52.3% of the 26,239 Category B tests delivered in July 2026 were passed. County rates ranged from 37.8% in Wicklow to 69.5% in Monaghan.
What this comparison is useful for
The table gives a transparent snapshot of outcomes by county. It can help a learner understand the scale of local variation and ask sensible questions about preparation. It cannot identify an easy route, predict an individual result or prove that an examiner at one centre is more lenient.
Test volume is shown because it changes how a monthly percentage should be read. A small number of results can move sharply when only a few additional candidates pass or fail. A much larger county total will usually be less sensitive to a handful of outcomes.
- Category B
- County results
- July 2026
- Monthly test volume shown
Highest and lowest county results
Higher July rates
| County | Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Monaghan | 69.5% | 301 |
| Donegal | 60.8% | 968 |
| Longford | 60.6% | 141 |
| Clare | 60.2% | 573 |
| Roscommon | 59.9% | 192 |
| Laois | 59.8% | 366 |
Lower July rates
| County | Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Wicklow | 37.8% | 346 |
| Carlow | 46.4% | 688 |
| Dublin | 46.5% | 7,946 |
| Westmeath | 46.5% | 742 |
| Waterford | 49.4% | 976 |
| Kerry | 50.5% | 601 |
Monaghan's 69.5% came from 301 delivered tests. Dublin's 46.5% came from 7,946 tests. Both are valid county results, but the large difference in sample size is important when judging how stable either percentage may be from month to month.
Every county compared with Ireland
| County | Pass rate | Tests delivered | Difference from national |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monaghan | 69.5% | 301 | 17.2 points above |
| Donegal | 60.8% | 968 | 8.5 points above |
| Longford | 60.6% | 141 | 8.3 points above |
| Clare | 60.2% | 573 | 7.9 points above |
| Roscommon | 59.9% | 192 | 7.6 points above |
| Laois | 59.8% | 366 | 7.5 points above |
| Galway | 57.8% | 1,189 | 5.5 points above |
| Limerick | 57.8% | 1,156 | 5.5 points above |
| Tipperary | 57.8% | 711 | 5.5 points above |
| Cavan | 57.6% | 479 | 5.3 points above |
| Leitrim | 56.7% | 163 | 4.4 points above |
| Offaly | 56.7% | 616 | 4.4 points above |
| Kilkenny | 55.9% | 552 | 3.6 points above |
| Meath | 55.8% | 875 | 3.5 points above |
| Louth | 55.3% | 1,316 | 3.0 points above |
| Mayo | 54.4% | 312 | 2.1 points above |
| Cork | 53.9% | 2,583 | 1.6 points above |
| Sligo | 53.2% | 253 | 0.9 points above |
| Kildare | 53.0% | 1,414 | 0.7 points above |
| Wexford | 50.8% | 780 | 1.5 points below |
| Kerry | 50.5% | 601 | 1.8 points below |
| Waterford | 49.4% | 976 | 2.9 points below |
| Dublin | 46.5% | 7,946 | 5.8 points below |
| Westmeath | 46.5% | 742 | 5.8 points below |
| Carlow | 46.4% | 688 | 5.9 points below |
| Wicklow | 37.8% | 346 | 14.5 points below |
Source: CSO dataset ROA31, Category B, July 2026. Differences are percentage points.
Why the pass rate is not a difficulty score
The driving test standard applies nationally. A county's result records the candidates tested there in that month. It does not isolate road design, examiners or a single test centre from the many other factors affecting the outcome.
- Preparation level: lesson quality and independent practice differ between candidates.
- Monthly mix: the balance of first-time and repeat candidates may change.
- Test volume: a smaller sample can produce a larger month-to-month swing.
- Local familiarity: candidates may perform better when comfortable with the area's road types.
- Attendance conditions: traffic, weather and individual readiness vary across test days.
Use pass rates as context, not a promise. No county percentage guarantees a pass, and changing centre is not a substitute for being ready.
County data is not centre data
Several counties contain more than one driving test centre. The July dataset combines Category B results at county level, so it cannot support a claim that a particular centre achieved that current percentage.
The RSA also publishes test-centre statistics. Check the period shown on that source before comparing it with this monthly county table. Results from different years or geographic levels should not be presented as though they describe the same group.
Choosing a centre without chasing a percentage
- Start close to homeShortlist centres you can reach reliably and practise around before the test.
- Check your supportConfirm that your instructor, sponsor and test vehicle can cover the centre and date.
- Compare the current queueUse the latest waiting-time table only after removing unrealistic locations.
- Keep preparation firstDo not trade essential practice for a slightly earlier appointment.
- Use official booking informationMyRoadSafety remains the source for actual appointment choices and changes.
Sources and method
The figures come from the official CSO Driving Tests Delivered and Pass Rate dataset. This page selects July 2026 and Category B, then displays each county's recorded pass rate with its delivered-test count. The county totals reconcile to the national total of 26,239 tests.
Preparation advice should be checked against the RSA's driving test guidance. Irish Driving Test Finder is independent and is not affiliated with the RSA.
Frequently asked questions
What was Ireland's Category B pass rate in July 2026?
The national Category B pass rate was 52.3% in July 2026, based on 26,239 tests delivered in the official monthly dataset.
Which county recorded the highest July 2026 pass rate?
Monaghan recorded the highest county rate at 69.5%, based on 301 tests. It is a monthly county result, not a guarantee for an individual candidate or centre.
Does a lower county pass rate mean its tests are harder?
No. The test standard is national. Monthly outcomes also reflect candidate preparation, local test volumes and normal variation.
Are these individual test-centre pass rates?
No. This current dataset reports Category B results by county. A county can contain several centres, so the percentage must not be presented as a current result for one centre.