Maidstone vs Tilbury
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maidstone | Tilbury |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 58.0% | 49.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 60.2% | 50.1% |
| Female Pass Rate | 55.4% | 47.9% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,330 | 4,185 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Maidstone vs Tilbury
Choosing between Maidstone and Tilbury for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 8.9 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Maidstone has a pass rate of 58.0% from 6,330 tests, while Tilbury sits at 49.1% from 4,185 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Maidstone leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Maidstone is the busier centre with 6,330 tests per year, compared to 4,185 at Tilbury. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Maidstone has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.3 percentage points, while Tilbury has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.3 percentage points.
Gender comparison: At Maidstone, the male pass rate is 60.2% and female is 55.4%. At Tilbury, it's 50.1% male and 47.9% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Maidstone has the edge at 58.0% compared to Tilbury's 49.1%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Tilbury, 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: Maidstone is the busier centre (6,330 vs 4,185 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Tilbury could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Maidstone's highest pass rate month is Jun (62.8%). Tilbury peaks in Apr (56.9%).
- 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, Maidstone or Tilbury?
Maidstone has the higher pass rate at 58.0%, compared to 49.1% at Tilbury. This is a 8.9 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Maidstone conducts more tests (6,330 vs 4,185 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Maidstone has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.3 percentage points. Tilbury has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.3 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.