Middlesbrough Driving Test Centre
· Middlesbrough
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Key Statistics
Getting to Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough driving test centre is on Maxwell Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 8TE. It is tucked away in a residential and light industrial area east of the town centre. The easiest way to find it is to put the postcode into your sat nav, as it is not on a main road and can be easy to miss if you are unfamiliar with the area.
There is some parking at the centre, but your instructor will usually drive you there and know exactly where to wait. If you are making your own way, local bus routes serve the surrounding streets and Middlesbrough railway station is a short drive away. Aim to arrive at least ten minutes early so you can check in calmly.
About Middlesbrough Test Centre
Middlesbrough is a DVSA driving test centre located in Middlesbrough. With a current pass rate of 48.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,952 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Middlesbrough, 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 347 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the TS1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Middlesbrough test centre serves candidates from Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Middlesbrough 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 746 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Middlesbrough stands at 48.3%, 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 candidates have a 1.4 percentage point advantage at Middlesbrough, passing at 48.9% compared to 47.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Middlesbrough was 52.9% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 41.5% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 52.3%, while the lowest was in Nov at 45.9%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Middlesbrough Historical Performance
Our records for Middlesbrough begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 41.5% from 9,205 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 52.9%, and it now sits at 48.3%.
Test volumes at Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough
Based on the data we hold for Middlesbrough, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Middlesbrough, pass rates in Aug (52.3%) are notably higher than in Nov (45.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Middlesbrough. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Middlesbrough area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Middlesbrough, 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 Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough?
The current pass rate at Middlesbrough is 48.3%, based on 8,952 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Middlesbrough conduct per year?
Middlesbrough conducted 8,952 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 746 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Middlesbrough a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 48.3%, Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug 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 Middlesbrough?
Male candidates have a 1.4 percentage point advantage at Middlesbrough, passing at 48.9% compared to 47.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Middlesbrough pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 698 | 357 | 51.1% | 53.2% | 49.1% |
| May | 697 | 364 | 52.2% | 54.5% | 50.0% |
| Jun | 755 | 365 | 48.3% | 48.3% | 48.4% |
| Jul | 706 | 348 | 49.3% | 49.5% | 49.1% |
| Aug | 514 | 269 | 52.3% | 54.3% | 50.0% |
| Sep | 738 | 353 | 47.8% | 51.3% | 44.1% |
| Oct | 818 | 387 | 47.3% | 45.8% | 49.0% |
| Nov | 769 | 353 | 45.9% | 46.4% | 45.3% |
| Dec | 672 | 319 | 47.5% | 46.2% | 49.4% |
| Jan | 878 | 408 | 46.5% | 47.2% | 45.5% |
| Feb | 780 | 369 | 47.3% | 46.9% | 47.8% |
| Mar | 927 | 429 | 46.3% | 47.7% | 44.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.4pp higher rate than female candidates at Middlesbrough.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Middlesbrough? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,758 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Middlesbrough with 57.6% from 1886 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 46.4%. 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 | 1,886 | 57.6% | 58.8% | 56.3% |
| 18 | 1,354 | 49.3% | 51.7% | 46.7% |
| 19 | 648 | 50.2% | 51.3% | 49.1% |
| 20 | 439 | 51.9% | 49.8% | 54.2% |
| 21 | 381 | 48.8% | 45.8% | 51.2% |
| 22 | 296 | 55.7% | 62.4% | 49.7% |
| 23 | 254 | 46.5% | 44.6% | 48.7% |
| 24 | 248 | 49.6% | 54.3% | 44.6% |
| 25 | 252 | 46.4% | 47.3% | 45.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Middlesbrough, the automatic test pass rate is 48.6%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 48.3%. With 1,062 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 51.4% compared to 47.0% for females.