Bodmin Driving Test Centre
· Cornwall
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bodmin
Bodmin driving test centre is at Units 32-36, Walker Lines Offices, Beatrice Road, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 1RD. The site is part of the former military barracks area on the edge of town, so keep an eye out for the Walker Lines signage. There is parking available on site, and the postcode will take your sat nav right to the door.
Bodmin Parkway railway station is a few miles outside town, so a bus or taxi from there is your best bet if you are coming by train. Local bus services connect Bodmin with other Cornish towns and stop within walking distance of the centre. Most learners arrive with their instructor, which is by far the simplest option. Test routes tend to include a mix of town streets and country roads. Arrive around ten minutes early to give yourself time to settle in.
About Bodmin Test Centre
Bodmin is a DVSA driving test centre located in Cornwall. With a current pass rate of 46.1%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,561 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Bodmin, 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 367 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PL31 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bodmin test centre serves candidates from Cornwall 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 Bodmin will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Cornwall 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 463 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bodmin stands at 46.1%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.4 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.6 percentage point advantage at Bodmin, passing at 47.3% compared to 44.7% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bodmin was 55.9% in 2010-11, while the lowest was 39.3% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 52.0%, while the lowest was in Jun at 40.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Bodmin Historical Performance
Our records for Bodmin begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.9% from 4,193 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 50.5%, and it now sits at 46.1%.
Test volumes at Bodmin have grown over this period, rising from 4,193 to 5,561 tests per year. 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 Bodmin
Based on the data we hold for Bodmin, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bodmin, pass rates in Dec (52.0%) are notably higher than in Jun (40.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bodmin. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Cornwall area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bodmin, 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 Bodmin 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 Bodmin?
The current pass rate at Bodmin is 46.1%, based on 5,561 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bodmin conduct per year?
Bodmin conducted 5,561 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 463 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Bodmin a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.1%, Bodmin is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. 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 Bodmin?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 52.0%. 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 Bodmin?
Male candidates have a 2.6 percentage point advantage at Bodmin, passing at 47.3% compared to 44.7% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bodmin pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 422 | 180 | 42.7% | 40.7% | 44.8% |
| May | 377 | 160 | 42.4% | 43.8% | 41.0% |
| Jun | 420 | 171 | 40.7% | 38.4% | 43.1% |
| Jul | 500 | 208 | 41.6% | 44.1% | 38.8% |
| Aug | 447 | 214 | 47.9% | 49.3% | 46.6% |
| Sep | 454 | 232 | 51.1% | 55.9% | 45.8% |
| Oct | 554 | 249 | 44.9% | 46.3% | 43.5% |
| Nov | 463 | 228 | 49.2% | 53.9% | 44.1% |
| Dec | 400 | 208 | 52.0% | 53.8% | 50.0% |
| Jan | 550 | 268 | 48.7% | 49.0% | 48.4% |
| Feb | 477 | 211 | 44.2% | 44.2% | 44.2% |
| Mar | 497 | 234 | 47.1% | 47.5% | 46.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Bodmin.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bodmin? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,925 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bodmin with 52.7% from 1367 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 44.3%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,367 | 52.7% | 54.0% | 51.3% |
| 18 | 966 | 46.2% | 48.2% | 44.3% |
| 19 | 452 | 44.5% | 49.3% | 40.3% |
| 20 | 283 | 50.2% | 50.7% | 49.6% |
| 21 | 203 | 46.3% | 48.3% | 44.8% |
| 22 | 187 | 49.7% | 50.5% | 49.0% |
| 23 | 179 | 47.5% | 46.9% | 48.2% |
| 24 | 148 | 48.6% | 46.2% | 51.4% |
| 25 | 140 | 44.3% | 50.8% | 38.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bodmin, the automatic test pass rate is 37.5%, which is 8.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.1%. With 915 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 38.0% compared to 36.8% for males.