London’s Highest & Lowest Pass‑Rate Driving Test Centres 2026

Quick Summary

London test-centre pass rates aren’t uniform – the latest published DVSA test-centre tables (available as of January 2026) show a spread from the high-50%s to the mid-30%s across centres commonly grouped under “London”.

This post is a data-led snapshot, not a prediction of any individual outcome.

The highest and lowest London pass rates at a glance

The DVSA publishes car driving test data by test centre, and notes that the test-centre tables were last updated on 14 August 2025 with data to March 2025 (as of the dataset page updated 14 January 2026).

The table below uses published pass-rate figures collated into a centre ranking (including each centre’s test volume).

Important label note: Some published “London” groupings include centres just outside Greater London (based on how the dataset/list has been compiled and labelled), so it’s worth treating “London” here as a practical grouping rather than a strict administrative boundary.

Highest pass-rate London centres

1) Sidcup (London) – 57.2%

Sidcup sits at the top of this London grouping, with a pass rate in the high-50%s across a few thousand tests.

A high pass rate can reflect many things at once: candidate readiness, local road characteristics, and the mix of test bookings over the year – not a different test standard.

2) Hither Green (London) – 52.3%

Hither Green appears as the next-highest in this snapshot.

The lower test volume here (vs. some busier centres) is one reason to treat pass-rate rankings as a guide to variation, rather than a league table of “difficulty”.

3–5) Bromley, Enfield (Innova Business Park), Tolworth – around 51–52%

These centres cluster just above the low-50%s in the published year.

At this level, differences of a point or two can move rankings around year-to-year – especially when volumes and candidate mixes change.

Lowest pass-rate London centres

1) Chingford (London) – 34.5%

Chingford shows the lowest pass rate in this London grouping (mid-30%s), across a little over two thousand tests in the year used in the table.

That combination (low pass rate + meaningful volume) is a strong indicator of how tough some London driving environments can be for learners at test standard.

2) Belvedere (London) – 34.9%

Belvedere is close behind, also in the mid-30%s, but with a smaller test count.

Smaller volumes can make rankings more sensitive to shifts in who takes tests there and when.

3–5) Barking, Wanstead, Greenford – mid-30%s to high-30%s

These centres round out the lowest five in this snapshot.

They’re also a reminder that “London pass rates” aren’t one number – there’s meaningful spread within the city.

What a test-centre pass rate can and can’t tell you

What it can tell you: pass rates show how often candidates passed at a specific centre, in a specific published period. That makes them useful for understanding local variation and context.

What it can’t tell you: pass rates do not prove that one centre is “easier”, nor do they change the national test standard. The driving test format and marking are set nationally; the published tables are a record of outcomes, not a promise of future results.

Why Do Pass Rates Vary So Much?

Traffic and Road Complexity

Test centres located in dense parts of London face heavy traffic, bus lanes, and multi‑lane roundabouts that challenge even experienced drivers. Belvedere and Chingford, for example, route learners through industrial estates, dual carriageways and complex one‑way systems. In contrast, Sidcup’s suburban roads offer fewer hazards and more predictable traffic, contributing to its higher pass rate.

Examiner Leniency or Strictness?

While some candidates believe pass rates reflect examiner leniency, DVSA data show pass rates mostly correlate with route difficulty. The DVSA emphasises consistent marking standards across centres and notes that pass rates naturally fluctuate due to factors like candidate readiness and local road conditions gov.uk.

Candidate Preparedness

According to DVSA guidance, the average learner requires about 45 hours of professional instruction plus 22 hours of private practice before taking the test comparethemarket.com. Learners who attempt their test with fewer hours, or who book simply to “see what it’s like,” contribute to lower pass rates.

Booking Advice and 2026 DVSA Rules

1. Understand the new cancellation policy: From 8 April 2025, learners must give 10 full working days’ notice to change or cancel their car driving test without losing their fee. This is up from the previous 3 days, so plan carefully.
2. Book early and be flexible: Waiting lists averaged 22.5 weeks nationally in mid‑2025. Be prepared to book several months in advance, and check multiple test centres for earlier dates.
3. Choose a test centre that matches your experience: If you’ve practised primarily on suburban roads, selecting Sidcup or Brentwood may increase your chances. Conversely, if you’re comfortable navigating heavy traffic and multi‑lane roundabouts, an inner‑London centre might suit you.
4. Practise local routes: Familiarity with test routes is key. Many driving‑lesson apps offer route simulations for specific centres. Driving in different weather conditions and at varied times of day will make you more adaptable.

Time of day matters: Some learners find off‑peak test times (mid‑morning or early afternoon) less stressful because there’s less school‑run or rush‑hour traffic.

Costs & Preparation for London Learners (2026)

Driving lessons are a significant investment, particularly in London. Nationwide, the average lesson costs £25–£35 per hour. 

The RAC notes that lessons in some areas reach £60 per hour—not uncommon in central London. Learners typically require 45 hours of tuition, equating to roughly £1,350 at £30 per hour. 

When you factor in a provisional licence (£34), theory test (£23), practical test (£62 weekday) and learner insurance (around £684/year, the total cost can easily top £2,000.

Choosing the right driving test centre can make a significant difference 

In 2025, pass‑rate data shows that outer‑London centres like Sidcup outperform more challenging inner‑city centres, yet the DVSA’s national pass rate remains around 48–50%. 

Use the pass‑rate statistics above as a guide, but focus on building competence through professional lessons, practising local routes, and booking your test well ahead of time. RatedDriving.com’s network of DVSA‑approved instructors can help you navigate these choices and tailor your lessons to your chosen centre.

Where to go next on Rated Driving

• What happens during the test

• Understanding results

• What to expect on the day

• Common faults explained

• Planning lessons and timelines

• Context on delays