Gillingham Driving Test Centre
· Dorset
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Key Statistics
Getting to Gillingham
Gillingham driving test centre is at Unit 1, Astra Park, Courteney Road, ME8 0RZ. It is in the Medway Towns area of Kent, tucked away in a small business park. The postcode works well in sat nav, but it is worth doing a practice run beforehand so you know exactly where to turn. The surrounding roads feature a busy mix of town driving, roundabouts and residential streets.
There is parking at the business park, though spaces can fill up during busy test periods. If you are coming by public transport, Gillingham station is on the mainline from London and local buses run through the area. Most candidates arrive with their instructor, which is the simplest approach. Get there about ten minutes early so you can check in and feel ready before your examiner calls your name.
About Gillingham Test Centre
Gillingham is a DVSA driving test centre located in Dorset. With a current pass rate of 57.2%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 14,761 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 13 years of historical data for Gillingham, stretching back to 2011-12. 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 188 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SP8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Gillingham test centre serves candidates from Dorset 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 Gillingham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Dorset 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 1,230 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Gillingham stands at 57.2%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Gillingham, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Gillingham was 58.8% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 45.0% in 2011-12.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 61.2%, while the lowest was in Dec at 52.8%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Gillingham Historical Performance
Our records for Gillingham begin in the 2011-12 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.0% from 8,936 tests. By 2017-18, the rate had risen to 47.9%, and it now sits at 57.2%.
Test volumes at Gillingham have grown over this period, rising from 8,936 to 14,761 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 Gillingham
Based on the data we hold for Gillingham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Gillingham, pass rates in Jul (61.2%) are notably higher than in Dec (52.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Gillingham is one of the busier centres, conducting over 14,761 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Gillingham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Dorset area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Gillingham, 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 Gillingham 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 Gillingham?
The current pass rate at Gillingham is 57.2%, based on 14,761 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Gillingham conduct per year?
Gillingham conducted 14,761 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,230 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Gillingham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 57.2%, Gillingham 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 Gillingham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 61.2%. 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 Gillingham?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Gillingham, 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
Gillingham pass rate over 13 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,119 | 647 | 57.8% | 58.5% | 57.2% |
| May | 1,031 | 600 | 58.2% | 56.6% | 59.8% |
| Jun | 947 | 533 | 56.3% | 57.0% | 55.4% |
| Jul | 1,340 | 820 | 61.2% | 61.5% | 60.9% |
| Aug | 984 | 574 | 58.3% | 58.6% | 58.0% |
| Sep | 1,279 | 717 | 56.1% | 54.7% | 57.7% |
| Oct | 1,465 | 824 | 56.2% | 57.9% | 54.2% |
| Nov | 1,487 | 830 | 55.8% | 54.1% | 57.9% |
| Dec | 1,177 | 622 | 52.8% | 52.6% | 53.2% |
| Jan | 1,330 | 749 | 56.3% | 56.5% | 56.0% |
| Feb | 1,319 | 795 | 60.3% | 60.7% | 59.7% |
| Mar | 1,283 | 729 | 56.8% | 56.5% | 57.3% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.3pp higher rate than male candidates at Gillingham.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Gillingham? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 8,440 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Gillingham with 67.3% from 2505 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 52.3%. 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 | 2,505 | 67.3% | 68.1% | 66.3% |
| 18 | 1,700 | 62.0% | 61.2% | 62.9% |
| 19 | 1,011 | 57.8% | 60.6% | 54.6% |
| 20 | 661 | 58.1% | 57.9% | 58.3% |
| 21 | 634 | 61.8% | 64.1% | 59.0% |
| 22 | 545 | 61.5% | 61.5% | 61.4% |
| 23 | 481 | 58.2% | 54.8% | 63.4% |
| 24 | 461 | 56.4% | 53.3% | 60.7% |
| 25 | 442 | 52.3% | 52.5% | 51.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Gillingham, the automatic test pass rate is 54.1%, which is 3.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 57.2%. With 5,061 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 54.7% compared to 53.2% for males.