NEW figures have revealed just how difficult it is to pass the final test to become a driving instructor in Lancashire – but the likelihood of passing depends on where you live.

There are over 200 driving test centres which let candidates sit the Approved Driving Instructor Part 3 Test.

The Department for Transport named Preston as one of toughest places to pass in the country, while Blackburn with Darwen’s failure rate was above the national average.

In 2018/19, half of people in Preston passed the test, but in Blackburn with Darwen you were 10 per cent less likely to succeed, with only 40 per cent passing in the same year.

In the same year in Chorley, half of the applicants passed the test.

Car specialist AMT’s general manager Ian Wright said: “Working as a driving instructor comes with many benefits, such as being your own boss, flexible working hours and a good salary, but there are many things to consider when embarking on a driving instructor career.

“What often makes a good instructor is one that is extremely patient, adaptable, time-efficient and fun.

“With that said, seeing that instructor pass rates at individual test centres vary by such huge margins suggests that the standards against which applicants are judged also differ, so it’s crucial to do your research on the best training establishments.”

Questions have been raised about the standards required to become an instructor after figures revealed a gulf in the pass rate between some areas and others.

DVSA chief driving examiner, Mark Winn said: "All candidates are assessed to the same level and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.”

Across the country, 6,933 took the final part of the test in 2018/19 but only 2,569 passed.