Cheltenham Driving Test Centre
· Gloucestershire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Cheltenham
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Cheltenham is located at Nexus House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7AS. To reach the centre by car, take the A40 towards Cheltenham and follow signs for the town centre. From the town centre, head towards Thirlestaine Road, which runs parallel to the Honeybourne Line railway. The centre is easily accessible from junction 11 of the M5 motorway, which is approximately 5 miles away. If approaching from other directions, the A46 and A435 also provide good access routes into Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Spa railway station is the nearest station, located approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre. Several local bus routes serve the area, including services that connect the town centre with residential areas. There is on-site parking available at the test centre, though spaces can be limited during busy periods. Some candidates choose to park on nearby residential streets, but do check any parking restrictions carefully.
When you arrive, you should report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor can wait in the reception area while you complete your test. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a waiting area. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time with all required documents including your provisional licence and theory test certificate.
About Cheltenham Test Centre
Cheltenham is a DVSA driving test centre located in Gloucestershire. With a current pass rate of 46.7%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,545 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Cheltenham, stretching back to 2007-08. 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 359 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the GL50 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Cheltenham test centre serves candidates from Gloucestershire 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 Cheltenham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Gloucestershire 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 545 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Cheltenham stands at 46.7%, 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 1.0 percentage point advantage at Cheltenham, passing at 47.2% compared to 46.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Cheltenham was 51.3% in 2007-08, while the lowest was 39.4% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 51.5%, while the lowest was in Jun at 43.0%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Cheltenham Historical Performance
Our records for Cheltenham begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.3% from 6,010 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 43.5%, and it now sits at 46.7%.
Test volumes at Cheltenham have remained broadly stable over this period. 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 Cheltenham
Based on the data we hold for Cheltenham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Cheltenham, pass rates in Aug (51.5%) are notably higher than in Jun (43.0%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Cheltenham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Gloucestershire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Cheltenham, 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 Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham?
The current pass rate at Cheltenham is 46.7%, based on 6,545 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Cheltenham conduct per year?
Cheltenham conducted 6,545 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 545 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Cheltenham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.7%, Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 51.5%. 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 Cheltenham?
Male candidates have a 1.0 percentage point advantage at Cheltenham, passing at 47.2% compared to 46.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Cheltenham pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 658 | 316 | 48.0% | 47.6% | 48.5% |
| May | 587 | 270 | 46.0% | 48.2% | 43.6% |
| Jun | 568 | 244 | 43.0% | 40.1% | 46.0% |
| Jul | 632 | 314 | 49.7% | 51.6% | 47.4% |
| Aug | 456 | 235 | 51.5% | 49.8% | 53.3% |
| Sep | 498 | 252 | 50.6% | 50.0% | 51.4% |
| Oct | 615 | 275 | 44.7% | 44.2% | 45.3% |
| Nov | 559 | 254 | 45.4% | 45.0% | 46.0% |
| Dec | 504 | 228 | 45.2% | 46.9% | 43.2% |
| Jan | 609 | 280 | 46.0% | 50.9% | 40.4% |
| Feb | 494 | 222 | 44.9% | 46.2% | 43.5% |
| Mar | 365 | 166 | 45.5% | 43.8% | 47.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1pp higher rate than female candidates at Cheltenham.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Cheltenham? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,417 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Cheltenham with 53.4% from 1608 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 41.1%. 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 | 1,608 | 53.4% | 53.0% | 53.7% |
| 18 | 964 | 50.4% | 50.7% | 50.1% |
| 19 | 429 | 50.8% | 52.0% | 49.8% |
| 20 | 333 | 41.1% | 42.4% | 39.8% |
| 21 | 288 | 47.6% | 45.5% | 49.7% |
| 22 | 242 | 48.8% | 47.6% | 50.0% |
| 23 | 173 | 52.0% | 56.2% | 47.6% |
| 24 | 189 | 41.3% | 43.5% | 39.2% |
| 25 | 191 | 51.3% | 56.6% | 43.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Cheltenham, the automatic test pass rate is 40.3%, which is 6.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.7%. With 1,151 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
The lower automatic pass rate compared to overall is unusual. This could reflect a smaller sample size or a particular candidate demographic. Check the trend over time to see if this is consistent.
Female automatic candidates pass at 41.1% compared to 39.2% for males.