Portsmouth Driving Test Centre
· Hampshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Portsmouth
Portsmouth driving test centre has relocated to the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, Southampton Road, Portsmouth PO6 4SH. The site is in the Cosham area, close to the A27 and within easy reach of the M27, so it is well connected whether you are travelling from the city centre or further out. Use the postcode in your sat nav to find it, as the entrance can be easy to miss if you are not expecting a hotel.
There is parking available at the hotel, and your instructor should have no trouble waiting on site. Arrive around ten minutes before your test time to check in calmly. Do not forget your photocard provisional driving licence, as you will be turned away without it.
About Portsmouth Test Centre
Portsmouth is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hampshire. With a current pass rate of 51.8%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 11,305 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Portsmouth, 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 406 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the OL14 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Portsmouth test centre serves candidates from Hampshire 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 Portsmouth will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hampshire 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 942 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Portsmouth stands at 51.8%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.6 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Portsmouth, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Portsmouth was 51.8% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 39.8% in 2014-15.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 54.9%, while the lowest was in Sep at 48.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Portsmouth Historical Performance
Our records for Portsmouth begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.8% from 9,649 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 40.4%, and it now sits at 51.8%.
Test volumes at Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Based on the data we hold for Portsmouth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Portsmouth, pass rates in Dec (54.9%) are notably higher than in Sep (48.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Portsmouth. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hampshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
The current pass rate at Portsmouth is 51.8%, based on 11,305 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Portsmouth conduct per year?
Portsmouth conducted 11,305 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 942 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Portsmouth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.8%, Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 54.9%. 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 Portsmouth?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Portsmouth, 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
Portsmouth pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 975 | 492 | 50.5% | 50.2% | 51.0% |
| May | 1,062 | 532 | 50.1% | 48.3% | 53.1% |
| Jun | 906 | 470 | 51.9% | 51.6% | 52.3% |
| Jul | 948 | 484 | 51.1% | 51.2% | 50.8% |
| Aug | 809 | 435 | 53.8% | 51.9% | 56.6% |
| Sep | 951 | 462 | 48.6% | 50.2% | 46.0% |
| Oct | 1,024 | 527 | 51.5% | 53.0% | 49.3% |
| Nov | 727 | 366 | 50.3% | 51.5% | 48.9% |
| Dec | 838 | 460 | 54.9% | 55.3% | 54.3% |
| Jan | 974 | 521 | 53.5% | 54.3% | 52.2% |
| Feb | 1,013 | 550 | 54.3% | 56.8% | 50.9% |
| Mar | 1,078 | 558 | 51.8% | 52.8% | 50.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.9pp higher rate than female candidates at Portsmouth.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Portsmouth? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 7,140 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Portsmouth with 61.1% from 2686 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 50.3%. 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 | 2,686 | 61.1% | 63.7% | 57.8% |
| 18 | 1,406 | 54.5% | 54.5% | 54.5% |
| 19 | 726 | 52.9% | 56.5% | 48.5% |
| 20 | 526 | 53.6% | 53.8% | 53.4% |
| 21 | 469 | 53.5% | 52.3% | 55.3% |
| 22 | 364 | 53.0% | 52.2% | 54.5% |
| 23 | 314 | 50.3% | 56.0% | 43.8% |
| 24 | 334 | 54.8% | 52.1% | 59.5% |
| 25 | 315 | 52.1% | 51.4% | 53.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Portsmouth, the automatic test pass rate is 46.1%, which is 5.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.8%. With 2,210 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
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 48.1% compared to 43.7% for males.