Loughton (London) Driving Test Centre
· Shropshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Loughton (London)
Loughton driving test centre is at Crown Buildings, 284 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1RB. The centre sits on the main High Road that runs through the town, so it is straightforward to find. From the M11, leave at Junction 5 and follow signs for Loughton along the A121. The High Road is the main shopping street, and the test centre is clearly marked at number 284.
Loughton station on the Central line is only a short walk from the centre, which makes it one of the easier test centres to reach by public transport if you live in the London area. Several TfL bus routes also run along the High Road. On-street parking is available, but it can be busy during shopping hours, so arriving with your instructor is the simplest plan. Get there about ten minutes early to allow time to check in.
About Loughton Test Centre
Loughton is a DVSA driving test centre located in Shropshire. With a current pass rate of 48.0%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,009 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 12 years of historical data for Loughton, stretching back to 2013-14. 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 335 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the WV16 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Loughton test centre serves candidates from Shropshire 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 Loughton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Shropshire 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 501 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Loughton stands at 48.0%, which is close to 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 Loughton, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Loughton was 48.7% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 43.4% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jan at 52.3%, while the lowest was in Oct at 45.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Loughton Historical Performance
Our records for Loughton begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.5% from 4,901 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 44.0%, and it now sits at 48.0%.
Test volumes at Loughton have grown over this period, rising from 4,901 to 6,009 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 Loughton
Based on the data we hold for Loughton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Loughton, pass rates in Jan (52.3%) are notably higher than in Oct (45.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Loughton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Shropshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Loughton, 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 Loughton 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 Loughton?
The current pass rate at Loughton is 48.0%, based on 6,009 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Loughton conduct per year?
Loughton conducted 6,009 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 501 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Loughton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 48.0%, Loughton 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 Loughton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jan had the highest pass rate at 52.3%. 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 Loughton?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Loughton, 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
Loughton (London) pass rate over 12 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 532 | 246 | 46.2% | 46.6% | 45.8% |
| May | 672 | 316 | 47.0% | 47.8% | 45.7% |
| Jun | 447 | 217 | 48.5% | 46.6% | 51.4% |
| Jul | 631 | 314 | 49.8% | 50.5% | 48.6% |
| Aug | 334 | 159 | 47.6% | 50.3% | 44.2% |
| Sep | 413 | 204 | 49.4% | 51.9% | 46.0% |
| Oct | 444 | 201 | 45.3% | 46.9% | 43.2% |
| Nov | 382 | 186 | 48.7% | 49.1% | 48.2% |
| Dec | 366 | 170 | 46.4% | 45.8% | 47.3% |
| Jan | 612 | 320 | 52.3% | 52.5% | 52.0% |
| Feb | 577 | 278 | 48.2% | 49.0% | 47.0% |
| Mar | 599 | 275 | 45.9% | 43.3% | 49.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Loughton (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Loughton (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,346 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Loughton (London) with 59.0% from 807 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 45.8%. 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 | 807 | 59.0% | 60.4% | 57.3% |
| 18 | 589 | 52.1% | 52.2% | 52.1% |
| 19 | 433 | 49.4% | 50.6% | 47.8% |
| 20 | 338 | 46.2% | 48.5% | 43.0% |
| 21 | 254 | 52.8% | 56.5% | 48.3% |
| 22 | 230 | 53.9% | 52.3% | 56.0% |
| 23 | 251 | 45.8% | 42.2% | 52.2% |
| 24 | 221 | 50.7% | 49.6% | 52.1% |
| 25 | 223 | 52.5% | 51.4% | 54.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Loughton (London), the automatic test pass rate is 45.7%, which is 2.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 48.0%. With 2,404 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 46.7% compared to 44.6% for males.