Blackpool vs Southport (Liverpool)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blackpool | Southport (Liverpool) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.6% | 59.2% |
| Male Pass Rate | 49.7% | 59.6% |
| Female Pass Rate | 49.4% | 58.8% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,271 | 7,231 |
| Years of Data | 18 | 12 |
Pass Rate Trends
Blackpool vs Southport
Choosing between Blackpool and Southport for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 9.6 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Blackpool has a pass rate of 49.6% from 6,271 tests, while Southport sits at 59.2% from 7,231 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Southport leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Southport is the busier centre with 7,231 tests per year, compared to 6,271 at Blackpool. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Blackpool has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 4.6 percentage points, while Southport has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.9 percentage points.
Gender comparison: At Blackpool, the male pass rate is 49.7% and female is 49.4%. At Southport, it's 59.6% male and 58.8% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Southport has the edge at 59.2% compared to Blackpool's 49.6%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Blackpool, 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: Southport is the busier centre (7,231 vs 6,271 tests/year). Blackpool may have more available slots.
- Best months: Blackpool's highest pass rate month is Jan (55.2%). Southport peaks in Jan (62.9%).
- 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, Blackpool or Southport?
Southport has the higher pass rate at 59.2%, compared to 49.6% at Blackpool. This is a 9.6 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Southport conducts more tests (7,231 vs 6,271 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Blackpool has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 4.6 percentage points. Southport has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.9 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.