Chingford (London) Driving Test Centre
· Greater London
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Key Statistics
About Chingford Test Centre
Chingford is a DVSA driving test centre located in Greater London. With a current pass rate of 36.5%, it is significantly below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 13,235 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Chingford, stretching back to 2013-14. 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 797 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the E4 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Chingford test centre serves candidates from Greater London 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 Chingford will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Greater London 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 1,103 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Chingford stands at 36.5%, which is significantly below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.8 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 4.0 percentage point advantage at Chingford, passing at 38.0% compared to 34.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Chingford was 40.6% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 35.4% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 38.8%, while the lowest was in Jun at 33.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Chingford Historical Performance
Our records for Chingford begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 37.4% from 12,451 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 37.8%, and it now sits at 36.5%.
Test volumes at Chingford have remained broadly stable over this period.
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 Chingford
Based on the data we hold for Chingford, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Chingford, pass rates in Dec (38.8%) are notably higher than in Jun (33.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Chingford is one of the busier centres, conducting over 13,235 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Chingford. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Greater London area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Chingford, 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 Chingford 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 Chingford 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 Chingford?
The current pass rate at Chingford is 36.5%, based on 13,235 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is significantly below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Chingford conduct per year?
Chingford conducted 13,235 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,103 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Chingford a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 36.5%, Chingford 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. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Chingford?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 38.8%. 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 Chingford?
Male candidates have a 4.0 percentage point advantage at Chingford, passing at 38.0% compared to 34.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Chingford (London) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,149 | 445 | 38.7% | 40.1% | 36.8% |
| May | 1,313 | 453 | 34.5% | 38.0% | 29.6% |
| Jun | 1,190 | 397 | 33.4% | 33.0% | 34.0% |
| Jul | 1,176 | 409 | 34.8% | 36.0% | 32.8% |
| Aug | 925 | 345 | 37.3% | 39.3% | 33.7% |
| Sep | 1,077 | 397 | 36.9% | 39.2% | 33.0% |
| Oct | 1,222 | 438 | 35.8% | 37.7% | 32.8% |
| Nov | 968 | 341 | 35.2% | 36.5% | 33.2% |
| Dec | 861 | 334 | 38.8% | 40.6% | 35.9% |
| Jan | 1,123 | 412 | 36.7% | 37.1% | 36.0% |
| Feb | 1,152 | 438 | 38.0% | 39.8% | 34.6% |
| Mar | 1,079 | 416 | 38.6% | 39.7% | 36.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4pp higher rate than female candidates at Chingford (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Chingford (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 6,498 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Chingford (London) with 47.3% from 795 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 35.3%. 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 | 795 | 47.3% | 47.9% | 45.9% |
| 18 | 925 | 39.6% | 39.9% | 39.1% |
| 19 | 864 | 38.0% | 39.4% | 36.1% |
| 20 | 876 | 35.3% | 36.6% | 33.1% |
| 21 | 708 | 36.0% | 36.6% | 35.1% |
| 22 | 636 | 38.8% | 39.0% | 38.6% |
| 23 | 592 | 36.0% | 37.0% | 34.4% |
| 24 | 547 | 37.1% | 37.7% | 36.1% |
| 25 | 555 | 38.6% | 39.0% | 37.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Chingford (London), the automatic test pass rate is 34.6%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 36.5%. With 5,744 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 35.8% compared to 33.6% for females.