BOURNEMOUTH and Poole are among the best places in the country to pass a driving test, figures suggest.

The data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) shows that 55 per cent of all learners in Bournemouth and 56 per cent in Poole passed their practical test between April and September 2017.

The average pass rate for test centres across Great Britain was 47 per cent, with fewer than a third of new drivers at Erith, in south east London, successfully getting their licences - the toughest centre in the country.

Overall built up urban areas tend to have lower pass rates, while at potentially quieter rural test centres learners appear to find the exam easier. Golspie in the Scottish Highlands has the highest pass rate of 79 per cent.

The Bournemouth centre conducted 3,861 tests over the six months and 2,132 people passed.

The Poole centre conducted 1,885 tests over the six months and 1,048 people passed.

Historically men have generally paid more for car insurance than women as they have more accidents. But the figures show they have a higher pass rate for the driving test.

At Bournemouth 58 per cent gained their licence compared to 53 per cent of women.

At Poole 60 per cent of men gained their licence compared to 52 per cent of women.

These numbers are expected to change over the course of 2018.

The statistics date back to before the test was changed on December 4 last year, with many observers saying the reformed test is tougher than the old one.

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.

DVSA chief driving examiner Lesley Young defended the fairness of the test saying geographical differences have no bearing on how it is administered.

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