Oswestry Driving Test Centre
· Shropshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Oswestry
Oswestry driving test centre is at Mile Oak Industrial Estate, Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8GA. The centre is on the southern edge of town, set within an industrial estate off Maesbury Road. Put the postcode into your sat nav and follow the signs for Mile Oak once you are close. It is straightforward to reach from the A5 or A483.
There is a car park at the centre, so finding a space should not be a problem. Note that there are no toilet facilities on site, so plan accordingly before you arrive. Public transport to this location is limited, so having your instructor drive you or arranging a lift is the best approach for test day.
About Oswestry Test Centre
Oswestry is a DVSA driving test centre located in Shropshire. With a current pass rate of 55.6%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,660 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Oswestry, 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 SY11 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Oswestry 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 Oswestry 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 138 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Oswestry stands at 55.6%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.8 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Oswestry, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Oswestry was 56.1% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 47.3% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 68.3%, while the lowest was in Apr at 47.9%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Oswestry Historical Performance
Our records for Oswestry begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 52.8% from 2,087 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 52.8%, and it now sits at 55.6%.
Test volumes at Oswestry have decreased 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 Oswestry
Based on the data we hold for Oswestry, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Oswestry, pass rates in May (68.3%) are notably higher than in Apr (47.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Oswestry is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Oswestry. 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 Oswestry, 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 Oswestry 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 Oswestry?
The current pass rate at Oswestry is 55.6%, based on 1,660 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Oswestry conduct per year?
Oswestry conducted 1,660 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 138 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Oswestry a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 55.6%, Oswestry 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 Oswestry?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 68.3%. 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 Oswestry?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Oswestry, 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
Oswestry pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 169 | 81 | 47.9% | 51.2% | 44.7% |
| May | 101 | 69 | 68.3% | 69.1% | 67.4% |
| Jun | 118 | 73 | 61.9% | 72.7% | 52.4% |
| Jul | 138 | 69 | 50.0% | 48.4% | 51.3% |
| Aug | 120 | 64 | 53.3% | 49.2% | 57.6% |
| Sep | 147 | 84 | 57.1% | 57.1% | 57.1% |
| Oct | 169 | 101 | 59.8% | 63.5% | 54.8% |
| Nov | 145 | 70 | 48.3% | 47.6% | 49.2% |
| Dec | 140 | 73 | 52.1% | 54.4% | 49.2% |
| Jan | 112 | 62 | 55.4% | 48.1% | 61.7% |
| Feb | 150 | 85 | 56.7% | 50.6% | 65.6% |
| Mar | 151 | 92 | 60.9% | 61.4% | 60.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Oswestry.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Oswestry? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,191 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Oswestry with 66.6% from 473 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 41.7%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 24.9 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 473 | 66.6% | 67.4% | 65.8% |
| 18 | 265 | 57.0% | 60.5% | 53.7% |
| 19 | 130 | 54.6% | 57.9% | 52.1% |
| 20 | 102 | 52.9% | 46.0% | 59.6% |
| 21 | 53 | 50.9% | 56.0% | 46.4% |
| 22 | 60 | 61.7% | 67.9% | 56.3% |
| 23 | 35 | 48.6% | 50.0% | 47.6% |
| 24 | 37 | 51.4% | 61.9% | 37.5% |
| 25 | 36 | 41.7% | 33.3% | 53.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Oswestry, the automatic test pass rate is 46.4%, which is 9.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 55.6%. 196 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 47.6% compared to 44.4% for males.