Sunderland vs Carlisle
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sunderland | Carlisle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 47.1% | 54.9% |
| Male Pass Rate | 47.8% | 56.3% |
| Female Pass Rate | 46.4% | 53.5% |
| Tests Conducted | 9,084 | 3,684 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 15 |
Pass Rate Trends
Sunderland vs Carlisle
Choosing between Sunderland and Carlisle for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 7.8 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Sunderland has a pass rate of 47.1% from 9,084 tests, while Carlisle sits at 54.9% from 3,684 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Carlisle leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Sunderland is the busier centre with 9,084 tests per year, compared to 3,684 at Carlisle. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Sunderland has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Carlisle has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Gender comparison: At Sunderland, the male pass rate is 47.8% and female is 46.4%. At Carlisle, it's 56.3% male and 53.5% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Carlisle has the edge at 54.9% compared to Sunderland's 47.1%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Sunderland, 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: Sunderland is the busier centre (9,084 vs 3,684 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Carlisle could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Sunderland's highest pass rate month is Feb (51.4%). Carlisle peaks in May (58.5%).
- 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, Sunderland or Carlisle?
Carlisle has the higher pass rate at 54.9%, compared to 47.1% at Sunderland. This is a 7.8 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Sunderland conducts more tests (9,084 vs 3,684 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Sunderland has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Carlisle 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.