Learner drivers gearing up to take their first driving test are twice as likely to pass in Scotland as those in London, according to research.

Scotland dominates the top of the table for successful first time novice drivers, with a 70 per cent pass rate in Kelso. Lochgilphead (69 per cent), Stranraer (67 per cent) and Kendal (67 per cent) were other top scorers. Barrow-in-Furness had the highest pass rate for first time drivers in England at 66 per cent.

Charlotte Fiedling, head of car insurance at Privilege insurance, which carried out the analysis, said: "The general rule is that if you are driving on busier roads and complex road systems, your driving test is likely to be tougher."

It also found the number of minor faults in driving tests increased by 49 per cent between 2011 and 2014.