Thousands of people across Ireland each year set their sights on passing their driving test, a major life milestone. But depending on where you live, the road from your first lesson to earning a license can look very different.
Some counties offer shorter waiting times and higher pass rates, while others have a slightly bumpier road to that all-important pass.
But which counties offer the smoothest road to success?
To find out, our team analysed all counties in Ireland using the latest available data from the Road Safety Authority and Central Statistics Office. We assessed six key factors, including the number of driving test centres, the number of tests conducted in 2025, driving test pass rates in 2025, average waiting times in 2025, as well as road traffic fatalities and drivers with recorded penalty points. Each county was evaluated across these categories and given a final index score out of 600.
See below to find out how counties across the Ireland compare.
The Best Counties for Learner Drivers Are...
1. Longford
Longford has been named the best county in Ireland for learner drivers, with a top score of 585.3. The county recorded a strong pass rate of 58%, the fourth highest in the country, and an average waiting time of just five weeks. It also recorded no road traffic fatalities in 2025. Even with just one test centre, the county delivered 1,938 tests, showing steady access for learners without long delays. Longford also had a relatively low number of penalty points at 5,149, pointing to safer roads overall. Overall, Longford is a good place for learners who are getting ready to sit their driving test.
2. Leitrim
Leitrim takes second place with a strong score of 573.8. Learners wait an average of just four weeks for a test, helping them book and sit their test sooner. The county recorded a 54% pass rate and only one fatal collision, showing solid results for safety. Leitrim offers a quieter and less stressful place for learners to build confidence on the road.
3. Cavan
Cavan ranks third with a strong score of 559.6. Learner drivers benefit from a short four-week waiting time, and with more than 3,500 tests delivered in 2025, there are plenty of opportunities to get on the road and sit the test. The county has a 51% pass rate, and its mix of rural roads and busier routes, including those around the Cavan Crystal Hotel bypass, gives learners the chance to practise in a range of driving conditions. This kind of experience can make a real difference when it comes to test day.
4. Roscommon
Roscommon ranks fourth with a strong score of 545.1. The county recorded a solid 54% pass rate and an average waiting time of just four weeks, helping learners reach test day without lengthy delays. While five fatal collisions were recorded last year, 7,263 drivers had penalty points, the sixth lowest figure in the country. For those preparing to take their test, Reddit users advise taking extra care on the AIB street particularly when coming from the Garda station roundabout, as failing to yield to oncoming traffic could result in penalties during the test.
5. Sligo
Rounding out, the top five is Sligo, with a strong score of 534.4. Learners benefit from a short four-week waiting time, a 51% pass rate, and just one fatal collision recorded in 2025, the second lowest in the country. With a mix of town, rural and coastal roads, including routes along the Wild Atlantic Way, learners gain experience sharing the road with tourists and cyclists. All of this helps build confidence so when test day arrives, they can feel ready for whatever the road brings.
Other counties that made it into the top ten include Mayo in sixth place with a score of 523.9, where learners gain experience on a mix of rural roads and busy national routes such as the N5, one of the main roads commonly used around the Castlebar test centre. Kerry ranks seventh with a score of 515.7 and benefits from three test centres across the county, which together delivered an impressive 7,015 driving tests in 2025, giving learners more opportunities to secure a test slot. Donegal takes eighth place with a score of 498.2.
Offaly ranks ninth with a score of 486.6 after delivering 5,677 driving tests last year, and with three testing centres across the county, learners have several locations where they can take their test. Rounding out the top ten is Laois with a score of 478.9, where learners benefit from a strong 55% pass rate and an average waiting time of just five weeks.
Methodology
We analysed counties in Ireland using the latest available data from the RSA and CSO. Six key factors were assessed: the number of driving test centres, the number of tests delivered in 2025, driving test pass rates in 2025, average waiting times in 2025, as well as the number of fatal collisions and drivers with penalty points recorded. Each county was scored across these categories and given a final index score out of 600.
Sources
https://www.cso.ie/en/index.html
