Darlington vs Eastbourne
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Darlington | Eastbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.2% | 52.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 48.4% | 53.3% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.4% | 50.6% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,828 | 5,609 |
| Years of Data | 16 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Darlington vs Eastbourne
Choosing between Darlington and Eastbourne 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.
Darlington has a pass rate of 49.2% from 6,828 tests, while Eastbourne sits at 52.1% from 5,609 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Eastbourne leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Darlington is the busier centre with 6,828 tests per year, compared to 5,609 at Eastbourne. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Darlington has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points, while Eastbourne has remained relatively stable over the last three years. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Darlington, the male pass rate is 48.4% and female is 50.4%. At Eastbourne, it's 53.3% male and 50.6% female.
Our Verdict
With pass rates this close (49.2% vs 52.1%), 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: Darlington is the busier centre (6,828 vs 5,609 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Eastbourne could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Darlington's highest pass rate month is Apr (54.9%). Eastbourne peaks in Dec (58.7%).
- 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, Darlington or Eastbourne?
Eastbourne has the higher pass rate at 52.1%, compared to 49.2% at Darlington. This is a 2.9 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Darlington conducts more tests (6,828 vs 5,609 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Darlington has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points. Eastbourne 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.