Farnborough vs Rugby
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farnborough | Rugby |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 58.3% | 46.0% |
| Male Pass Rate | 60.8% | 44.7% |
| Female Pass Rate | 55.6% | 47.9% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,041 | 7,174 |
| Years of Data | 15 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Farnborough vs Rugby
Choosing between Farnborough and Rugby for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 12.3 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Farnborough has a pass rate of 58.3% from 8,041 tests, while Rugby sits at 46.0% from 7,174 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Farnborough leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Farnborough is the busier centre with 8,041 tests per year, compared to 7,174 at Rugby. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Farnborough has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.5 percentage points, while Rugby has declined notably over the last three years, falling 9.2 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Farnborough, the male pass rate is 60.8% and female is 55.6%. At Rugby, it's 44.7% male and 47.9% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Farnborough has the edge at 58.3% compared to Rugby's 46.0%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Rugby, 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: Farnborough is the busier centre (8,041 vs 7,174 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Rugby could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Farnborough's highest pass rate month is May (61.8%). Rugby peaks in Dec (53.5%).
- 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, Farnborough or Rugby?
Farnborough has the higher pass rate at 58.3%, compared to 46.0% at Rugby. This is a 12.3 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Farnborough conducts more tests (8,041 vs 7,174 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Farnborough has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.5 percentage points. Rugby has declined notably over the last three years, falling 9.2 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.