Cardiff (Llanishen) Driving Test Centre
· Caerdydd - Cardiff
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Key Statistics
Getting to Cardiff (Llanishen)
Cardiff driving test centre is at Thornbury House, Unit 11 Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, CF14 5GF. The business park sits just off the A48 Eastern Avenue in the Llanishen area, so it is easy to reach from most parts of the city. If you are coming from the M4, take Junction 29 and follow signs for the A48 towards Cardiff. The centre is only about two minutes from Eastern Avenue once you turn into the business park.
There is on-site parking at the centre, which makes things straightforward on test day. If your instructor is bringing you, they will know the layout well. By public transport, several Cardiff Bus routes serve the Llanishen area, and Llanishen railway station is a short walk away. Aim to arrive around ten minutes early so you have time to settle in before your examiner calls you.
About Cardiff Test Centre
Cardiff is a DVSA driving test centre located in Caerdydd - Cardiff. With a current pass rate of 51.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 14,852 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 12 years of historical data for Cardiff, stretching back to 2012-13. 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 697 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CF10 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Cardiff test centre serves candidates from Caerdydd - Cardiff 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 Cardiff will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Caerdydd - Cardiff 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 1,238 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Cardiff stands at 51.3%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.4 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.2 percentage point advantage at Cardiff, passing at 52.2% compared to 50.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Cardiff was 57.7% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 46.0% in 2012-13.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 54.8%, while the lowest was in Nov at 49.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Cardiff Historical Performance
Our records for Cardiff begin in the 2012-13 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.0% from 2,019 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 50.5%, and it now sits at 51.3%.
Test volumes at Cardiff have grown over this period, rising from 2,019 to 14,852 tests per year.
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 Cardiff
Based on the data we hold for Cardiff, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Cardiff, pass rates in Jun (54.8%) are notably higher than in Nov (49.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Cardiff is one of the busier centres, conducting over 14,852 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Cardiff. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Caerdydd - Cardiff area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Cardiff, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Cardiff have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Cardiff 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 Cardiff?
The current pass rate at Cardiff is 51.3%, based on 14,852 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Cardiff conduct per year?
Cardiff conducted 14,852 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,238 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Cardiff a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.3%, Cardiff 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 Cardiff?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 54.8%. 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 Cardiff?
Male candidates have a 2.2 percentage point advantage at Cardiff, passing at 52.2% compared to 50.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Cardiff (Llanishen) pass rate over 12 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,291 | 653 | 50.6% | 53.5% | 46.8% |
| May | 1,306 | 681 | 52.1% | 53.2% | 51.0% |
| Jun | 967 | 530 | 54.8% | 56.0% | 53.3% |
| Jul | 1,069 | 581 | 54.3% | 57.3% | 51.2% |
| Aug | 971 | 492 | 50.7% | 50.9% | 50.3% |
| Sep | 945 | 495 | 52.4% | 54.5% | 49.8% |
| Oct | 1,473 | 773 | 52.5% | 54.1% | 50.4% |
| Nov | 1,443 | 710 | 49.2% | 49.9% | 48.2% |
| Dec | 1,129 | 566 | 50.1% | 49.8% | 50.6% |
| Jan | 1,498 | 744 | 49.7% | 49.2% | 50.4% |
| Feb | 1,324 | 661 | 49.9% | 50.9% | 48.5% |
| Mar | 1,436 | 729 | 50.8% | 50.7% | 50.8% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Cardiff (Llanishen).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Cardiff (Llanishen)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 8,085 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Cardiff (Llanishen) with 66.5% from 2276 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 50.2%. 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 | 2,276 | 66.5% | 68.7% | 63.9% |
| 18 | 1,375 | 55.1% | 58.5% | 51.9% |
| 19 | 891 | 51.5% | 56.0% | 46.8% |
| 20 | 683 | 56.5% | 59.2% | 54.2% |
| 21 | 657 | 57.2% | 53.8% | 61.2% |
| 22 | 634 | 53.0% | 50.1% | 56.5% |
| 23 | 501 | 52.3% | 55.1% | 48.9% |
| 24 | 538 | 50.2% | 52.9% | 46.9% |
| 25 | 530 | 50.9% | 50.5% | 51.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Cardiff (Llanishen), the automatic test pass rate is 44.5%, which is 6.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.3%. With 3,435 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.
Male automatic candidates pass at 44.7% compared to 44.4% for females.