Brentwood (London) vs Chingford (London)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brentwood (London) | Chingford (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 48.5% | 36.5% |
| Male Pass Rate | 48.6% | 38.0% |
| Female Pass Rate | 48.3% | 34.0% |
| Tests Conducted | 5,485 | 13,235 |
| Years of Data | 12 | 11 |
Pass Rate Trends
Brentwood vs Chingford
Choosing between Brentwood and Chingford for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 12.0 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Brentwood has a pass rate of 48.5% from 5,485 tests, while Chingford sits at 36.5% from 13,235 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Brentwood leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Chingford is the busier centre with 13,235 tests per year, compared to 5,485 at Brentwood. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Brentwood has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Chingford has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.8 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Brentwood, the male pass rate is 48.6% and female is 48.3%. At Chingford, it's 38.0% male and 34.0% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Brentwood has the edge at 48.5% compared to Chingford's 36.5%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Chingford, 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: Chingford is the busier centre (13,235 vs 5,485 tests/year). Brentwood may have more available slots.
- Best months: Brentwood's highest pass rate month is Sep (50.7%). Chingford peaks in Dec (38.8%).
- 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, Brentwood or Chingford?
Brentwood has the higher pass rate at 48.5%, compared to 36.5% at Chingford. This is a 12.0 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Chingford conducts more tests (13,235 vs 5,485 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Brentwood has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Chingford has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.8 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.