Bristol (Avonmouth) Driving Test Centre
· City of Bristol
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bristol (Avonmouth)
The Bristol (Avonmouth) DVSA test centre is located in the northern part of Bristol, easily accessible from the M5 motorway. If you're coming from central Bristol or the south, take the A4 Portway northbound towards Avonmouth, which provides a direct route to the test centre. From the M5, take Junction 18 and follow signs for Avonmouth and the A4. The test centre is well-signposted once you're in the Avonmouth area, making it straightforward to find even if you're not familiar with this part of Bristol.
Public transport links to Avonmouth are available via local bus services from Bristol city centre, though journey times can be longer than driving. If you're travelling by car, there's parking available at the test centre, but it's worth arriving with plenty of time to spare, especially during busy periods. The area around Avonmouth is quite industrial, so don't be surprised by the surroundings. Make sure you've planned your route in advance and perhaps done a practice drive to the centre beforehand, as this will help reduce any anxiety on your test day and ensure you arrive feeling confident and prepared.
About Bristol (Avonmouth) Test Centre
Bristol (Avonmouth) is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Bristol. With a current pass rate of 53.7%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,980 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 8 years of historical data for Bristol (Avonmouth), stretching back to 2016-17. 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 609 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the BS1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bristol (Avonmouth) test centre serves candidates from City of Bristol 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 Bristol (Avonmouth) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Bristol 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 832 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bristol (Avonmouth) stands at 53.7%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.8 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Bristol (Avonmouth), with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bristol (Avonmouth) was 57.5% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 51.4% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 56.5%, while the lowest was in Mar at 48.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Bristol (Avonmouth) Historical Performance
Our records for Bristol (Avonmouth) begin in the 2016-17 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 52.1% from 843 tests. By 2021-22, the rate had risen to 56.1%, and it now sits at 53.7%.
Test volumes at Bristol (Avonmouth) have grown over this period, rising from 843 to 9,980 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 Bristol (Avonmouth)
Based on the data we hold for Bristol (Avonmouth), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bristol (Avonmouth), pass rates in Oct (56.5%) are notably higher than in Mar (48.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bristol (Avonmouth). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Bristol area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bristol (Avonmouth), 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 Bristol (Avonmouth) 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 Bristol (Avonmouth) 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 Bristol (Avonmouth)?
The current pass rate at Bristol (Avonmouth) is 53.7%, based on 9,980 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bristol (Avonmouth) conduct per year?
Bristol (Avonmouth) conducted 9,980 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 832 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Bristol (Avonmouth) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 53.7%, Bristol (Avonmouth) is a solid choice. 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 Bristol (Avonmouth)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 56.5%. 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 Bristol (Avonmouth)?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Bristol (Avonmouth), with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Looking for an earlier test date at Bristol (Avonmouth)?
Test waiting times can be weeks or even months at busy centres. Cancellation checking services monitor the DVSA booking system and alert you when an earlier slot opens up, often within days.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bristol (Avonmouth) pass rate over 8 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 944 | 523 | 55.4% | 58.9% | 52.0% |
| May | 1,037 | 539 | 52.0% | 50.1% | 54.6% |
| Jun | 929 | 491 | 52.9% | 53.0% | 52.6% |
| Jul | 946 | 533 | 56.3% | 55.3% | 57.9% |
| Aug | 705 | 377 | 53.5% | 54.5% | 52.2% |
| Sep | 898 | 470 | 52.3% | 54.6% | 49.6% |
| Oct | 806 | 455 | 56.5% | 56.9% | 55.9% |
| Nov | 714 | 397 | 55.6% | 58.0% | 52.9% |
| Dec | 669 | 375 | 56.1% | 56.6% | 55.4% |
| Jan | 840 | 436 | 51.9% | 52.3% | 51.5% |
| Feb | 689 | 378 | 54.9% | 53.5% | 56.2% |
| Mar | 803 | 388 | 48.3% | 46.9% | 49.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Bristol (Avonmouth).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bristol (Avonmouth)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,440 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bristol (Avonmouth) with 65.8% from 1445 tests, while 19-year-olds have the lowest at 54.2%. 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 | 1,445 | 65.8% | 65.0% | 66.8% |
| 18 | 1,005 | 55.5% | 56.0% | 54.9% |
| 19 | 605 | 54.2% | 55.6% | 52.8% |
| 20 | 517 | 55.7% | 54.8% | 56.7% |
| 21 | 443 | 54.9% | 56.4% | 53.2% |
| 22 | 411 | 57.2% | 54.2% | 59.8% |
| 23 | 349 | 55.3% | 59.6% | 50.6% |
| 24 | 339 | 56.9% | 62.4% | 51.7% |
| 25 | 326 | 56.7% | 55.0% | 58.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bristol (Avonmouth), the automatic test pass rate is 49.5%, which is 4.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 53.7%. With 2,752 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 52.1% compared to 47.9% for females.