Chertsey (London) vs Southall (London)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chertsey (London) | Southall (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 50.3% | 46.2% |
| Male Pass Rate | 50.2% | 47.8% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.4% | 43.2% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,669 | 6,461 |
| Years of Data | 11 | 11 |
Pass Rate Trends
Chertsey vs Southall
Choosing between Chertsey and Southall for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 4.1 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Chertsey has a pass rate of 50.3% from 8,669 tests, while Southall sits at 46.2% from 6,461 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Chertsey leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Chertsey is the busier centre with 8,669 tests per year, compared to 6,461 at Southall. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Chertsey has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Southall has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.8 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Chertsey, the male pass rate is 50.2% and female is 50.4%. At Southall, it's 47.8% male and 43.2% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Chertsey has the edge at 50.3% compared to Southall's 46.2%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Southall, 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: Chertsey is the busier centre (8,669 vs 6,461 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Southall could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Chertsey's highest pass rate month is Apr (53.0%). Southall peaks in Aug (51.6%).
- 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, Chertsey or Southall?
Chertsey has the higher pass rate at 50.3%, compared to 46.2% at Southall. This is a 4.1 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Chertsey conducts more tests (8,669 vs 6,461 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Chertsey has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Southall has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.8 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.