The annual pass rate for driving tests in Bolton is higher than the national average  – with a driving instructor saying he "wouldn’t take pupils anywhere else".

New figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that Bolton has a 54.9 per cent pass rate and is ranked at 95th in the UK.

Statistics covering 2023 have found 8,860 tests were conducted in the borough and there were 4,860 passes.

Nationally, 1.38m tests were taken with 668,038 people passing, a rate of 48.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Bury has a 39 per cent pass rate, and is ranked at 312th in the UK.

And Salford has a 56.3 per cent pass rate, and is ranked at 79th in the UK.

Tony Pearson, a driving instructor in Bolton, said: “It's interesting to hear of the differences in the pass rates, especially between Bolton and our neighbours Bury.

“The high pass rate in Bolton can only be down to the training given by the instructors.

“We understand the importance of giving the life skills needed on today's roads.

“We are aware not to put any pupil in for their test until they're absolutely ready.

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“Also, here in Bolton we have a fantastic working relationship with the test centre on Weston Street, built up over many years.

“We are especially pleased with the ranking of our test centre concerning pass rates.

“Bolton is a good place to take your driving test, I personally wouldn't take my pupils anywhere else.”

Tony said the high pass rate is due to a number of factors including the road conditions in the area.

He said: “Road conditions are as everywhere, but here in Bolton we have a greater choice of training areas.

“One minute you're in the town centre, then within a few minutes you can be on dual carriageways, or country lanes, even motorways for lessons.

“The association of driving instructors in Bolton (AUDI) are well informed and up to date concerning all driving matters. This reflects in the high pass rate.”

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