Brentwood (London) vs Wanstead (London)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Brentwood (London) Wanstead (London)
Overall Pass Rate 48.5% 40.4%
Male Pass Rate 48.6% 42.2%
Female Pass Rate 48.3% 37.3%
Tests Conducted 5,485 8,370
Years of Data 12 12

Pass Rate Trends

30% 36% 42% 48% 54% 60% 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2013: 33.5% 2014: 33.0% 2015: 32.0% 2016: 32.4% 2017: 33.4% 2018: 35.7% 2019: 34.7% 2020: 40.3% 2021: 37.1% 2022: 38.8% 2023: 40.3% 2024: 40.4% 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) Wanstead (London)

Brentwood vs Wanstead

Choosing between Brentwood and Wanstead for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 8.1 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 Wanstead sits at 40.4% from 8,370 tests in the latest financial year.

Detailed Analysis

Pass rates: Brentwood leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.

Test volume: Wanstead is the busier centre with 8,370 tests per year, compared to 5,485 at Brentwood. Both centres have comparable volumes.

Trends: Brentwood has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Wanstead 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 Wanstead, it's 42.2% male and 37.3% female.

Our Verdict

On pass rate alone, Brentwood has the edge at 48.5% compared to Wanstead's 40.4%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Wanstead, 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: Wanstead is the busier centre (8,370 vs 5,485 tests/year). Brentwood may have more available slots.
  • Best months: Brentwood's highest pass rate month is Sep (50.7%). Wanstead peaks in Apr (43.4%).
  • 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 Wanstead?

Brentwood has the higher pass rate at 48.5%, compared to 40.4% at Wanstead. This is a 8.1 percentage point difference.

Which centre is busier?

Wanstead conducts more tests (8,370 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. Wanstead 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.