Penzance Driving Test Centre
· Cornwall
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Key Statistics
Getting to Penzance
Penzance driving test centre is at 1 Alverton Terrace, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4JH. The centre is close to the town centre, on the road heading towards Alverton. Put the postcode into your sat nav and you will find it on the terrace without difficulty. It is easy to reach from the A30 as you approach Penzance.
Parking near the centre can be limited, so arriving with your instructor is the easiest option. Penzance railway station is within walking distance if you are coming by train, and local buses also serve the area. This is a part-time centre, so check that tests are running on your chosen day before you travel.
About Penzance Test Centre
Penzance is a DVSA driving test centre located in Cornwall. With a current pass rate of 49.2%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 671 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 Penzance, 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 161 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the TR18 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Penzance test centre serves candidates from Cornwall 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 Penzance will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Cornwall 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 56 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 Penzance stands at 49.2%, 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 4.3 percentage point advantage at Penzance, passing at 51.4% compared to 47.1% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Penzance was 54.1% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 47.3% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 56.5%, while the lowest was in Feb at 40.0%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Penzance Historical Performance
Our records for Penzance begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.8% from 2,137 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 54.1%, and it now sits at 49.2%.
Test volumes at Penzance 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 Penzance
Based on the data we hold for Penzance, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Penzance, pass rates in Apr (56.5%) are notably higher than in Feb (40.0%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Penzance 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 Penzance. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Cornwall area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Penzance, 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 Penzance 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 Penzance?
The current pass rate at Penzance is 49.2%, based on 671 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Penzance conduct per year?
Penzance conducted 671 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 56 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Penzance a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.2%, Penzance 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 Penzance?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 56.5%. 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 Penzance?
Male candidates have a 4.3 percentage point advantage at Penzance, passing at 51.4% compared to 47.1% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Penzance pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 46 | 26 | 56.5% | 60.9% | 52.2% |
| May | 47 | 22 | 46.8% | 55.2% | 33.3% |
| Jun | 47 | 24 | 51.1% | 44.0% | 59.1% |
| Jul | 72 | 31 | 43.1% | 51.4% | 35.1% |
| Aug | 57 | 31 | 54.4% | 54.5% | 54.2% |
| Sep | 59 | 29 | 49.2% | 37.0% | 59.4% |
| Oct | 60 | 33 | 55.0% | 51.9% | 57.6% |
| Nov | 54 | 24 | 44.4% | 48.1% | 40.7% |
| Dec | 53 | 29 | 54.7% | 59.1% | 51.6% |
| Jan | 56 | 30 | 53.6% | 52.0% | 54.8% |
| Feb | 55 | 22 | 40.0% | 55.6% | 32.4% |
| Mar | 65 | 29 | 44.6% | 50.0% | 38.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4.3pp higher rate than female candidates at Penzance.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Penzance? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 408 of the tests conducted here.
19-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Penzance with 54.2% from 48 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 43.3%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 165 | 52.1% | 52.3% | 51.9% |
| 18 | 133 | 51.9% | 49.3% | 54.7% |
| 19 | 48 | 54.2% | 52.0% | 56.5% |
| 20 | 0 | 45.5% | 55.6% | 33.3% |
| 21 | 30 | 43.3% | 46.2% | 41.2% |
| 22 | 0 | 64.7% | 66.7% | 62.5% |
| 23 | 32 | 46.9% | 47.1% | 46.7% |
| 24 | 0 | 38.5% | 54.5% | 26.7% |
| 25 | 0 | 45.5% | 42.9% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Penzance, the automatic test pass rate is 51.4%, which is 2.2 percentage points higher than the overall pass rate of 49.2%. 37 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
Male automatic candidates pass at 53.8% compared to 50.0% for females.