LEARNER drivers may be reassured to hear that Dorchester has been named one of the UK’s easiest places to take a driving test.

The number of people passing their test on the first attempt nationally has decreased by almost ten per cent since changes to the practical driving test were introduced in 2017, including navigation with a sat-nav, longer independent driving and the removal of manoeuvres like the three-point turn.

To find out where learner drivers struggle the most - and least - when it comes to passing their test, pass rates across the nation were analysed.

The results show that Dorchester - the main practical test centre in south Dorset - has the UK’s third-highest pass rate, with 62.6 per cent of learners passing on their first attempt.

Oxenholme Road in Kendal takes the number one spot, with almost 64 per cent of all first attempt driving tests resulting in a pass - and just over the county border, Yeovil has a first-time pass rate of 62.6 per cent.

The area with the lowest pass rate is South Yardley in Birmingham, with just 32.2 per cent of learners passing first time there.

Overall, it seems tests conducted in busy urban areas are proving harder for new drivers to pass first time, compared with those in quieter rural towns.

This is likely due to the fact these test centres are in more congested areas, where there is a higher likelihood of busy junctions, traffic and difficult road intersections to navigate.

Steering, observation and turning right are reportedly the top three most common reasons drivers fail their practical test according to the organisation.

Tim Schwarz, head of marketing at Moneybarn, which carried out the analysis, said: “Even though the pass rate has decreased over 9 per cent since the practical test changes were introduced in 2017, it simply goes to reinforce the government’s commitment to improving road safety.

“Changing the practical driving test not only boosts new drivers’ abilities to drive safely and responsibly, but it also ensures they have a good understanding of the rules of the road.”