Pwllheli Driving Test Centre
· Gwynedd - Gwynedd
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Key Statistics
Getting to Pwllheli
Pwllheli driving test centre is at 33A Cardiff Road, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5HT. It is a small centre in this coastal town on the Llyn Peninsula, and you will want to use the postcode in your sat nav as it is not heavily signposted. Be aware that there is no car park at the centre itself, so you will need to park legally on Ffordd Hamdden or nearby streets.
Access to the building involves a couple of steps and a narrow doorway, so if you have any mobility concerns it is worth contacting the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 beforehand. Arrive with plenty of time to find a parking spot and walk to the centre. Have your photocard provisional licence ready when you check in.
About Pwllheli Test Centre
Pwllheli is a DVSA driving test centre located in Gwynedd - Gwynedd. With a current pass rate of 66.0%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 750 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Pwllheli, 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 352 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LL53 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Pwllheli test centre serves candidates from Gwynedd - Gwynedd 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 Pwllheli will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Gwynedd - Gwynedd 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 63 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 Pwllheli stands at 66.0%, 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 6.2 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Pwllheli, passing at 67.8% compared to 64.4% for male candidates, a 3.4 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Pwllheli was 66.4% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 54.3% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 75.4%, while the lowest was in May at 55.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Pwllheli Historical Performance
Our records for Pwllheli begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 54.3% from 864 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 63.1%, and it now sits at 66.0%.
Test volumes at Pwllheli 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 Pwllheli
Based on the data we hold for Pwllheli, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Pwllheli, pass rates in Sep (75.4%) are notably higher than in May (55.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- The gender gap favours female candidates here. Women pass at 67.8% compared to 64.4% for men. This is unusual nationally and may reflect the local road conditions.
- Take advantage of availability. Pwllheli 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 Pwllheli. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Gwynedd - Gwynedd area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Pwllheli, 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 Pwllheli 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 Pwllheli?
The current pass rate at Pwllheli is 66.0%, based on 750 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Pwllheli conduct per year?
Pwllheli conducted 750 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 63 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Pwllheli a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 66.0%, Pwllheli 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 Pwllheli?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 75.4%. 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 Pwllheli?
Female candidates outperform males at Pwllheli, passing at 67.8% compared to 64.4% for male candidates, a 3.4 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Pwllheli pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 70 | 43 | 61.4% | 55.3% | 68.8% |
| May | 47 | 26 | 55.3% | 57.1% | 52.6% |
| Jun | 45 | 31 | 68.9% | 60.0% | 76.0% |
| Jul | 74 | 50 | 67.6% | 68.2% | 66.7% |
| Aug | 55 | 32 | 58.2% | 50.0% | 66.7% |
| Sep | 61 | 46 | 75.4% | 75.0% | 75.8% |
| Oct | 72 | 48 | 66.7% | 64.1% | 69.7% |
| Nov | 76 | 53 | 69.7% | 72.2% | 63.6% |
| Dec | 45 | 29 | 64.4% | 65.2% | 63.6% |
| Jan | 72 | 50 | 69.4% | 72.5% | 65.6% |
| Feb | 65 | 43 | 66.2% | 68.8% | 63.6% |
| Mar | 68 | 44 | 64.7% | 54.8% | 73.0% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 3.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Pwllheli.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Pwllheli? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 489 of the tests conducted here.
21-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Pwllheli with 78.6% from 28 tests, while 19-year-olds have the lowest at 62.7%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 287 | 71.4% | 67.8% | 75.6% |
| 18 | 115 | 66.1% | 66.7% | 65.4% |
| 19 | 59 | 62.7% | 54.8% | 71.4% |
| 20 | 0 | 69.2% | 87.5% | 40.0% |
| 21 | 28 | 78.6% | 76.9% | 80.0% |
| 22 | 0 | 61.1% | 0.0% | 36.4% |
| 23 | 0 | 62.5% | 62.5% | 62.5% |
| 24 | 0 | 63.2% | 55.6% | 70.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 53.8% | 87.5% | 0.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Pwllheli, the automatic test pass rate is 58.8%, which is 7.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 66.0%. 51 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 63.9% compared to 46.7% for males.