Does passing first time make you a better driver?

It may be a humble brag, but does passing first time mean you’re a better driver?

Less than half of people pass their driving test first time, so naturally it gives anyone who does slight bragging rights.

The average first time pass rate in 2022/23 was 48.1%.

Plenty of factors play a role in passing first time—though, let’s be honest, a bit of luck never hurts.

While failing your driving test is annoying and often disappointing, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

In fact, the pass rates are pretty similar for first attempt compared to sixth attempt:

For those of you who do happen to be lucky enough to pass first time, does it make you a better driver?

Let’s dive in and find out.

How long does it take to learn to drive?

The RAC claims that an average learner driver requires a total of 65 hours of driving to pass their test.

They split that between 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor and an additional 20 hours outside of that, with a parent or friend.

Unfortunately, there’s no ‘unlock driving skills’ button at 45 hours—your instructor will know when you’re truly ready. And - at some point - you'll need a reliable and safe car, which isn’t too expensive to insure, as this cost will get bumped up when you pass.

One of the last city cars to survive the mass exodus, the Hyundai i10 is heralded as one of the cheapest cars for new drivers to insure. But if you need something bigger, you could try something like the Renault Clio or SEAT Arona.

Does age affect pass rates?

Censuswide (for LV= car insurance) asked 2,004 drivers how many attempts it took to pass and how safety-conscious they are.

The results?

It's good news for younger drivers. Most 17- to 24-year-olds nailed it within two attempts. But, interestingly, over half of 45- to 54-year-olds passed first time.

So, what does this mean?

Well, older learners tend to be more cautious, patient, and may have had more informal driving experience before taking lessons. This could mean they’re better prepared for the test itself, but does that translate to safer driving long-term?

On the flip side, younger drivers might be quicker to pick up skills but may lack the real-world experience that comes with age.

Though, with a sample this small, we’d take it with a pinch of salt. Which brings us to the bigger question—does passing first time actually make you a better driver, or does it just mean you’re good at tests?

Let’s take a look at what black box data has to say.

Looking at black box data

While it is a badge of honour for many, being a better driver just because you passed first time isn’t necessarily a given.

A study conducted by Ingenie suggests that first-time passers can become too confident following their early success, meaning they may not drive as safely when compared to those who required multiple attempts.

After studying driver habits using black box data, they discovered that those who took four attempts to pass their test became safer drivers than those who passed on the first go.

They believe that learners who failed first time and spent more time practising their driving techniques alongside an instructor go on to become better drivers over time.

As they say, practice makes perfect.

Who is more likely to have an accident?

Research from This Is Money suggests there may not be much of a difference between those who pass first time and those who need up to three attempts.

According to their study, drivers who passed first time are involved in 1.6 accidents following their test.

Meanwhile, for those who require three attempts, they’re involved in just 1.9 accidents – reflecting that there is not a huge difference in driving ability or risk based on the amount of times it took you to pass your driving test.

However, things start to shift when we look at those who required more attempts.

Drivers who took four attempts were involved in 2.8 accidents, those who took five tests averaged five accidents, and those who took six attempts saw that number jump to 6.6.

This seems to contradict the black box data, which suggested that drivers who took multiple attempts to pass became safer over time.

But here’s something to consider—could the age factor be skewing these results?

Since older learners are more likely to pass first time, and older drivers tend to be more cautious, could this be why first-time passers seem to have fewer accidents?

They’re less likely to speed, take risks, or show off behind the wheel.

So, is it really about how many times you took to pass, or is it more about how you drive once you’ve got that licence?

Finding the balance

As mentioned above, confidence behind the wheel is crucial for any driver, regardless of their age.

However, what these studies have shown is that finding the right balance between confidence and caution is key.

Ultimately, anyone who passes their driving test—whether on the first or fifth attempt—has demonstrated the skills needed to be on the road.

But passing a test is just the beginning.

Real-world experience shapes how we drive over time, and while some improve with practice, others may develop bad habits along the way.

So, does passing first time make you a better driver? Not necessarily.

Safe driving isn’t about how many times you took to pass—it’s about how you handle yourself on the road once you have.

Does passing first time make you a better driver?

In short—no, not really.

Passing first time might earn you some bragging rights, but it doesn’t automatically make you a safer or more skilled driver in the long run. The stats show that while first-time passers may be more confident, those who take multiple attempts often end up being more cautious.

Meanwhile, age plays a big role, with older learners generally passing quicker and driving more sensibly.

Ultimately, a pass is a pass.

Whether you sailed through on your first attempt or had to wrestle with the examiner multiple times, what really matters is how you drive once you’re out there on your own.

Because at the end of the day, the best drivers aren’t just good at tests—they’re the ones who keep themselves (and everyone else) safe on the road.