Tolworth (London) Driving Test Centre
· Greater London
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Key Statistics
Getting to Tolworth (London)
The Tolworth driving test centre is at Douglas House, 1B Douglas Road, Tolworth KT6 7RZ. It is in a residential area just off the A3, close to the Tolworth underpass. If you are driving from the A3, exit at the Tolworth junction and head along the A240 Tolworth Broadway, then turn into Douglas Road. The building has a large sign on the front so it is easy to spot.
Tolworth station is about a 10-minute walk away, on the line from London Waterloo to Chessington. Several buses run along Tolworth Broadway and the A3 corridor. Parking can be tight in the surrounding streets, so getting dropped off is often the best plan. The area is mostly suburban, with plenty of residential roads for the test routes.
About Tolworth Test Centre
Tolworth is a DVSA driving test centre located in Greater London. With a current pass rate of 53.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,241 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Tolworth, 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 257 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the KT5 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Tolworth 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 Tolworth 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 770 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Tolworth stands at 53.3%, 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 3.0 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 4.8 percentage point advantage at Tolworth, passing at 55.6% compared to 50.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Tolworth was 54.0% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 48.1% in 2014-15.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 57.1%, while the lowest was in Jun at 48.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Tolworth Historical Performance
Our records for Tolworth begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.2% from 6,893 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 50.9%, and it now sits at 53.3%.
Test volumes at Tolworth have grown over this period, rising from 6,893 to 9,241 tests per year.
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 Tolworth
Based on the data we hold for Tolworth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Tolworth, pass rates in Apr (57.1%) are notably higher than in Jun (48.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Tolworth. 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 Tolworth, 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 Tolworth 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 Tolworth?
The current pass rate at Tolworth is 53.3%, based on 9,241 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Tolworth conduct per year?
Tolworth conducted 9,241 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 770 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Tolworth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 53.3%, Tolworth 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 Tolworth?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 57.1%. 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 Tolworth?
Male candidates have a 4.8 percentage point advantage at Tolworth, passing at 55.6% compared to 50.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Tolworth (London) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 683 | 390 | 57.1% | 59.3% | 54.8% |
| May | 754 | 392 | 52.0% | 55.0% | 49.2% |
| Jun | 812 | 391 | 48.2% | 51.2% | 44.9% |
| Jul | 802 | 443 | 55.2% | 59.6% | 51.1% |
| Aug | 747 | 405 | 54.2% | 52.7% | 56.0% |
| Sep | 755 | 394 | 52.2% | 55.4% | 48.8% |
| Oct | 951 | 501 | 52.7% | 53.2% | 52.1% |
| Nov | 688 | 362 | 52.6% | 56.6% | 47.9% |
| Dec | 641 | 345 | 53.8% | 57.1% | 50.2% |
| Jan | 781 | 429 | 54.9% | 55.3% | 54.5% |
| Feb | 778 | 422 | 54.2% | 59.0% | 48.4% |
| Mar | 849 | 447 | 52.7% | 54.0% | 51.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Tolworth (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Tolworth (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,307 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Tolworth (London) with 64.0% from 1304 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 51.0%. 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 | 1,304 | 64.0% | 66.8% | 61.1% |
| 18 | 1,145 | 57.2% | 58.3% | 56.0% |
| 19 | 644 | 56.2% | 57.0% | 55.3% |
| 20 | 490 | 51.0% | 52.7% | 49.1% |
| 21 | 407 | 51.1% | 52.6% | 49.2% |
| 22 | 369 | 55.6% | 53.6% | 58.2% |
| 23 | 339 | 52.5% | 56.4% | 47.7% |
| 24 | 343 | 51.3% | 48.0% | 54.7% |
| 25 | 266 | 51.5% | 52.7% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Tolworth (London), the automatic test pass rate is 50.7%, which is 2.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 53.3%. With 3,477 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 54.8% compared to 48.2% for females.