LEARNER drivers in the North-East lag behind when it comes to passing their driving test first time, a survey has revealed.

Only 36 per cent of learner drivers in the region passed their test first time, compared to 47 per cent across the UK.

The research, by Privilege Car Insurance, also revealed that 28 per cent of North-East motorists took three or more attempts to pass the test, with 17 per cent claiming to have failed because the tester took a dislike to them.

However, the region makes up for this with its clean driving record, as only 16 per cent of those surveyed were involved in an accident in their first year of driving.

And 49 per cent have not been involved in any kind of road accident at all since passing their test – the highest percentage in the country.

Charlotte Fielding, head of car insurance at Privilege, said: “Slow and steady can be the safest approach when it comes to learning, with a thorough knowledge of the rules of the road helping drivers to avoid unnecessary accident.

"That said, it is important to understand that even the most careful drivers can still have accidents."