Passing your driving test is a significant milestone. While some new drivers feel confident and ready to hit the road, others may need more time to develop their skills and confidence behind the wheel.
To support new drivers in finding the best places to develop their driving skills, Tempcover, experts in learner driver insurance, has conducted research identifying the top locations in England where they can gain experience more safely and with fewer challenges.
The research analysed key factors such as low traffic levels, fewer collisions linked to inexperience, minimal rainy days, affordable petrol prices, high-quality roads, and an overall lower number of accidents.
The top three locations in England for new drivers[1]
Sheffield claimed the top spot for new drivers. The research found that the city had favourable conditions like the lowest percentage of collisions caused by inexperience at 44% as well as having one of the highest A roads and motorways rated in ‘good’ condition at 88% – all of this helping to create a safer driving environment for new motorists building up skills.
Sunderland came in second place with factors like having 89% of its A roads and motorways in a ‘good’ condition, as well as 87% of its B and C roads being well maintained. The North East city also stood out for having favourable conditions for new drivers with a comparatively low total of 298 collisions per billion motor vehicle miles, significantly lower than London’s 1,156.
Doncaster rounded off the top three, with just 260 collisions per billion motor vehicle miles and a competitive petrol price of 136.2p, making it more affordable for new drivers. It also had a lower percentage of collisions caused by inexperience at 46%.
The top 10 locations in England for new drivers based on the research are:
| Location | Motor Vehicle Flow | Total Collisions (Rate per billion motor vehicle miles) | % Collisions Caused by Inexperience | Green A Roads & Motorways (%) | Green B & C Roads (%) | Petrol Price p/litre | Average Monthly Rainy Days |
| Sheffield | 3,896 | 471 | 44% | 88% | 83% | 136.2p | 10 |
| Sunderland | 4,035 | 298 | 62% | 89% | 87% | 142.9p | 9 |
| Doncaster | 5,613 | 260 | 46% | 72% | 73% | 136.2p | 9 |
| Milton Keynes | 4,802 | 199 | 78% | 86% | 83% | 136.7p | 8 |
| Peterborough | 5,263 | 308 | 77% | 84% | 73% | 138.9p | 8 |
| Leicester | 5,345 | 489 | 44% | 68% | 68% | 148p | 8 |
| Dudley | 4,449 | 410 | 75% | 78% | 78% | 137.9p | 9 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 4,733 | 434 | 73% | 79% | 86% | 143.2p | 9 |
| Plymouth | 5,116 | 396 | 68% | 79% | 77% | 138.4p | 10 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 4,249 | 224 | 66% | 76% | 72% | 154.3p | 10 |
Claire Wills-Mckissick learner driver insurance expert at Tempcover adds:“Factors like affordable petrol prices, well-maintained roads, and fewer rainy days all contribute to building new drivers’ confidence, making it easier for them to transition with fewer challenges.
“Building confidence as a new driver takes time and practising in various environments—whether on quiet streets, busy areas, or rural roads – is essential. Gradually exposing yourself to different driving conditions can boost your confidence and refine your skills over time.
“For learners, learner driver insurance provides additional opportunities to practice beyond lessons, giving you the freedom to gain experience at your own pace. Everyone’s journey to becoming a skilled driver is unique, but preparation and practice are key to building confidence and competence behind the wheel.”
