Edinburgh (Musselburgh) vs Livingston

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Edinburgh (Musselburgh) Livingston
Overall Pass Rate 47.0% 50.7%
Male Pass Rate 45.4% 49.1%
Female Pass Rate 48.9% 52.4%
Tests Conducted 7,800 4,486
Years of Data 16 9

Pass Rate Trends

40% 44% 48% 52% 56% 60% 2007 2009 2012 2014 2016 2018 2021 2023 2015: 49.6% 2016: 48.9% 2017: 45.8% 2018: 44.2% 2019: 48.4% 2021: 56.9% 2022: 52.4% 2023: 51.6% 2024: 50.7% 2007: 42.6% 2008: 47.2% 2009: 48.1% 2011: 48.7% 2012: 49.3% 2013: 48.5% 2014: 45.7% 2015: 46.9% 2016: 51.0% 2017: 46.9% 2018: 42.9% 2019: 41.2% 2021: 47.2% 2022: 46.8% 2023: 44.1% 2024: 47.0%
Edinburgh (Musselburgh) Livingston

Edinburgh (Currie) vs Livingston

Choosing between Edinburgh (Currie) and Livingston for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 3.7 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.

Edinburgh (Currie) has a pass rate of 47.0% from 7,800 tests, while Livingston sits at 50.7% from 4,486 tests in the latest financial year.

Detailed Analysis

Pass rates: Livingston leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.

Test volume: Edinburgh (Currie) is the busier centre with 7,800 tests per year, compared to 4,486 at Livingston. Both centres have comparable volumes.

Trends: Edinburgh (Currie) has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Livingston has remained relatively stable over the last three years.

Gender comparison: At Edinburgh (Currie), the male pass rate is 45.4% and female is 48.9%. At Livingston, it's 49.1% male and 52.4% female.

Our Verdict

On pass rate alone, Livingston has the edge at 50.7% compared to Edinburgh (Currie)'s 47.0%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Edinburgh (Currie), 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: Edinburgh (Currie) is the busier centre (7,800 vs 4,486 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Livingston could offer more flexible scheduling.
  • Best months: Edinburgh (Currie)'s highest pass rate month is Jul (51.3%). Livingston peaks in Oct (54.3%).
  • 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, Edinburgh (Currie) or Livingston?

Livingston has the higher pass rate at 50.7%, compared to 47.0% at Edinburgh (Currie). This is a 3.7 percentage point difference.

Which centre is busier?

Edinburgh (Currie) conducts more tests (7,800 vs 4,486 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.

Are these pass rates trending up or down?

Edinburgh (Currie) has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Livingston 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.