Bradford (Thornbury) Driving Test Centre
· West Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bradford (Thornbury)
The DVSA Bradford (Thornbury) test centre is located at Thornbury House, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD5 0BQ. To reach the centre by car, take the M606 motorway and exit at Junction 3, following signs for Bradford city centre. From the junction, follow the A6177 (Sticker Lane) and then turn onto Little Horton Lane. The test centre is clearly signposted and sits on your left-hand side. If approaching from other directions, use the A647 or A658 to connect with the city centre routes before joining Little Horton Lane.
The test centre provides on-site parking with dedicated bays for driving test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces. The nearest railway station is Bradford Interchange, which is approximately 2 miles away from the test centre. From the station, you can catch local bus services, though specific route numbers may vary, so it's worth checking with First West Yorkshire for the most current timetables and connections to Little Horton Lane.
When you arrive for your test, report directly to the reception area inside the building where staff will check your documents and call your driving examiner. The test centre is housed in a modern office building with level access, making it easily accessible. You'll typically wait inside the reception area rather than in your car, and there are toilet facilities available on-site for your convenience before your test begins.
About Bradford (Heaton) Test Centre
Bradford (Heaton) is a DVSA driving test centre located in West Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 47.1%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 7,107 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 14 years of historical data for Bradford (Heaton), stretching back to 2010-11. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
There are approximately 617 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the BD1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bradford (Heaton) test centre serves candidates from West Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. If you're booking your practical test here, it's worth arriving at least 10 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the car park and check in with the examiner.
Test routes from Bradford (Heaton) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the West Yorkshire area. As with all DVSA centres, your test will last approximately 40 minutes and include an independent driving section, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and potentially an emergency stop.
The centre conducts around 592 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bradford (Heaton) stands at 47.1%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.2 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Bradford (Heaton), passing at 47.8% compared to 45.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bradford (Heaton) was 51.4% in 2023-24, while the lowest was 28.9% in 2010-11.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 50.8%, while the lowest was in Sep at 43.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Bradford (Heaton) Historical Performance
Our records for Bradford (Heaton) begin in the 2010-11 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 28.9% from 2,284 tests. By 2017-18, the rate had risen to 43.3%, and it now sits at 47.1%.
Test volumes at Bradford (Heaton) have grown over this period, rising from 2,284 to 7,107 tests per year. The data also captures the impact of COVID-19, with the 2020-21 year showing significantly reduced test volumes across all UK centres.
This long-term perspective is valuable for understanding whether the current pass rate is typical for this centre or part of a broader trend. A centre with a temporarily low pass rate may be recovering, while one with a consistently high rate offers more predictable conditions.
Tips for Passing at Bradford (Heaton)
Based on the data we hold for Bradford (Heaton), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bradford (Heaton), pass rates in Apr (50.8%) are notably higher than in Sep (43.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bradford (Heaton). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the West Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bradford (Heaton), compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Bradford (Heaton) have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Bradford (Heaton) at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Use the time to settle your nerves and review any tricky manoeuvres mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate at Bradford (Heaton)?
The current pass rate at Bradford (Heaton) is 47.1%, based on 7,107 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bradford (Heaton) conduct per year?
Bradford (Heaton) conducted 7,107 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 592 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Bradford (Heaton) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.1%, Bradford (Heaton) is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data.
What's the best month to take my test at Bradford (Heaton)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 50.8%. However, monthly variation can change year to year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Do men or women pass more at Bradford (Heaton)?
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Bradford (Heaton), passing at 47.8% compared to 45.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bradford (Thornbury) pass rate over 14 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 461 | 234 | 50.8% | 50.8% | 50.8% |
| May | 650 | 294 | 45.2% | 45.9% | 44.1% |
| Jun | 640 | 302 | 47.2% | 49.8% | 42.4% |
| Jul | 729 | 363 | 49.8% | 49.8% | 49.8% |
| Aug | 492 | 216 | 43.9% | 42.7% | 45.6% |
| Sep | 587 | 254 | 43.3% | 45.2% | 39.4% |
| Oct | 563 | 269 | 47.8% | 48.2% | 47.1% |
| Nov | 637 | 276 | 43.3% | 42.5% | 44.7% |
| Dec | 609 | 295 | 48.4% | 48.4% | 48.6% |
| Jan | 466 | 229 | 49.1% | 48.8% | 49.7% |
| Feb | 615 | 304 | 49.4% | 53.5% | 43.3% |
| Mar | 658 | 308 | 46.8% | 48.5% | 43.9% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2pp higher rate than female candidates at Bradford (Thornbury).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bradford (Thornbury)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,852 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bradford (Thornbury) with 58.4% from 490 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 43.9%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 490 | 58.4% | 57.5% | 60.1% |
| 18 | 788 | 52.8% | 56.8% | 48.2% |
| 19 | 582 | 54.0% | 52.2% | 56.3% |
| 20 | 451 | 48.1% | 49.8% | 45.8% |
| 21 | 394 | 50.3% | 50.2% | 50.3% |
| 22 | 368 | 47.0% | 49.5% | 44.1% |
| 23 | 279 | 48.7% | 50.3% | 46.5% |
| 24 | 239 | 43.9% | 44.8% | 42.4% |
| 25 | 261 | 49.8% | 46.7% | 57.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bradford (Thornbury), the automatic test pass rate is 43.8%, which is 3.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 47.1%. With 1,811 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 46.1% compared to 42.3% for females.