Variations in driving test results unexplained

LARGE variations in the pass rates at different driver testing centres around the country still defy explanation, the public spending watchdog has complained.

The average national pass rate is 52%, down from 57% 10 years ago, but in some of the 49 test centres the success rate is as much as 13% higher while in others it is 10% lower.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), John Purcell, whose job it is to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, questioned the variations which he has drawn attention to previously.