Tunbridge Wells Driving Test Centre
· Kent
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Key Statistics
Getting to Tunbridge Wells
The Tunbridge Wells driving test centre is at 8 Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2ES. It is close to the town centre, just off the A26 London Road. From the A21, follow signs into Tunbridge Wells and head for the Upper Grosvenor Road area, which is near the main shopping district. The building is on a quiet residential street and is easy to find.
Tunbridge Wells railway station is about a 10-minute walk to the south. Plenty of buses pass through the town centre and stop nearby. Parking at the centre is limited, so having your instructor drop you off or using public transport works well. The test routes head out through a mix of town streets and Kent country lanes, so expect some variety.
About Tunbridge Wells Test Centre
Tunbridge Wells is a DVSA driving test centre located in Kent. With a current pass rate of 58.9%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,887 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Tunbridge Wells, 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 446 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the TN1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Tunbridge Wells test centre serves candidates from Kent 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 Tunbridge Wells will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Kent 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 407 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Tunbridge Wells stands at 58.9%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male candidates have a 1.2 percentage point advantage at Tunbridge Wells, passing at 59.4% compared to 58.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Tunbridge Wells was 61.1% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 47.7% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 63.1%, while the lowest was in Jun at 54.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Tunbridge Wells Historical Performance
Our records for Tunbridge Wells begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 50.6% from 4,204 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 52.8%, and it now sits at 58.9%.
Test volumes at Tunbridge Wells 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 Tunbridge Wells
Based on the data we hold for Tunbridge Wells, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Tunbridge Wells, pass rates in Oct (63.1%) are notably higher than in Jun (54.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Tunbridge Wells. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Kent area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Tunbridge Wells, 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 Tunbridge Wells 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 Tunbridge Wells?
The current pass rate at Tunbridge Wells is 58.9%, based on 4,887 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Tunbridge Wells conduct per year?
Tunbridge Wells conducted 4,887 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 407 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Tunbridge Wells a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.9%, Tunbridge Wells 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 Tunbridge Wells?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 63.1%. 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 Tunbridge Wells?
Male candidates have a 1.2 percentage point advantage at Tunbridge Wells, passing at 59.4% compared to 58.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Tunbridge Wells pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 566 | 318 | 56.2% | 55.9% | 56.5% |
| May | 539 | 318 | 59.0% | 59.5% | 58.4% |
| Jun | 317 | 172 | 54.3% | 53.2% | 55.6% |
| Jul | 247 | 150 | 60.7% | 63.0% | 58.0% |
| Aug | 316 | 181 | 57.3% | 62.0% | 52.0% |
| Sep | 299 | 178 | 59.5% | 58.6% | 60.6% |
| Oct | 431 | 272 | 63.1% | 63.3% | 62.8% |
| Nov | 380 | 239 | 62.9% | 63.5% | 62.1% |
| Dec | 360 | 221 | 61.4% | 62.8% | 59.2% |
| Jan | 502 | 285 | 56.8% | 56.6% | 57.0% |
| Feb | 457 | 258 | 56.5% | 55.6% | 57.7% |
| Mar | 473 | 284 | 60.0% | 61.4% | 58.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Tunbridge Wells.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Tunbridge Wells? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,275 of the tests conducted here.
23-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Tunbridge Wells with 63.2% from 144 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 57.1%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,284 | 62.9% | 61.2% | 64.8% |
| 18 | 727 | 59.3% | 61.3% | 57.1% |
| 19 | 302 | 59.9% | 65.2% | 54.2% |
| 20 | 196 | 59.2% | 56.3% | 63.1% |
| 21 | 192 | 58.9% | 59.5% | 58.0% |
| 22 | 198 | 62.6% | 59.3% | 67.1% |
| 23 | 144 | 63.2% | 60.6% | 65.8% |
| 24 | 119 | 57.1% | 58.0% | 56.0% |
| 25 | 113 | 61.9% | 65.3% | 56.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Tunbridge Wells, the automatic test pass rate is 59.2%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 58.9%. With 1,128 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 62.2% compared to 57.0% for females.