Galway boasts high driving test success rates
If you want to pass your driving test, best head into the west – because three of the top five driving test centres for pass rates in Ireland are in Galway.
While Thurles takes the overall award with an average monthly pass rate of 70.4%, Clifden on 67.9%, Loughrea on 63.9% and Tuam on 61.2% come second, third and fifth, according to analysis from Chill Insurance.
All three combine those strong pass rates with low no-show levels, and manageable wait times – in a nutshell, a quicker, less stressful route to passing your test.
The only issue with Clifden is that the wait time is almost 17 weeks as opposed to thirteen weeks for Loughrea and twelve for Tuam.
Clifden combines that high pass rate of 67.9% with one of the lowest numbers of no-shows per month (2.1), indicating good candidate preparedness and test availability.
Although it handles fewer applications than larger centres, its consistent results and manageable demand contribute to its strong overall ranking.
Loughrea performs well despite a high volume of applications, scheduling a large proportion of candidates each month.
With a solid pass rate of 63.9% and comparatively shorter wait times of just over 13 weeks, it offers a balance of accessibility and positive outcomes for learner drivers.
Rather than booking the first slot you see, it's worth working closely with your driving instructor to decide on the best test centre, date, and time for you
Nationally, the Chill Insurance analysis found that January ranks as the strongest month overall, with the highest average pass rate since the data began in 2021, at 52.46%. This is followed by July and May, at 51.42% and 51.28% respectively.
By contrast, December ranks as the weakest month overall, with just over half (50.06%) of drivers passing their test in the last month of the year.
Ian O'Reilly, Director of Sales and Insurance at Chill, says that the figures show that being flexible about when and where you take your driving test can really pay off.
"Rather than booking the first slot you see, it's worth working closely with your driving instructor to decide on the best test centre, date, and time for you,” he said.
“Instructors know which areas tend to be quieter, which routes are more straightforward, and even which times of day can avoid heavy traffic or school-run chaos.
"Choosing a less busy test centre or opting for a quieter time of year can help reduce waiting times, ease nerves on the day, and ultimately improve your chances of passing,” he added.