Kettering vs Wellingborough
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kettering | Wellingborough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 46.0% | 55.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 45.7% | 56.0% |
| Female Pass Rate | 46.3% | 54.3% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,489 | 1,477 |
| Years of Data | 15 | 13 |
Pass Rate Trends
Kettering vs Wellingborough
Choosing between Kettering and Wellingborough for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 9.1 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Kettering has a pass rate of 46.0% from 8,489 tests, while Wellingborough sits at 55.1% from 1,477 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Wellingborough leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Kettering is the busier centre with 8,489 tests per year, compared to 1,477 at Wellingborough. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Kettering has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Wellingborough has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Gender comparison: At Kettering, the male pass rate is 45.7% and female is 46.3%. At Wellingborough, it's 56.0% male and 54.3% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Wellingborough has the edge at 55.1% compared to Kettering's 46.0%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Kettering, 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: Kettering is the busier centre (8,489 vs 1,477 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Wellingborough could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Kettering's highest pass rate month is Jul (49.2%). Wellingborough peaks in Apr (63.4%).
- 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, Kettering or Wellingborough?
Wellingborough has the higher pass rate at 55.1%, compared to 46.0% at Kettering. This is a 9.1 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Kettering conducts more tests (8,489 vs 1,477 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Kettering has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Wellingborough 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.