Darlington vs Northallerton
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Darlington | Northallerton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.2% | 58.6% |
| Male Pass Rate | 48.4% | 55.0% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.4% | 62.9% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,828 | 2,314 |
| Years of Data | 16 | 18 |
Pass Rate Trends
Darlington vs Northallerton
Choosing between Darlington and Northallerton for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 9.4 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Darlington has a pass rate of 49.2% from 6,828 tests, while Northallerton sits at 58.6% from 2,314 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Northallerton leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Darlington is the busier centre with 6,828 tests per year, compared to 2,314 at Northallerton. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Darlington has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points, while Northallerton has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.7 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Darlington, the male pass rate is 48.4% and female is 50.4%. At Northallerton, it's 55.0% male and 62.9% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Northallerton has the edge at 58.6% compared to Darlington's 49.2%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Darlington, 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: Darlington is the busier centre (6,828 vs 2,314 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Northallerton could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Darlington's highest pass rate month is Apr (54.9%). Northallerton peaks in Jul (66.8%).
- 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, Darlington or Northallerton?
Northallerton has the higher pass rate at 58.6%, compared to 49.2% at Darlington. This is a 9.4 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Darlington conducts more tests (6,828 vs 2,314 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Darlington has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points. Northallerton has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.7 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.