Salisbury driving tests see increase in pass rate during pandemic
But more examiners are now needed
Even though fewer driving tests took place in Salisbury during the pandemic more people passed them.
Quieter roads and 'motivated' key workers taking their tests are thought to be behind it.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency data shows that of 1,284 practical tests at Salisbury Test Centre in 2020-21, 759 ended in success - a pass rate of 59%.
However, far fewer tests were undertaken at Salisbury Test Centre over the latest period due to Covid-19 restrictions, which saw only key workers permitted to take tests during the enforced lockdowns.
In total, there were 1,284 driving tests in 2020-21 - compared to 3,546 in 2019-20 - with 1,921 cancelled due to the pandemic.
Across Great Britain a record 50% of tests in 2020-21 resulted in a pass, with the figure even reaching 59% between January and March this year.
Meanwhile, the number of tests dropped to 437,000 in 2020-21, from 1.6 million the previous year.
The data also showed the rate of success for people taking their driving test for the first time.
At Salisbury Test Centre, 500 out of 830 people passed on the first attempt in 2020-21 - 60%.
That was above the national average of 51%.
MORE EXAMINERS ARE NEEDED
Practical tests resumed in April, but learners face a waiting time of more than three months to book a test with 470,000 already pencilled in across Great Britain, the DVSA said.
The body has launched a recruitment campaign for 300 examiners while tests are being done seven days a week to allow 20,000 to go ahead every month.
Robert Cowell, interim managing director of AA Driving School, said: "The slight increase in the driving test pass rate for the first quarter of this year could be down to a number of things including quieter roads during tests.
"In addition, during lockdowns, tests were only allowed for key workers who needed to drive for their job, this probably also goes some way to explaining the higher pass rate during these months as the candidates would have been incredibly motivated to pass."