Over half of Northumberland's learners pass test first time

But the RAC Foundation warned the real challenge for newly qualified drivers comes after their test – as they are much more likely to have a crash in their first year on the road.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency figures show 3,641 learner drivers made their first attempt at passing the driving test at three test centres in the county – Alnwick, Berwick and Blyth - in 2019-20.

With 2,067 being successful, the pass rate of 62%, was well above the national average of 46%.

Of the first attempts made, 75 drivers passed with no faults.

The individual first time as rates were 64% in Alnwick, 67% in Berwick and 55% in Blyth.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Every driver knows that passing the test is only the first hurdle. The real challenge comes when a newly qualified driver has to take full responsibility themselves.

“Safely negotiate the first 1,000 miles after gaining your licence and the risk of having a crash drops sharply.”

Mr Gooding also said data suggested that a decline in the number of young people holding a driving licence in recent years had begun to reverse.

He added: “With the challenges of Covid-related restrictions we could witness higher numbers of young people learning to drive because they see it as important to their employment prospects."

Edmund King, president of the AA, said pass rates can be affected by many factors before the test, including the number of lessons a learner takes, their level of experience and road layouts in the area.