Brecon Driving Test Centre
· Powys - Powys
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Key Statistics
Getting to Brecon
Brecon driving test centre is on Camden Road, Brecon, Powys LD3 7RY. It is a small centre in this market town on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, and finding it is straightforward once you are in town. There is limited parking nearby, so if your instructor needs to wait, scout out a spot in advance. The postcode works well in sat nav and will bring you right to the location.
Brecon does not have a railway station, so public transport options are limited to bus services. Stagecoach runs routes connecting Brecon with Merthyr Tydfil, Abergavenny, and other nearby towns. Most learners arrive with their instructor, which is the most practical option. Test routes around Brecon include quiet town roads and some faster rural stretches, so be prepared for country driving. Arrive about ten minutes early to check in and gather your thoughts.
About Brecon Test Centre
Brecon is a DVSA driving test centre located in Powys - Powys. With a current pass rate of 58.9%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,565 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Brecon, 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 28 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LD3 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Brecon test centre serves candidates from Powys - Powys 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 Brecon will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Powys - Powys 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 130 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 Brecon stands at 58.9%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male candidates have a 6.2 percentage point advantage at Brecon, passing at 62.0% compared to 55.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Brecon was 65.6% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 53.9% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 68.1%, while the lowest was in Feb at 50.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Brecon Historical Performance
Our records for Brecon begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 54.0% from 1,032 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 65.6%, and it now sits at 58.9%.
Test volumes at Brecon have grown over this period, rising from 1,032 to 1,565 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 Brecon
Based on the data we hold for Brecon, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Brecon, pass rates in Apr (68.1%) are notably higher than in Feb (50.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Brecon 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 Brecon. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Powys - Powys area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Brecon, 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 Brecon 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 Brecon?
The current pass rate at Brecon is 58.9%, based on 1,565 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Brecon conduct per year?
Brecon conducted 1,565 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 130 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Brecon a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.9%, Brecon 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 Brecon?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 68.1%. 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 Brecon?
Male candidates have a 6.2 percentage point advantage at Brecon, passing at 62.0% compared to 55.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Brecon pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 141 | 96 | 68.1% | 72.2% | 63.8% |
| May | 130 | 74 | 56.9% | 67.6% | 45.2% |
| Jun | 122 | 70 | 57.4% | 63.3% | 51.6% |
| Jul | 128 | 79 | 61.7% | 62.7% | 60.7% |
| Aug | 140 | 85 | 60.7% | 65.2% | 56.8% |
| Sep | 138 | 88 | 63.8% | 64.5% | 62.9% |
| Oct | 141 | 88 | 62.4% | 60.3% | 64.4% |
| Nov | 125 | 67 | 53.6% | 52.7% | 54.3% |
| Dec | 108 | 60 | 55.6% | 61.1% | 50.0% |
| Jan | 142 | 75 | 52.8% | 53.4% | 52.2% |
| Feb | 124 | 63 | 50.8% | 50.8% | 50.8% |
| Mar | 126 | 77 | 61.1% | 67.7% | 54.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 6.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Brecon.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Brecon? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,114 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Brecon with 70.1% from 509 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 52.5%. 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 | 509 | 70.1% | 73.3% | 66.5% |
| 18 | 207 | 55.6% | 57.6% | 54.1% |
| 19 | 97 | 55.7% | 50.9% | 61.9% |
| 20 | 58 | 63.8% | 65.6% | 61.5% |
| 21 | 55 | 56.4% | 50.0% | 65.2% |
| 22 | 50 | 54.0% | 57.1% | 51.7% |
| 23 | 56 | 60.7% | 64.0% | 58.1% |
| 24 | 42 | 61.9% | 88.2% | 44.0% |
| 25 | 40 | 52.5% | 63.2% | 42.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Brecon, the automatic test pass rate is 53.3%, which is 5.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 58.9%. 167 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 55.1% compared to 50.0% for males.