Southall (London) Driving Test Centre
· Greater London
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Key Statistics
Getting to Southall (London)
Southall driving test centre is at 295 Allenby Road, Southall UB1 2HD. It is in a residential part of Southall, accessible from the A4020 Uxbridge Road and not far from the A312. The postcode will get you there in sat nav, though the centre is on a quieter side street so watch out for the turning. Parking is available in the church car park just off Bycroft Road, from where it is a short walk to the centre.
The surrounding roads are typical busy west London streets with plenty of junctions, traffic lights and parked cars, which is exactly what you will encounter during the test. Arrive about ten minutes early and bring your photocard provisional driving licence, as your test cannot go ahead without it.
About Southall Test Centre
Southall is a DVSA driving test centre located in Greater London. With a current pass rate of 46.2%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,461 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Southall, stretching back to 2013-14. 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 454 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the UB1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Southall test centre serves candidates from Greater London 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 Southall will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Greater London 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 538 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Southall stands at 46.2%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.8 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 4.6 percentage point advantage at Southall, passing at 47.8% compared to 43.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Southall was 46.2% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 37.9% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 51.6%, while the lowest was in Apr at 41.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Southall Historical Performance
Our records for Southall begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 38.6% from 8,157 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 40.1%, and it now sits at 46.2%.
Test volumes at Southall have decreased over this period.
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 Southall
Based on the data we hold for Southall, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Southall, pass rates in Aug (51.6%) are notably higher than in Apr (41.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Southall. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Greater London area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Southall, 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 Southall 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 Southall?
The current pass rate at Southall is 46.2%, based on 6,461 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Southall conduct per year?
Southall conducted 6,461 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 538 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Southall a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.2%, Southall 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 Southall?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 51.6%. 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 Southall?
Male candidates have a 4.6 percentage point advantage at Southall, passing at 47.8% compared to 43.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Southall (London) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 681 | 283 | 41.6% | 42.6% | 39.8% |
| May | 694 | 310 | 44.7% | 47.2% | 39.4% |
| Jun | 585 | 257 | 43.9% | 45.2% | 41.2% |
| Jul | 561 | 274 | 48.8% | 47.8% | 50.8% |
| Aug | 481 | 248 | 51.6% | 50.9% | 53.0% |
| Sep | 639 | 309 | 48.4% | 46.5% | 52.6% |
| Oct | 630 | 285 | 45.2% | 47.6% | 40.3% |
| Nov | 422 | 192 | 45.5% | 48.4% | 39.1% |
| Dec | 431 | 211 | 49.0% | 52.7% | 42.3% |
| Jan | 489 | 240 | 49.1% | 51.9% | 43.7% |
| Feb | 378 | 161 | 42.6% | 45.4% | 38.4% |
| Mar | 470 | 218 | 46.4% | 50.7% | 39.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Southall (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Southall (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,038 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Southall (London) with 57.0% from 251 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 46.0%. 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 | 251 | 57.0% | 57.7% | 55.3% |
| 18 | 302 | 54.6% | 57.7% | 47.9% |
| 19 | 357 | 54.3% | 53.3% | 56.2% |
| 20 | 390 | 50.3% | 50.0% | 50.8% |
| 21 | 322 | 46.0% | 46.7% | 44.1% |
| 22 | 383 | 46.2% | 45.2% | 49.0% |
| 23 | 347 | 48.7% | 49.8% | 46.4% |
| 24 | 343 | 47.2% | 48.1% | 45.3% |
| 25 | 343 | 49.0% | 49.3% | 48.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Southall (London), the automatic test pass rate is 43.5%, which is 2.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.2%. With 2,266 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 46.8% compared to 41.6% for females.