Guildford Driving Test Centre
· Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Guildford
Guildford driving test centre is on the Slyfield Industrial Estate, off Moorfield Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1SA. Coming from the A3, follow signs for the Slyfield area and the industrial estate. The postcode works well in a sat nav, though the estate has several turnings, so pay attention as you get close. The centre is tucked away among commercial units rather than on a main high street.
There is candidate parking at the centre, but spaces can fill up quickly on busy test days. If your instructor is driving you, they will know the best spot to wait. Arrive about ten minutes before your appointment and bring your provisional photocard licence, as you will not be allowed to test without it.
About Guildford Test Centre
Guildford is a DVSA driving test centre located in Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire. With a current pass rate of 51.8%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,032 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Guildford, 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 452 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SA62 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Guildford test centre serves candidates from Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire 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 Guildford will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire 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 419 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Guildford stands at 51.8%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.2 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 1.8 percentage point advantage at Guildford, passing at 52.6% compared to 50.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Guildford was 55.4% in 2011-12, while the lowest was 42.8% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jan at 57.8%, while the lowest was in Feb at 45.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Guildford Historical Performance
Our records for Guildford begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.3% from 5,213 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 54.0%, and it now sits at 51.8%.
Test volumes at Guildford have remained broadly stable over this period. 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 Guildford
Based on the data we hold for Guildford, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Guildford, pass rates in Jan (57.8%) are notably higher than in Feb (45.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Guildford. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Guildford, 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 Guildford 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 Guildford?
The current pass rate at Guildford is 51.8%, based on 5,032 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Guildford conduct per year?
Guildford conducted 5,032 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 419 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Guildford a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.8%, Guildford 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 Guildford?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jan had the highest pass rate at 57.8%. 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 Guildford?
Male candidates have a 1.8 percentage point advantage at Guildford, passing at 52.6% compared to 50.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Guildford pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 466 | 249 | 53.4% | 53.4% | 53.5% |
| May | 521 | 273 | 52.4% | 53.8% | 50.6% |
| Jun | 546 | 283 | 51.8% | 53.4% | 49.6% |
| Jul | 488 | 252 | 51.6% | 47.9% | 56.1% |
| Aug | 354 | 183 | 51.7% | 53.2% | 49.2% |
| Sep | 290 | 137 | 47.2% | 49.7% | 43.8% |
| Oct | 367 | 172 | 46.9% | 51.4% | 40.1% |
| Nov | 362 | 204 | 56.4% | 52.2% | 61.6% |
| Dec | 317 | 181 | 57.1% | 59.7% | 53.4% |
| Jan | 403 | 233 | 57.8% | 56.1% | 60.2% |
| Feb | 427 | 195 | 45.7% | 48.4% | 42.0% |
| Mar | 491 | 247 | 50.3% | 52.7% | 47.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Guildford.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Guildford? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,155 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Guildford with 60.9% from 1299 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 43.6%. 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 | 1,299 | 60.9% | 60.9% | 60.8% |
| 18 | 611 | 54.5% | 56.4% | 52.2% |
| 19 | 280 | 56.1% | 55.3% | 57.0% |
| 20 | 222 | 53.6% | 57.1% | 49.0% |
| 21 | 173 | 58.4% | 65.9% | 50.0% |
| 22 | 162 | 47.5% | 49.4% | 45.2% |
| 23 | 156 | 43.6% | 38.2% | 56.5% |
| 24 | 143 | 53.8% | 51.0% | 60.0% |
| 25 | 109 | 54.1% | 55.2% | 52.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Guildford, the automatic test pass rate is 45.3%, which is 6.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.8%. With 1,429 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 46.6% compared to 44.4% for females.