Brecon vs Merthyr Tydfil
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brecon | Merthyr Tydfil |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 58.9% | 53.5% |
| Male Pass Rate | 62.0% | 55.8% |
| Female Pass Rate | 55.8% | 50.9% |
| Tests Conducted | 1,565 | 3,703 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 14 |
Pass Rate Trends
Brecon vs Merthyr Tydfil
Choosing between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 5.4 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Brecon has a pass rate of 58.9% from 1,565 tests, while Merthyr Tydfil sits at 53.5% from 3,703 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Brecon leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Merthyr Tydfil is the busier centre with 3,703 tests per year, compared to 1,565 at Brecon. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Brecon has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Merthyr Tydfil has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Gender comparison: At Brecon, the male pass rate is 62.0% and female is 55.8%. At Merthyr Tydfil, it's 55.8% male and 50.9% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Brecon has the edge at 58.9% compared to Merthyr Tydfil's 53.5%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Merthyr Tydfil, 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: Merthyr Tydfil is the busier centre (3,703 vs 1,565 tests/year). Brecon may have more available slots.
- Best months: Brecon's highest pass rate month is Apr (68.1%). Merthyr Tydfil peaks in Jun (57.9%).
- 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, Brecon or Merthyr Tydfil?
Brecon has the higher pass rate at 58.9%, compared to 53.5% at Merthyr Tydfil. This is a 5.4 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Merthyr Tydfil conducts more tests (3,703 vs 1,565 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Brecon has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Merthyr Tydfil has remained relatively stable over the last three years. 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.