Basildon vs Tilbury
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Basildon | Tilbury |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 45.6% | 49.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 46.5% | 50.1% |
| Female Pass Rate | 44.4% | 47.9% |
| Tests Conducted | 4,862 | 4,185 |
| Years of Data | 15 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Basildon vs Tilbury
Choosing between Basildon and Tilbury for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 3.5 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Basildon has a pass rate of 45.6% from 4,862 tests, while Tilbury sits at 49.1% from 4,185 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Tilbury leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Basildon is the busier centre with 4,862 tests per year, compared to 4,185 at Tilbury. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Basildon has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.7 percentage points, while Tilbury has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.3 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Basildon, the male pass rate is 46.5% and female is 44.4%. At Tilbury, it's 50.1% male and 47.9% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Tilbury has the edge at 49.1% compared to Basildon's 45.6%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Basildon, 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: Basildon is the busier centre (4,862 vs 4,185 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Tilbury could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Basildon's highest pass rate month is Mar (50.8%). Tilbury peaks in Apr (56.9%).
- 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, Basildon or Tilbury?
Tilbury has the higher pass rate at 49.1%, compared to 45.6% at Basildon. This is a 3.5 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Basildon conducts more tests (4,862 vs 4,185 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Basildon has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.7 percentage points. Tilbury has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.3 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.