Hastings (Ore) Driving Test Centre
· Somerset
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Key Statistics
Getting to Hastings (Ore)
Hastings driving test centre is at Ivy House, Brookway Business Park, Ore, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4NN. The centre is in the Ore area, on the northern side of Hastings. You can reach it from the A259 or A21, and the postcode works reliably in a sat nav. Look for Brookway Business Park once you are close, as the centre is set among commercial units rather than on a main road.
There is candidate parking at the business park, so finding a space should not be a problem. The roads around Ore include some steep hills and narrow lanes, which is typical of the test routes in this area. Arrive about ten minutes early and bring your provisional photocard licence, as you cannot sit the test without it.
About Hastings Test Centre
Hastings is a DVSA driving test centre located in Somerset. With a current pass rate of 49.2%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,065 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Hastings, 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 242 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the TA19 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Hastings test centre serves candidates from Somerset 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 Hastings will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Somerset 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 255 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Hastings stands at 49.2%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.8 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Hastings, passing at 51.1% compared to 47.5% for male candidates, a 3.6 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Hastings was 49.2% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 42.5% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 56.2%, while the lowest was in Apr at 44.1%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Hastings Historical Performance
Our records for Hastings begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.6% from 477 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 43.1%, and it now sits at 49.2%.
Test volumes at Hastings have grown over this period, rising from 477 to 3,065 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 Hastings
Based on the data we hold for Hastings, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Hastings, pass rates in Aug (56.2%) are notably higher than in Apr (44.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- The gender gap favours female candidates here. Women pass at 51.1% compared to 47.5% for men. This is unusual nationally and may reflect the local road conditions.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Hastings. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Somerset area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Hastings, 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 Hastings 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 Hastings?
The current pass rate at Hastings is 49.2%, based on 3,065 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Hastings conduct per year?
Hastings conducted 3,065 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 255 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Hastings a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.2%, Hastings 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.
What's the best month to take my test at Hastings?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 56.2%. 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 Hastings?
Female candidates outperform males at Hastings, passing at 51.1% compared to 47.5% for male candidates, a 3.6 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Hastings (Ore) pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 304 | 134 | 44.1% | 42.5% | 45.7% |
| May | 357 | 167 | 46.8% | 43.7% | 50.0% |
| Jun | 333 | 153 | 45.9% | 42.2% | 50.7% |
| Jul | 260 | 119 | 45.8% | 44.4% | 47.2% |
| Aug | 169 | 95 | 56.2% | 51.2% | 61.4% |
| Sep | 178 | 94 | 52.8% | 46.7% | 59.3% |
| Oct | 244 | 125 | 51.2% | 50.8% | 51.8% |
| Nov | 239 | 115 | 48.1% | 50.8% | 45.1% |
| Dec | 209 | 113 | 54.1% | 50.9% | 58.1% |
| Jan | 233 | 121 | 51.9% | 52.5% | 51.4% |
| Feb | 276 | 140 | 50.7% | 50.7% | 50.7% |
| Mar | 263 | 132 | 50.2% | 49.7% | 50.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 3.6pp higher rate than male candidates at Hastings (Ore).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Hastings (Ore)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,840 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Hastings (Ore) with 60.0% from 515 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 46.1%. 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 | 515 | 60.0% | 61.5% | 58.4% |
| 18 | 422 | 56.9% | 52.0% | 61.5% |
| 19 | 223 | 53.8% | 52.8% | 55.1% |
| 20 | 170 | 48.8% | 50.0% | 47.7% |
| 21 | 118 | 50.0% | 48.5% | 51.9% |
| 22 | 134 | 49.3% | 53.8% | 44.9% |
| 23 | 102 | 46.1% | 37.7% | 55.1% |
| 24 | 91 | 49.5% | 50.0% | 48.6% |
| 25 | 65 | 55.4% | 42.9% | 70.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Hastings (Ore), the automatic test pass rate is 44.7%, which is 4.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.2%. With 761 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 46.5% compared to 41.6% for males.