Guildford vs Pembroke Dock
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Guildford | Pembroke Dock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 51.8% | 57.9% |
| Male Pass Rate | 52.6% | 60.0% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.8% | 55.7% |
| Tests Conducted | 5,032 | 2,077 |
| Years of Data | 16 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Guildford vs Pembroke Dock
Choosing between Guildford and Pembroke Dock for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 6.1 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Guildford has a pass rate of 51.8% from 5,032 tests, while Pembroke Dock sits at 57.9% from 2,077 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Pembroke Dock leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Guildford is the busier centre with 5,032 tests per year, compared to 2,077 at Pembroke Dock. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Guildford has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.2 percentage points, while Pembroke Dock has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.7 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Guildford, the male pass rate is 52.6% and female is 50.8%. At Pembroke Dock, it's 60.0% male and 55.7% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Pembroke Dock has the edge at 57.9% compared to Guildford's 51.8%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Guildford, 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: Guildford is the busier centre (5,032 vs 2,077 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Pembroke Dock could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Guildford's highest pass rate month is Jan (57.8%). Pembroke Dock peaks in May (70.4%).
- 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, Guildford or Pembroke Dock?
Pembroke Dock has the higher pass rate at 57.9%, compared to 51.8% at Guildford. This is a 6.1 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Guildford conducts more tests (5,032 vs 2,077 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Guildford has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.2 percentage points. Pembroke Dock has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.7 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.