Ashfield vs Stirling
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashfield | Stirling |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 51.2% | 38.7% |
| Male Pass Rate | 52.9% | 38.2% |
| Female Pass Rate | 49.3% | 39.1% |
| Tests Conducted | 9,507 | 4,111 |
| Years of Data | 15 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Ashfield vs Stirling
Choosing between Ashfield and Stirling for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 12.5 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Ashfield has a pass rate of 51.2% from 9,507 tests, while Stirling sits at 38.7% from 4,111 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Ashfield leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Ashfield is the busier centre with 9,507 tests per year, compared to 4,111 at Stirling. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Ashfield has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.1 percentage points, while Stirling has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points.
Gender comparison: At Ashfield, the male pass rate is 52.9% and female is 49.3%. At Stirling, it's 38.2% male and 39.1% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Ashfield has the edge at 51.2% compared to Stirling's 38.7%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Stirling, the familiarity with local roads may outweigh the statistical difference.
Whichever centre you choose, thorough preparation is the single biggest factor in your result. Practice until you're consistently confident, book when you feel ready, and arrive early on the day.
Booking Tips
When choosing between these centres, consider the following practical factors:
- Availability: Ashfield is the busier centre (9,507 vs 4,111 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Stirling could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Ashfield's highest pass rate month is Mar (56.2%). Stirling peaks in Feb (43.8%).
- Practice area: Book at the centre whose surrounding roads you've practised on most. Route familiarity consistently matters more than pass rate statistics.
- Cancellation checking: If your preferred centre has a long wait, consider using a cancellation checking service. Both centres may have short-notice openings that aren't visible when you first book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher pass rate, Ashfield or Stirling?
Ashfield has the higher pass rate at 51.2%, compared to 38.7% at Stirling. This is a 12.5 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Ashfield conducts more tests (9,507 vs 4,111 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Ashfield has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.1 percentage points. Stirling has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points. Check each centre's individual page for the full historical chart.
Should I choose a centre based on pass rate alone?
No. Pass rates reflect the overall candidate pool, not test difficulty. A centre with a lower pass rate may have more first-time or nervous candidates. Your own preparation, familiarity with the roads, and comfort level on test day are far more important than a few percentage points of difference.