Brentwood (London) vs Goodmayes (London)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Brentwood (London) Goodmayes (London)
Overall Pass Rate 48.5% 43.7%
Male Pass Rate 48.6% 47.7%
Female Pass Rate 48.3% 39.1%
Tests Conducted 5,485 21,961
Years of Data 12 11

Pass Rate Trends

35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2013: 38.3% 2014: 38.8% 2015: 37.9% 2016: 38.5% 2017: 38.5% 2018: 38.0% 2019: 38.8% 2021: 41.4% 2022: 43.5% 2023: 44.8% 2024: 43.7% 2013: 42.0% 2014: 42.4% 2015: 42.4% 2016: 48.8% 2017: 49.8% 2018: 55.1% 2019: 47.3% 2020: 52.5% 2021: 50.1% 2022: 47.2% 2023: 49.7% 2024: 48.5%
Brentwood (London) Goodmayes (London)

Brentwood vs Goodmayes

Choosing between Brentwood and Goodmayes for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 4.8 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.

Brentwood has a pass rate of 48.5% from 5,485 tests, while Goodmayes sits at 43.7% from 21,961 tests in the latest financial year.

Detailed Analysis

Pass rates: Brentwood leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.

Test volume: Goodmayes is the busier centre with 21,961 tests per year, compared to 5,485 at Brentwood. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.

Trends: Brentwood has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Goodmayes has remained relatively stable over the last three years.

Gender comparison: At Brentwood, the male pass rate is 48.6% and female is 48.3%. At Goodmayes, it's 47.7% male and 39.1% female.

Our Verdict

On pass rate alone, Brentwood has the edge at 48.5% compared to Goodmayes's 43.7%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Goodmayes, 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: Goodmayes is the busier centre (21,961 vs 5,485 tests/year). Brentwood may have more available slots.
  • Best months: Brentwood's highest pass rate month is Sep (50.7%). Goodmayes peaks in Apr (47.2%).
  • 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, Brentwood or Goodmayes?

Brentwood has the higher pass rate at 48.5%, compared to 43.7% at Goodmayes. This is a 4.8 percentage point difference.

Which centre is busier?

Goodmayes conducts more tests (21,961 vs 5,485 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.

Are these pass rates trending up or down?

Brentwood has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Goodmayes has remained relatively stable over the last three years. 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.