Gateshead Driving Test Centre
· Tyne and Wear
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Key Statistics
About Gateshead Test Centre
Gateshead is a DVSA driving test centre located in Tyne and Wear. With a current pass rate of 37.4%, it is significantly below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,109 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Gateshead, 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 718 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NE8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Gateshead test centre serves candidates from Tyne and Wear 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 Gateshead will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Tyne and Wear 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 676 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Gateshead stands at 37.4%, 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 4.2 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Gateshead, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Gateshead was 46.6% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 37.4% in 2024-25.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 41.9%, while the lowest was in Dec at 32.8%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Gateshead Historical Performance
Our records for Gateshead begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 39.4% from 4,052 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 44.4%, and it now sits at 37.4%.
Test volumes at Gateshead have grown over this period, rising from 4,052 to 8,109 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 Gateshead
Based on the data we hold for Gateshead, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Gateshead, pass rates in Jun (41.9%) are notably higher than in Dec (32.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Gateshead. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Tyne and Wear area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Gateshead, 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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead?
The current pass rate at Gateshead is 37.4%, based on 8,109 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is significantly below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Gateshead conduct per year?
Gateshead conducted 8,109 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 676 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Gateshead a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 37.4%, Gateshead 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 Gateshead?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 41.9%. 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 Gateshead?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Gateshead, 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
Gateshead pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 674 | 243 | 36.1% | 36.6% | 35.2% |
| May | 719 | 281 | 39.1% | 39.4% | 38.5% |
| Jun | 547 | 229 | 41.9% | 40.8% | 43.3% |
| Jul | 681 | 277 | 40.7% | 42.1% | 39.0% |
| Aug | 591 | 213 | 36.0% | 34.4% | 38.5% |
| Sep | 650 | 247 | 38.0% | 37.5% | 38.8% |
| Oct | 807 | 334 | 41.4% | 41.8% | 40.8% |
| Nov | 773 | 285 | 36.9% | 35.4% | 38.9% |
| Dec | 631 | 207 | 32.8% | 32.0% | 33.8% |
| Jan | 728 | 261 | 35.9% | 36.7% | 34.6% |
| Feb | 639 | 224 | 35.1% | 34.9% | 35.3% |
| Mar | 669 | 228 | 34.1% | 33.5% | 34.8% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Gateshead.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Gateshead? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,237 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Gateshead with 52.0% from 1072 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 31.9%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 20.1 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,072 | 52.0% | 53.3% | 50.3% |
| 18 | 819 | 44.7% | 44.5% | 44.9% |
| 19 | 498 | 42.4% | 45.7% | 39.6% |
| 20 | 358 | 41.1% | 41.0% | 41.1% |
| 21 | 364 | 41.2% | 39.8% | 42.6% |
| 22 | 297 | 41.8% | 38.9% | 45.4% |
| 23 | 239 | 41.0% | 45.1% | 35.8% |
| 24 | 298 | 31.9% | 29.6% | 36.3% |
| 25 | 292 | 34.2% | 37.9% | 28.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Gateshead, the automatic test pass rate is 31.0%, which is 6.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 37.4%. With 2,004 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 31.5% compared to 30.4% for males.