saying the new test is tougher than the old one.

DVSA deputy chief driving examiner Gordon Witherspoon said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.

“All candidates are assessed to the same level and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.

“We expect candidates and instructors to become more familiar with the new test and well continue to monitor the impact of the changes.”

Learners now must navigate for 20 minutes using a sat-nav, and explain how to test the brakes, clean the windscreen and demist windows while driving. Rookie drivers do seem to be finding it harder.

In March 2018 the pass rate was 51.8 per cent, compared with a pass rate of 59.4 per cent in April 2017, under the old test.

The data also shows that 53 per cent of people taking their test for the first time managed to pass, with 73 learners succeeding first time with no minor faults.

Drivers taking the test can pass with up to 15 minor faults, such as not checking the mirror at the right time.

Between April 2017 and March 2018 there were 7,578 tests at the Bournemouth centre and 3,952 tests in Poole, the majority taken by women.

In Bournemouth there were 4,098 passes, at a rate of 54.1 per cent, while in Poole there were 2,224 passes, a rate of 56.3 per cent.