Lee On The Solent vs Basingstoke
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lee On The Solent | Basingstoke |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 59.6% | 56.9% |
| Male Pass Rate | 60.4% | 58.5% |
| Female Pass Rate | 58.7% | 54.8% |
| Tests Conducted | 10,409 | 4,940 |
| Years of Data | 15 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Lee On The Solent vs Basingstoke
Choosing between Lee On The Solent and Basingstoke for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. These two centres have very similar pass rates, so other factors may be more important in your decision.
Lee On The Solent has a pass rate of 59.6% from 10,409 tests, while Basingstoke sits at 56.9% from 4,940 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Lee On The Solent leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Lee On The Solent is the busier centre with 10,409 tests per year, compared to 4,940 at Basingstoke. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Lee On The Solent has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.5 percentage points, while Basingstoke has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.4 percentage points.
Gender comparison: At Lee On The Solent, the male pass rate is 60.4% and female is 58.7%. At Basingstoke, it's 58.5% male and 54.8% female.
Our Verdict
With pass rates this close (59.6% vs 56.9%), your decision should come down to practical factors: which centre is easier to get to? Which area have you practised in? Where can you get a booking sooner? Both are equally viable options.
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: Lee On The Solent is the busier centre (10,409 vs 4,940 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Basingstoke could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Lee On The Solent's highest pass rate month is Mar (65.4%). Basingstoke peaks in Apr (61.5%).
- 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, Lee On The Solent or Basingstoke?
Lee On The Solent has the higher pass rate at 59.6%, compared to 56.9% at Basingstoke. This is a 2.7 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Lee On The Solent conducts more tests (10,409 vs 4,940 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Lee On The Solent has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.5 percentage points. Basingstoke has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.4 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.