Pembroke Dock Driving Test Centre
· Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Pembroke Dock
Pembroke Dock driving test centre is at the Captain Superintendents Building, Royal Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6TD. The centre has a unique setting within the historic Royal Dockyard. Put the postcode into your sat nav and look for the dockyard entrance once you arrive. It is easy to reach from the A477.
Parking is generally straightforward at this quieter centre, and your instructor will know the best place to wait. Pembroke Dock railway station is nearby if you need public transport, though services in this part of west Wales can be infrequent. Having your instructor drive you is the most reliable option. Arrive a few minutes early to check in and take in the surroundings.
About Pembroke Dock Test Centre
Pembroke Dock is a DVSA driving test centre located in Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire. With a current pass rate of 57.9%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,077 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Pembroke Dock, 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 452 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SA72 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Pembroke Dock test centre serves candidates from Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire 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 Pembroke Dock will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire 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 173 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 Pembroke Dock stands at 57.9%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.7 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 4.3 percentage point advantage at Pembroke Dock, passing at 60.0% compared to 55.7% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Pembroke Dock was 64.6% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 48.9% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 70.4%, while the lowest was in Oct at 51.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Pembroke Dock Historical Performance
Our records for Pembroke Dock begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.9% from 1,121 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 54.4%, and it now sits at 57.9%.
Test volumes at Pembroke Dock have grown over this period, rising from 1,121 to 2,077 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 Pembroke Dock
Based on the data we hold for Pembroke Dock, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Pembroke Dock, pass rates in May (70.4%) are notably higher than in Oct (51.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Pembroke Dock 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 Pembroke Dock. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Sir Benfro - Pembrokeshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Pembroke Dock, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Pembroke Dock have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Pembroke Dock 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 Pembroke Dock?
The current pass rate at Pembroke Dock is 57.9%, based on 2,077 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Pembroke Dock conduct per year?
Pembroke Dock conducted 2,077 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 173 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Pembroke Dock a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 57.9%, Pembroke Dock 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 Pembroke Dock?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 70.4%. 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 Pembroke Dock?
Male candidates have a 4.3 percentage point advantage at Pembroke Dock, passing at 60.0% compared to 55.7% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Pembroke Dock pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 160 | 88 | 55.0% | 52.1% | 59.4% |
| May | 179 | 126 | 70.4% | 72.3% | 68.2% |
| Jun | 155 | 82 | 52.9% | 53.7% | 52.1% |
| Jul | 179 | 107 | 59.8% | 67.9% | 52.6% |
| Aug | 170 | 112 | 65.9% | 73.6% | 60.2% |
| Sep | 191 | 108 | 56.5% | 58.2% | 54.8% |
| Oct | 160 | 82 | 51.3% | 57.1% | 44.7% |
| Nov | 166 | 98 | 59.0% | 62.5% | 55.8% |
| Dec | 140 | 74 | 52.9% | 53.4% | 52.2% |
| Jan | 220 | 117 | 53.2% | 52.5% | 53.7% |
| Feb | 170 | 89 | 52.4% | 53.8% | 50.6% |
| Mar | 187 | 119 | 63.6% | 65.6% | 61.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4.3pp higher rate than female candidates at Pembroke Dock.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Pembroke Dock? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,507 of the tests conducted here.
20-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Pembroke Dock with 70.0% from 70 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 50.0%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 776 | 62.9% | 62.9% | 62.8% |
| 18 | 329 | 58.4% | 58.6% | 58.1% |
| 19 | 111 | 57.7% | 63.3% | 51.0% |
| 20 | 70 | 70.0% | 84.6% | 61.4% |
| 21 | 55 | 54.5% | 51.6% | 58.3% |
| 22 | 42 | 59.5% | 55.0% | 63.6% |
| 23 | 40 | 50.0% | 55.0% | 45.0% |
| 24 | 41 | 53.7% | 63.2% | 45.5% |
| 25 | 43 | 67.4% | 64.5% | 75.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Pembroke Dock, the automatic test pass rate is 46.5%, which is 11.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 57.9%. 355 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 47.8% compared to 45.9% for females.