Bala Driving Test Centre
· Gwynedd - Gwynedd
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bala
Bala Driving Test Centre is at Unit 4, Penllyn Workshops, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7SP. It is a small centre in this quiet Welsh market town, tucked away in a workshop unit. Pop the postcode into your sat nav as it is not the most obvious place to find if you have not been before.
Bala sits on the A494, and the workshop units are close to the town centre. Parking is generally easy to find in the area. This is one of the quieter test centres, which means less traffic to worry about on the day. Arrive a few minutes early so you are relaxed and ready when your examiner comes to collect you.
About Bala Test Centre
Bala is a DVSA driving test centre located in Gwynedd - Gwynedd. With a current pass rate of 61.1%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 574 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Bala, stretching back to 2007-08. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
There are approximately 352 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LL23 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bala test centre serves candidates from Gwynedd - Gwynedd and the surrounding areas. If you're booking your practical test here, it's worth arriving at least 10 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the car park and check in with the examiner.
Test routes from Bala will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Gwynedd - Gwynedd area. As with all DVSA centres, your test will last approximately 40 minutes and include an independent driving section, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and potentially an emergency stop.
The centre conducts around 48 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bala stands at 61.1%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 9.8 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 5.7 percentage point advantage at Bala, passing at 64.2% compared to 58.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bala was 61.1% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 37.9% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 71.4%, while the lowest was in May at 51.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Bala Historical Performance
Our records for Bala begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 37.9% from 1,190 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 49.4%, and it now sits at 61.1%.
Test volumes at Bala have decreased over this period. The data also captures the impact of COVID-19, with the 2020-21 year showing significantly reduced test volumes across all UK centres.
This long-term perspective is valuable for understanding whether the current pass rate is typical for this centre or part of a broader trend. A centre with a temporarily low pass rate may be recovering, while one with a consistently high rate offers more predictable conditions.
Tips for Passing at Bala
Based on the data we hold for Bala, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bala, pass rates in Dec (71.4%) are notably higher than in May (51.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Bala is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bala. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Gwynedd - Gwynedd area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bala, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Bala at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Use the time to settle your nerves and review any tricky manoeuvres mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate at Bala?
The current pass rate at Bala is 61.1%, based on 574 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bala conduct per year?
Bala conducted 574 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 48 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Bala a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 61.1%, Bala is a solid choice. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data.
What's the best month to take my test at Bala?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 71.4%. However, monthly variation can change year to year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Do men or women pass more at Bala?
Male candidates have a 5.7 percentage point advantage at Bala, passing at 64.2% compared to 58.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bala pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 39 | 20 | 51.3% | 58.8% | 45.5% |
| Jun | 48 | 28 | 58.3% | 59.3% | 57.1% |
| Jul | 70 | 36 | 51.4% | 56.7% | 47.5% |
| Sep | 43 | 26 | 60.5% | 61.9% | 59.1% |
| Oct | 48 | 27 | 56.3% | 53.8% | 59.1% |
| Nov | 42 | 29 | 69.0% | 66.7% | 70.8% |
| Dec | 42 | 30 | 71.4% | 77.3% | 65.0% |
| Jan | 50 | 30 | 60.0% | 60.0% | 60.0% |
| Feb | 58 | 41 | 70.7% | 69.6% | 71.4% |
| Mar | 71 | 49 | 69.0% | 79.4% | 59.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 5.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Bala.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bala? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 380 of the tests conducted here.
21-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bala with 72.7% from 22 tests, while 19-year-olds have the lowest at 55.4%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 196 | 71.4% | 73.3% | 69.8% |
| 18 | 85 | 63.5% | 61.5% | 65.2% |
| 19 | 56 | 55.4% | 59.1% | 52.9% |
| 20 | 0 | 40.0% | 40.0% | 40.0% |
| 21 | 22 | 72.7% | 75.0% | 70.0% |
| 22 | 21 | 57.1% | 85.7% | 42.9% |
| 23 | 0 | 62.5% | 37.5% | 87.5% |
| 24 | 0 | 81.8% | 77.8% | 0.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 63.6% | 62.5% | 66.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bala, the automatic test pass rate is 40.0%, which is 21.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 61.1%. 55 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
The lower automatic pass rate compared to overall is unusual. This could reflect a smaller sample size or a particular candidate demographic. Check the trend over time to see if this is consistent.
Male automatic candidates pass at 50.0% compared to 37.2% for females.