Cheetham Hill (Manchester) Driving Test Centre
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Key Statistics
Getting to Cheetham Hill (Manchester)
The DVSA practical driving test centre at Cheetham Hill is located at 792 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M8 8BP. To get there by car, follow the A664 Rochdale Road, which runs north from Manchester city centre through Cheetham Hill. If you're coming from the M60, take junction 18 and head south on the A6010, then turn left onto Rochdale Road. The test centre sits on the main road and is clearly signposted. There's a small on-site car park with spaces for candidates and instructors, though it can get busy during peak testing times.
The nearest railway station is Manchester Victoria, approximately 2.5 miles away, which connects to the test centre via several bus routes including the 135 and 184 services that run along Rochdale Road. If you're travelling by public transport, allow plenty of time as buses can be delayed, especially during rush hour. The area has some on-street parking available on nearby residential roads if the centre's car park is full.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your examiner will collect you from the waiting area, so there's no need to wait in your car unless specifically instructed. The centre has basic facilities including toilets and a small waiting area, making it comfortable while you prepare for your test.
About Cheetham Hill Test Centre
Cheetham Hill is a DVSA driving test centre located in Unknown. With a current pass rate of 43.7%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 10,768 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Cheetham Hill, 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 738 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the M8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Cheetham Hill test centre serves candidates from Unknown 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 Cheetham Hill will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Unknown 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 897 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Cheetham Hill stands at 43.7%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male candidates have a 9.0 percentage point advantage at Cheetham Hill, passing at 48.0% compared to 39.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Cheetham Hill was 46.3% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 32.2% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 48.2%, while the lowest was in May at 39.8%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Cheetham Hill Historical Performance
Our records for Cheetham Hill begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 43.0% from 6,970 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had fallen to 36.9%, and it now sits at 43.7%.
Test volumes at Cheetham Hill have grown over this period, rising from 6,970 to 10,768 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 Cheetham Hill
Based on the data we hold for Cheetham Hill, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Cheetham Hill, pass rates in Aug (48.2%) are notably higher than in May (39.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Cheetham Hill. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Unknown area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Cheetham Hill, 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 Cheetham Hill 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 Cheetham Hill?
The current pass rate at Cheetham Hill is 43.7%, based on 10,768 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Cheetham Hill conduct per year?
Cheetham Hill conducted 10,768 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 897 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Cheetham Hill a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 43.7%, Cheetham Hill 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. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Cheetham Hill?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 48.2%. 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 Cheetham Hill?
Male candidates have a 9.0 percentage point advantage at Cheetham Hill, passing at 48.0% compared to 39.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Cheetham Hill (Manchester) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 936 | 385 | 41.1% | 46.0% | 35.7% |
| May | 891 | 355 | 39.8% | 44.5% | 35.1% |
| Jun | 888 | 387 | 43.6% | 48.1% | 39.1% |
| Jul | 1,038 | 459 | 44.2% | 47.7% | 40.8% |
| Aug | 907 | 437 | 48.2% | 53.2% | 42.5% |
| Sep | 849 | 393 | 46.3% | 51.8% | 39.4% |
| Oct | 887 | 390 | 44.0% | 47.5% | 39.8% |
| Nov | 887 | 369 | 41.6% | 44.3% | 38.3% |
| Dec | 651 | 293 | 45.0% | 50.4% | 38.6% |
| Jan | 885 | 396 | 44.7% | 50.9% | 37.1% |
| Feb | 975 | 440 | 45.1% | 47.9% | 42.3% |
| Mar | 974 | 404 | 41.5% | 44.1% | 38.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 9pp higher rate than female candidates at Cheetham Hill (Manchester).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Cheetham Hill (Manchester)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,475 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Cheetham Hill (Manchester) with 54.0% from 422 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 46.0%. 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 | 422 | 54.0% | 54.3% | 53.7% |
| 18 | 649 | 49.5% | 52.5% | 46.1% |
| 19 | 702 | 46.7% | 46.9% | 46.6% |
| 20 | 593 | 46.0% | 50.7% | 41.5% |
| 21 | 482 | 47.7% | 50.6% | 44.9% |
| 22 | 430 | 48.8% | 54.9% | 42.2% |
| 23 | 385 | 47.3% | 53.9% | 39.8% |
| 24 | 402 | 52.0% | 50.9% | 53.4% |
| 25 | 410 | 46.8% | 52.0% | 40.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Cheetham Hill (Manchester), the automatic test pass rate is 40.9%, which is 2.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 43.7%. With 4,634 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 47.1% compared to 37.5% for females.