Ludlow Driving Test Centre
· Shropshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Ludlow
Ludlow driving test centre is at Unit 1, The Business Quarter, Eco Park Road, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1FD. The centre is on the southern edge of town, near the A49. From the A49, follow signs for the Eco Park and you will find The Business Quarter signposted off Eco Park Road. The unit is clearly marked, though the area is a newer development so it may not show on older maps.
There is no dedicated candidate car park at the centre, but a lay-by opposite provides space for waiting. Ludlow railway station is about a mile to the north, on the Shrewsbury to Hereford line, so it is possible to arrive by train and walk or take a taxi. The town itself is compact and the roads are not overly busy, which helps keep nerves in check. Get there around ten minutes before your test to check in at ease.
About Ludlow Test Centre
Ludlow is a DVSA driving test centre located in Shropshire. With a current pass rate of 59.6%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,529 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Ludlow, 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 157 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SY8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Ludlow 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 Ludlow 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 294 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Ludlow stands at 59.6%, 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 candidates have a 2.9 percentage point advantage at Ludlow, passing at 60.9% compared to 58.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Ludlow was 59.6% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 50.5% in 2012-13.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Nov at 63.6%, while the lowest was in Jul at 55.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Ludlow Historical Performance
Our records for Ludlow begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 55.5% from 1,233 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 54.7%, and it now sits at 59.6%.
Test volumes at Ludlow have grown over this period, rising from 1,233 to 3,529 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 Ludlow
Based on the data we hold for Ludlow, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Ludlow, pass rates in Nov (63.6%) are notably higher than in Jul (55.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Ludlow. 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 Ludlow, 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 Ludlow 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 Ludlow?
The current pass rate at Ludlow is 59.6%, based on 3,529 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Ludlow conduct per year?
Ludlow conducted 3,529 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 294 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Ludlow a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 59.6%, Ludlow 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 Ludlow?
Based on 2024-25 data, Nov had the highest pass rate at 63.6%. 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 Ludlow?
Male candidates have a 2.9 percentage point advantage at Ludlow, passing at 60.9% compared to 58.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Ludlow pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 340 | 203 | 59.7% | 64.1% | 54.1% |
| May | 352 | 223 | 63.4% | 62.3% | 64.5% |
| Jun | 346 | 196 | 56.6% | 60.6% | 51.6% |
| Jul | 377 | 209 | 55.4% | 58.3% | 51.3% |
| Aug | 354 | 214 | 60.5% | 59.6% | 61.5% |
| Sep | 293 | 166 | 56.7% | 58.9% | 53.1% |
| Oct | 229 | 144 | 62.9% | 60.9% | 64.9% |
| Nov | 206 | 131 | 63.6% | 60.5% | 68.3% |
| Dec | 185 | 117 | 63.2% | 68.0% | 58.0% |
| Jan | 242 | 144 | 59.5% | 59.2% | 59.8% |
| Feb | 266 | 155 | 58.3% | 58.6% | 57.9% |
| Mar | 339 | 202 | 59.6% | 62.5% | 55.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.9pp higher rate than female candidates at Ludlow.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Ludlow? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,306 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Ludlow with 71.9% from 981 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 53.7%. 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 | 981 | 71.9% | 73.5% | 70.0% |
| 18 | 441 | 61.2% | 66.5% | 55.5% |
| 19 | 222 | 63.1% | 69.0% | 56.9% |
| 20 | 162 | 56.8% | 65.0% | 48.8% |
| 21 | 128 | 59.4% | 55.2% | 63.9% |
| 22 | 105 | 65.7% | 65.4% | 66.0% |
| 23 | 112 | 59.8% | 68.3% | 50.0% |
| 24 | 73 | 71.2% | 75.0% | 66.7% |
| 25 | 82 | 53.7% | 48.0% | 62.5% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Ludlow, the automatic test pass rate is 50.7%, which is 8.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 59.6%. 491 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
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 52.0% compared to 49.8% for females.