Blyth vs Gateshead
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blyth | Gateshead |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 47.2% | 37.4% |
| Male Pass Rate | 45.3% | 37.2% |
| Female Pass Rate | 49.7% | 37.6% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,493 | 8,109 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 16 |
Pass Rate Trends
Blyth vs Gateshead
Choosing between Blyth and Gateshead for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 9.8 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Blyth has a pass rate of 47.2% from 6,493 tests, while Gateshead sits at 37.4% from 8,109 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Blyth leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Gateshead is the busier centre with 8,109 tests per year, compared to 6,493 at Blyth. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Blyth has declined notably over the last three years, falling 9.2 percentage points, while Gateshead has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.2 percentage points.
Gender comparison: At Blyth, the male pass rate is 45.3% and female is 49.7%. At Gateshead, it's 37.2% male and 37.6% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Blyth has the edge at 47.2% compared to Gateshead's 37.4%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Gateshead, 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: Gateshead is the busier centre (8,109 vs 6,493 tests/year). Blyth may have more available slots.
- Best months: Blyth's highest pass rate month is Oct (51.6%). Gateshead peaks in Jun (41.9%).
- 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, Blyth or Gateshead?
Blyth has the higher pass rate at 47.2%, compared to 37.4% at Gateshead. This is a 9.8 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Gateshead conducts more tests (8,109 vs 6,493 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Blyth has declined notably over the last three years, falling 9.2 percentage points. Gateshead has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.2 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.