Tilbury Driving Test Centre
· Thurrock
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Key Statistics
Getting to Tilbury
The Tilbury driving test centre is at Montana House, Russell Road, Tilbury RM18 7AE. It is in a commercial area close to Tilbury Docks. From the A13, take the A1089 south towards Tilbury and follow signs for the town. Russell Road is off Dock Road, and the centre is in Montana House, which is clearly marked.
Tilbury Town station is about a 10-minute walk away, served by the c2c line from London Fenchurch Street. There are also bus services in the area. Parking is available on site. The surrounding roads include a mix of residential streets and dock-related traffic, so be prepared for lorries on the approach. Allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the area.
About Tilbury Test Centre
Tilbury is a DVSA driving test centre located in Thurrock. With a current pass rate of 49.1%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,185 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Tilbury, 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 552 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the RM18 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Tilbury test centre serves candidates from Thurrock 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 Tilbury will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Thurrock 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 349 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Tilbury stands at 49.1%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.3 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.2 percentage point advantage at Tilbury, passing at 50.1% compared to 47.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Tilbury was 51.1% in 2023-24, while the lowest was 36.4% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 56.9%, while the lowest was in Aug at 45.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Tilbury Historical Performance
Our records for Tilbury begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 36.4% from 8,265 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 41.1%, and it now sits at 49.1%.
Test volumes at Tilbury 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 Tilbury
Based on the data we hold for Tilbury, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Tilbury, pass rates in Apr (56.9%) are notably higher than in Aug (45.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Tilbury. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Thurrock area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Tilbury, 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 Tilbury 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 Tilbury?
The current pass rate at Tilbury is 49.1%, based on 4,185 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Tilbury conduct per year?
Tilbury conducted 4,185 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 349 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Tilbury a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.1%, Tilbury 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 Tilbury?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 56.9%. 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 Tilbury?
Male candidates have a 2.2 percentage point advantage at Tilbury, passing at 50.1% compared to 47.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Tilbury pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 357 | 203 | 56.9% | 61.9% | 52.4% |
| May | 372 | 184 | 49.5% | 49.2% | 49.7% |
| Jun | 370 | 174 | 47.0% | 48.2% | 45.6% |
| Jul | 375 | 180 | 48.0% | 50.0% | 45.6% |
| Aug | 280 | 128 | 45.7% | 50.4% | 41.4% |
| Sep | 353 | 170 | 48.2% | 51.6% | 44.2% |
| Oct | 348 | 183 | 52.6% | 53.5% | 51.7% |
| Nov | 385 | 191 | 49.6% | 46.5% | 53.6% |
| Dec | 307 | 153 | 49.8% | 51.3% | 48.3% |
| Jan | 375 | 178 | 47.5% | 44.9% | 50.9% |
| Feb | 299 | 140 | 46.8% | 51.0% | 42.5% |
| Mar | 364 | 169 | 46.4% | 46.6% | 46.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Tilbury.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Tilbury? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,436 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Tilbury with 62.7% from 517 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 46.1%. 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 | 517 | 62.7% | 62.4% | 63.0% |
| 18 | 503 | 57.5% | 57.8% | 57.1% |
| 19 | 353 | 49.9% | 53.4% | 45.7% |
| 20 | 231 | 51.5% | 53.8% | 49.6% |
| 21 | 192 | 54.7% | 66.7% | 43.4% |
| 22 | 193 | 46.1% | 41.4% | 51.1% |
| 23 | 157 | 54.8% | 52.9% | 57.1% |
| 24 | 148 | 46.6% | 38.5% | 59.6% |
| 25 | 142 | 47.9% | 47.8% | 48.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Tilbury, the automatic test pass rate is 44.4%, which is 4.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.1%. With 1,648 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 44.5% compared to 44.2% for males.