# Road test pass rate by state

> Source: https://drivings.com/us/practical-test-pass-rates
> Road test pass rates use different applicant groups and periods across states; this guide keeps recent Massachusetts and Minnesota outcomes separate from historical NHTSA evidence and test-format data.
> Region: United States (en-US)
> Last updated: 2026-07-13

## What a road test pass rate measures

A road test pass rate is the share of reported in-vehicle test attempts that pass within a stated group and period. There is no single current national road test pass rate. States administer their own skills tests, apply their own scheduling and retest rules, and rarely publish results on the same basis. This dataset contains newer official outcomes for 2 states and historical rate evidence for 26 jurisdictions.

A first-attempt rate for adult applicants cannot be compared directly with a rate covering all attempts, a teen survey or an administrator estimate. Some people take the driving test more than once, so attempt-based data can count the same person as both a failure and a later pass.

## Recent official state outcomes

| State | Period | Measure | Result | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Massachusetts | FY25 | adult first attempt | 53.5% | MassDOT Tracker |
| Minnesota | FY24 | class d first attempt | about 73% | Minnesota DVS report |

Massachusetts reported a 53.5% first-attempt rate for adult applicants in FY25. Minnesota reported approximately 73% for first Class D attempts in FY24. These are useful current results, but their applicant definitions differ, so neither should be labelled the highest or lowest state.

## Historical state road-test evidence

The historical figures below come from an NHTSA study and are shown with the period and evidence type. Pass rates are derived as 100 minus the reported in-vehicle failure rate.

| State | Period | Pass rate | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Arkansas | 2007 | 86.9% | records |
| California | 2005 | 68% | records |
| Colorado | 2007 | 89.7% | records |
| Connecticut | Year not stated | 65% | estimate |
| Florida | 2007 | 71.4% | records |
| Idaho | 2004–2007 | 96% | records |
| Illinois | 2007 | 85.2% | records |
| Iowa | 2002–2006 | 77.8% | records |
| Kansas | Year not stated | 83% | dmv survey |
| Kentucky | 2007 | 70% | estimate |
| Maine | Year not stated | 60% | estimate |
| Maryland | 2007 | 73.5% | records |
| Massachusetts | 2007 | 80% | estimate |
| Minnesota | 2007 | 67% | records |
| Missouri | 2007 | 71.6% | records |
| Nebraska | 2007 | 71% | estimate |
| Nevada | 2006 | 70.6% | records |
| New Hampshire | 2007–2008 | 86% | estimate |
| New York | 2007 | 61.2% | estimate |
| Oregon | 2007 | 82% | records |
| Rhode Island | Year not stated | 89% | dmv survey |
| Tennessee | Year not stated | 81% | dmv survey |
| Utah | 2001–2007 | 67% | estimate |
| Vermont | Year not stated | 72.5% | estimate |
| West Virginia | Year not stated | 67% | dmv survey |
| Wisconsin | 2007 | 71.5% | records |

These older results are context, not a current league table. The study includes state records, administrator estimates and selected-office teen surveys. A survey with a small sample cannot be treated as the rate for every driver in that state.

## Why road tests differ by state

The basic skills are familiar across the country—observation, steering, lane position, signaling, right of way, speed control, stopping and backing—but the score sheet and required maneuvers vary. One state may require parallel parking or a three-point turn while another lets an examiner choose from several maneuvers. Passing thresholds, test duration, use of third-party testers and the wait after failure also differ.

Weather, traffic, the roads near the test center and the applicant group can influence results. That does not make one office an easy shortcut. Examiners still assess whether a driver can control the vehicle, notice road signs and other cars, check mirrors and blind spots, choose a safe speed, yield correctly and respond to changing conditions.

## How to improve your chance of passing

Use the official state driver manual and the current skills-test checklist. Practice the maneuvers your state requires, but also rehearse ordinary decisions: complete stops, smooth turns, lane changes, scanning intersections, parking, backing and keeping a safe following distance. Ask an instructor or qualified supervising driver to score a mock test rather than giving hints during every move.

Before test day, confirm the appointment, identification, permit, insurance and vehicle requirements with the licensing agency. Check lights, signals, mirrors, tires, brakes and safety equipment. Arrive with enough time to settle, listen to the examiner and ask for an instruction to be repeated if you did not hear it. A single minor mistake need not mean failure, but dangerous action, lack of control or repeated errors can.

## Data limitations

The all-state test profiles and historical rates were collected mainly in 2007–08. Only Massachusetts and Minnesota contribute newer outcomes here. A dash in the dataset means the source did not publish that value; it is not a zero. Use each state agency for current rules and local appointment information.

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