Bolton learner drivers across the town can rejoice after the release of the latest driving test results.
The pass rate for driving tests in the borough stands significantly higher than the national average, and one motoring group is taking a bit of the credit.
A total of 58.6 per cent of driving tests in Bolton ended in a pass mark in 2024, according to the most recent data, up from 54.6 per cent last year.
The UK average for the same dataset stands at 48.5 per cent.
Steve Peary, vice chairman of the Bolton and District Group of Advanced Motorists, said: “As an organisation we take people who have already passed their driving test and fill in the blanks.
“What we find about driving lessons is people are basically taught to operate the machine, but don’t know what to do for observation and more complex stuff.”
But, despite the organisation only taking care of people after they have passed their test, Steve still takes a bit of credit.
“What we find is people get their driving style from their parents, so, if say their parents have done our course, then they will statistically be 70 per cent less likely to be in an accident that’s their fault, so this will rub off on their kids when they come to driving,” he said.
Steve does not believe the reason for the high pass rate is because the route is easy.
He added: “Well Bolton has a mix of duel carriageways, busy urban roads, and country lanes in some parts.
“A lot of areas don’t have that variety, yet people are still passing more easily in Bolton, so I’m a bit surprised to be honest.”
Nearby Blackburn with Darwen has a pass rate of 48.4 per cent, below the national average.
Bury has an even worse pass rate for the period of 37.7 per cent.