There were just 631 LGV driving tests carried out in the first quarter of 2020, but the pass rate rose to 79.1%, according to official figures.
This compares to 15,194 carried out in the fourth quarter of 2019, with a pass rate of 59.8%.
As the effects of Covid-19 largely put paid to attempts by candidates to take their tests, those that were able to take them were proportionately more likely to pass.
The DfT statistics showed that of the 631 tests that took place during the first three months of this year, 499 passed. Although the pass rate for LGV practical tests has been steadily rising over the last decade the increase to 79.1% marks the single largest increase since at least 2007.
The figures also showed that 134 men took their test in June 2020, with 11 passing; a pass rate of 82.8%.
Of the 146 female tests conducted, 112 passed: 76.7%.
The individual pass rates for males and females was also significantly higher over the last three months compared to previous years.
