MEN are more successful at passing their driving tests at Pwllheli and Bala test centres than women, according to the latest figures.

A study of insurance deals shows that men often pay higher premiums than women as they have more accidents, although pricing differently based on gender was banned by the EU in 2012.

However they appear to be slightly better drivers, at least at the start, than women.

Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency show that, between April 2017 and March 2018, 61.2 per cent of men who attempted the practical test managed to pass, while 59.5 per cent of women were successful.

Across that period, Pwllheli test centre carried out 785 tests – 442 for women and 343 for men. There were 473 passes, at a rate of 60.3 per cent.

Bala test centre carried out 614 tests – 307 for women and 307 for men. There were 322 passes, at a rate of 52.4 per cent.

On 4 December last year the driving test was changed, with many observers saying the new test is tougher than the old one.

Learners now must navigate for 20 minutes using a sat-nav, and explain how to test the brakes, clean the windscreen and demist your windows while driving.

DVSA deputy chief driving examiner, Gordon Witherspoon, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.

“All candidates are assessed to the same level and the result of their test is entirely dependent on their performance on the day.

“We expect candidates and instructors to become more familiar with the new test and well continue to monitor the impact of the changes.”