Forfar vs Arbroath
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forfar | Arbroath |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 68.5% | 78.9% |
| Male Pass Rate | 72.2% | 83.6% |
| Female Pass Rate | 65.9% | 75.0% |
| Tests Conducted | 356 | 294 |
| Years of Data | 18 | 18 |
Pass Rate Trends
Forfar vs Arbroath
Choosing between Forfar and Arbroath for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 10.4 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Forfar has a pass rate of 68.5% from 356 tests, while Arbroath sits at 78.9% from 294 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Arbroath leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Forfar is the busier centre with 356 tests per year, compared to 294 at Arbroath. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Forfar has declined notably over the last three years, falling 5.1 percentage points, while Arbroath has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.9 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Forfar, the male pass rate is 72.2% and female is 65.9%. At Arbroath, it's 83.6% male and 75.0% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Arbroath has the edge at 78.9% compared to Forfar's 68.5%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Forfar, the familiarity with local roads may outweigh the statistical difference.
Whichever centre you choose, thorough preparation is the single biggest factor in your result. Practice until you're consistently confident, book when you feel ready, and arrive early on the day.
Booking Tips
When choosing between these centres, consider the following practical factors:
- Availability: Forfar is the busier centre (356 vs 294 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Arbroath could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Forfar's highest pass rate month is Oct (76.7%). Arbroath peaks in Oct (85.7%).
- Practice area: Book at the centre whose surrounding roads you've practised on most. Route familiarity consistently matters more than pass rate statistics.
- Cancellation checking: If your preferred centre has a long wait, consider using a cancellation checking service. Both centres may have short-notice openings that aren't visible when you first book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher pass rate, Forfar or Arbroath?
Arbroath has the higher pass rate at 78.9%, compared to 68.5% at Forfar. This is a 10.4 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Forfar conducts more tests (356 vs 294 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Forfar has declined notably over the last three years, falling 5.1 percentage points. Arbroath has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.9 percentage points. Check each centre's individual page for the full historical chart.
Should I choose a centre based on pass rate alone?
No. Pass rates reflect the overall candidate pool, not test difficulty. A centre with a lower pass rate may have more first-time or nervous candidates. Your own preparation, familiarity with the roads, and comfort level on test day are far more important than a few percentage points of difference.