Featherstone Driving Test Centre
· West Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
About Featherstone Test Centre
Featherstone is a DVSA driving test centre located in West Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 34.1%, it is significantly below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 14,070 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Featherstone, stretching back to 2014-15. 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 439 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the WF7 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Featherstone test centre serves candidates from West Yorkshire 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 Featherstone will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the West Yorkshire 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 1,173 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Featherstone stands at 34.1%, 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 4.4 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Featherstone, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Featherstone was 46.8% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 33.6% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 36.9%, while the lowest was in May at 31.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Featherstone Historical Performance
Our records for Featherstone begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.8% from 340 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 38.0%, and it now sits at 34.1%.
Test volumes at Featherstone have grown over this period, rising from 340 to 14,070 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 Featherstone
Based on the data we hold for Featherstone, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Featherstone, pass rates in Mar (36.9%) are notably higher than in May (31.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Featherstone is one of the busier centres, conducting over 14,070 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Featherstone. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the West Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Featherstone, 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 Featherstone 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 Featherstone 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 Featherstone?
The current pass rate at Featherstone is 34.1%, based on 14,070 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is significantly below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Featherstone conduct per year?
Featherstone conducted 14,070 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,173 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Featherstone a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 34.1%, Featherstone 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 Featherstone?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 36.9%. 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 Featherstone?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Featherstone, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Featherstone pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,337 | 426 | 31.9% | 32.4% | 31.2% |
| May | 1,335 | 423 | 31.7% | 30.9% | 32.7% |
| Jun | 1,364 | 445 | 32.6% | 33.8% | 30.9% |
| Jul | 1,266 | 444 | 35.1% | 34.9% | 35.3% |
| Aug | 1,159 | 423 | 36.5% | 36.1% | 37.1% |
| Sep | 1,280 | 459 | 35.9% | 36.9% | 34.2% |
| Oct | 1,270 | 428 | 33.7% | 33.8% | 33.5% |
| Nov | 1,120 | 398 | 35.5% | 35.8% | 35.0% |
| Dec | 886 | 283 | 31.9% | 30.4% | 34.0% |
| Jan | 945 | 316 | 33.4% | 33.9% | 32.8% |
| Feb | 973 | 334 | 34.3% | 34.8% | 33.7% |
| Mar | 1,135 | 419 | 36.9% | 36.9% | 37.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Featherstone.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Featherstone? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 7,468 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Featherstone with 45.1% from 1329 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 34.7%. 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 | 1,329 | 45.1% | 45.3% | 44.9% |
| 18 | 1,621 | 41.0% | 42.6% | 39.6% |
| 19 | 935 | 34.9% | 36.6% | 32.9% |
| 20 | 752 | 37.9% | 37.7% | 38.1% |
| 21 | 628 | 37.1% | 37.7% | 36.0% |
| 22 | 639 | 38.7% | 36.0% | 43.4% |
| 23 | 589 | 36.7% | 36.1% | 37.8% |
| 24 | 455 | 34.7% | 35.8% | 32.9% |
| 25 | 520 | 34.8% | 34.3% | 35.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Featherstone, the automatic test pass rate is 33.9%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 34.1%. With 3,051 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 35.4% compared to 33.0% for females.