In response to a parliamentary question from MP Jeff Engelen of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), Minister for Mobility Yuriko Backes disclosed that nearly 50% of driving test candidates fail their practical exam on the first attempt.
The data shows a notable disparity between theoretical and practical exam success rates. For theory tests, the 2024 results revealed a 74% pass rate, with around 3,500 of 13,600 candidates failing their initial attempt. Over a five-year period, the theory exam maintained a consistent 25% average first-attempt failure rate.
Practical tests proved more challenging, with only 53.2% of candidates (about 18,300 individuals) passing on their first try in 2024.
A significant variation emerged between training methods. Candidates who participated in accompanied driving programmes achieved a 55% first-time pass rate, compared to just 42% for those who did not make use of this option.
