Best and Worst Driving Test Pass Rates to Look Out for in 2025
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Choosing where to sit your driving test in Ireland can be more than just a matter of convenience. The driving test pass rate varies significantly between test centres, and these differences can have a real impact on your chances of success.
Of course, learning to drive correctly should mean you are able to drive on any road in Ireland, under a variety of conditions, but the reality is that some test centres have much higher pass/failure rates compared to the national average.
Although the latest complete data comes from January to June 2024, these figures provide reliable insight into trends expected to continue into 2025. This guide explores both the test centres with the highest pass rates and those with the highest failure rates in Ireland, giving learner drivers a comprehensive overview of where their odds are best (or worst).
Understanding Ireland’s Driving Test Pass Rate
The national average driving test pass rate in Ireland remains just over 53%. However, success rates vary dramatically across the country. Rural test centres typically outperform urban ones, largely due to lower traffic volumes and simpler test routes.
Choosing a centre with a high pass rate might increase your chances, but being aware of the lowest-performing centres is equally important to make an informed decision.
Top Irish Test Centres for Pass Rates in 2025
1. Kilkenny (O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Grounds)
Pass Rate: 68.4%
Kilkenny recorded the highest pass rate in the country during the first half of 2024. Its relatively calm roads and efficient test centre operations make it a strong choice for 2025.
2. Loughrea, County Galway
Pass Rate: 64.2%
Loughrea is one of Ireland’s most efficient test centres, combining a high pass rate with short wait times. The centre is expected to maintain its strong performance through 2025.
3. Clifden, County Galway
Pass Rate: ~65% (historically)
Though slightly smaller and more remote, Clifden regularly ranks among the top performers with consistent pass rates well above the national average.
4. Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim
Pass Rate: Over 60%
A high-performing centre in the northwest, Carrick-on-Shannon benefits from manageable road layouts and low congestion.
5. Tuam, County Galway
Pass Rate: ~60–62%
Tuam combines solid pass rates with some of the shortest waiting times in Ireland—an ideal centre for those looking to test sooner and succeed.
Irish Test Centres with the Highest Failure Rates
While some centres offer favourable conditions for passing, others prove more challenging. The following test centres had the lowest pass rates (i.e., highest failure rates) during the first half of 2024.
1. Tallaght, Dublin
Pass Rate: 37.6%
Tallaght holds the unfortunate title of the lowest pass rate in Ireland. As one of Dublin’s busiest centres, with heavy traffic and complex routes, as featured in Tallaght driving test routes, this is a tough environment for test candidates.
2. Finglas, Dublin
Pass Rate: Around 40%
Finglas consistently ranks near the bottom of national pass rate charts. Candidates face multiple dual carriageways, roundabouts, and high-pressure urban Finglas driving test routes.
3. Dundalk, County Louth
Pass Rate: Low 40s (%)
Urban congestion and a complex road network contribute to a high failure rate at this border town centre.
4. Navan, County Meath
Pass Rate: ~43%
Although not as busy as Dublin, Navan driving test routes present challenges for learners, particularly with roundabout navigation and busy town traffic.
5. Carlow Town
Pass Rate: Mid-40s (%)
Carlow is another centre where many candidates struggle. Examiner feedback often notes hesitation at junctions and poor hazard response as common fail points.
Why Pass Rates Vary Between Centres
Several factors influence whether a test centre has a high or low driving test pass rate:
- Road Conditions: Busy, urban centres involve complex junctions, fast-paced traffic, and unpredictable driving conditions.
- Test Route Design: Centres with simpler, more predictable routes tend to have higher pass rates.
- Candidate Demographics: Some centres serve a larger proportion of first-time drivers or nervous test-takers.
- Waiting Times: Centres with long waitlists may see more test cancellations or candidates taking tests before they’re ready.
- Examiner Load: In high-volume centres, examiners may assess more candidates per day, adding pressure to the process.
Should You Choose a Test Centre Based on Driving Test Pass Rate?
While your preparation and driving ability are ultimately what matter most, the pass rate at your chosen centre can influence your likelihood of passing. If you’re willing to travel, selecting a high-performing centre could give you an edge.
That said, don’t avoid your local centre solely due to lower pass rates. Instead, use the information as part of your preparation strategy. Learn the specific challenges of that location with trusted advice from an RSA driving instructor, as well as local driving test routes, which can prove a great asset to learner drivers.
Tips for Passing Your Driving Test in 2025
No matter where you book, these tips can help improve your chances:
- Practice driving test routes to simulate the real test.
- Familiarise yourself with the centre's common routes and trouble spots.
- Address past feedback if you’ve failed previously.
- Avoid test-day nerves by arriving early, staying calm, and focusing on safe driving.
Conclusion
As you plan for your 2025 driving test, your driving ability and preparation are paramount. With this being said, the test centre you go to could influence your chances of passing. Kilkenny, Loughrea, and Clifden stand out as the best test centres for pass rates, while Tallaght, Finglas, and Dundalk are among the most challenging.
Understanding the driving test pass rate trends across Ireland allows learner drivers to make more strategic decisions, whether that means travelling to a top-rated centre or preparing more rigorously for a tougher location.
In the end, success comes down to preparation, practice, and confidence. But knowing where you’re most likely to succeed can certainly help steer you in the right direction.