Brentwood (London) Driving Test Centre
· Essex
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Key Statistics
Getting to Brentwood (London)
The Brentwood DVSA test centre is located at Highwood Park, Kelvedon Common, Brentwood CM15 9RZ. To reach the centre by car, take the M25 to junction 28 and follow the A1023 towards Brentwood. The test centre is situated within Highwood Park, which is clearly signposted from the main road. The facility provides on-site parking with dedicated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for parking nearby.
The nearest railway station is Brentwood, which is approximately 3 miles from the test centre. From the station, you can catch local bus services, though having your own transport or arranging a lift is generally more convenient given the slightly out-of-town location. The centre is well-connected by road networks, making it accessible from various parts of Essex and East London.
When you arrive at the test centre, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building to check in for your test. The facility is modern and well-maintained, with adequate waiting areas and facilities including toilets. The car park has a barrier system, so follow the signs for visitor parking. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your test appointment time to complete the necessary paperwork and vehicle safety checks.
About Brentwood Test Centre
Brentwood is a DVSA driving test centre located in Essex. With a current pass rate of 48.5%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,485 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 12 years of historical data for Brentwood, stretching back to 2013-14. 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 544 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CM15 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Brentwood test centre serves candidates from Essex 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 Brentwood will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Essex 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 457 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Brentwood stands at 48.5%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Brentwood, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Brentwood was 55.1% in 2018-19, while the lowest was 42.0% in 2013-14.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 50.7%, while the lowest was in Feb at 45.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Brentwood Historical Performance
Our records for Brentwood begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 42.0% from 2,926 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had risen to 47.3%, and it now sits at 48.5%.
Test volumes at Brentwood have grown over this period, rising from 2,926 to 5,485 tests per year.
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 Brentwood
Based on the data we hold for Brentwood, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Brentwood. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Essex area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Brentwood, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Brentwood 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 Brentwood?
The current pass rate at Brentwood is 48.5%, based on 5,485 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Brentwood conduct per year?
Brentwood conducted 5,485 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 457 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Brentwood a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 48.5%, Brentwood 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 Brentwood?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 50.7%. 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 Brentwood?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Brentwood, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Brentwood (London) pass rate over 12 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 516 | 254 | 49.2% | 48.5% | 50.2% |
| May | 595 | 282 | 47.4% | 46.6% | 48.8% |
| Jun | 628 | 301 | 47.9% | 44.8% | 52.8% |
| Jul | 610 | 297 | 48.7% | 49.2% | 47.7% |
| Aug | 437 | 218 | 49.9% | 51.5% | 47.4% |
| Sep | 357 | 181 | 50.7% | 53.0% | 47.1% |
| Oct | 366 | 171 | 46.7% | 48.3% | 44.0% |
| Nov | 387 | 192 | 49.6% | 52.4% | 45.6% |
| Dec | 338 | 160 | 47.3% | 43.4% | 54.0% |
| Jan | 486 | 245 | 50.4% | 51.4% | 48.6% |
| Feb | 405 | 185 | 45.7% | 46.2% | 45.1% |
| Mar | 360 | 173 | 48.1% | 50.0% | 45.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.3pp higher rate than female candidates at Brentwood (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Brentwood (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,931 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Brentwood (London) with 59.1% from 815 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 42.1%. 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 | 815 | 59.1% | 57.8% | 60.8% |
| 18 | 597 | 50.9% | 49.0% | 53.4% |
| 19 | 312 | 45.8% | 45.5% | 46.3% |
| 20 | 273 | 50.9% | 50.6% | 51.4% |
| 21 | 185 | 50.3% | 50.5% | 50.0% |
| 22 | 197 | 45.2% | 45.5% | 44.6% |
| 23 | 183 | 42.1% | 40.3% | 45.3% |
| 24 | 171 | 43.3% | 41.5% | 46.2% |
| 25 | 198 | 46.5% | 44.7% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Brentwood (London), the automatic test pass rate is 44.3%, which is 4.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 48.5%. With 1,918 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 44.7% compared to 43.9% for males.