Chichester Driving Test Centre
· West Sussex
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Key Statistics
Getting to Chichester
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Chichester is located at Westhampnett Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7SE. To get there by car, take the A27 and exit at the A285 junction towards Chichester. Follow the A285 (Westhampnett Road) northbound for about a mile, and you'll find the test centre on your left-hand side. The centre has its own car park with designated bays for learners and accompanying drivers, so parking shouldn't be a concern on the day of your test.
The nearest railway station is Chichester, which is approximately 2 miles south of the test centre. From the station, you can catch the number 60 bus service which runs along the A285 and stops close to the test centre. If you're driving from the station area, head north on the A285 (Westhampnett Road) and the test centre will be on your right after about 5 minutes.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check your documents and call your driving examiner when it's time for your test. The centre has toilet facilities and a waiting area, though many candidates prefer to wait in their car with their instructor for last-minute practice and reassurance before the test begins.
About Chichester Test Centre
Chichester is a DVSA driving test centre located in West Sussex. With a current pass rate of 64.2%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,295 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Chichester, 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 561 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PO19 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Chichester test centre serves candidates from West Sussex 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 Chichester will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the West Sussex 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 441 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Chichester stands at 64.2%, which is above 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 Chichester, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Chichester was 65.8% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 49.8% in 2013-14.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 73.3%, while the lowest was in May at 52.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Chichester Historical Performance
Our records for Chichester begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 53.2% from 4,258 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 53.4%, and it now sits at 64.2%.
Test volumes at Chichester have grown over this period, rising from 4,258 to 5,295 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 Chichester
Based on the data we hold for Chichester, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Chichester, pass rates in Sep (73.3%) are notably higher than in May (52.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Chichester. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the West Sussex area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Chichester, 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 Chichester 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 Chichester?
The current pass rate at Chichester is 64.2%, based on 5,295 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Chichester conduct per year?
Chichester conducted 5,295 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 441 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Chichester a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 64.2%, Chichester 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 Chichester?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 73.3%. 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 Chichester?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Chichester, 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
Chichester pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 389 | 242 | 62.2% | 60.5% | 63.9% |
| May | 634 | 331 | 52.2% | 51.6% | 52.9% |
| Jun | 442 | 253 | 57.2% | 52.3% | 63.3% |
| Jul | 341 | 203 | 59.5% | 60.2% | 58.9% |
| Aug | 278 | 192 | 69.1% | 68.2% | 70.0% |
| Sep | 393 | 288 | 73.3% | 73.2% | 73.3% |
| Oct | 496 | 339 | 68.3% | 68.9% | 67.7% |
| Nov | 486 | 327 | 67.3% | 68.0% | 66.5% |
| Dec | 402 | 288 | 71.6% | 73.4% | 69.2% |
| Jan | 425 | 282 | 66.4% | 68.0% | 64.1% |
| Feb | 434 | 298 | 68.7% | 68.2% | 69.2% |
| Mar | 575 | 357 | 62.1% | 60.3% | 64.6% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.9pp higher rate than male candidates at Chichester.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Chichester? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,683 of the tests conducted here.
23-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Chichester with 75.5% from 139 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 61.5%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,562 | 70.1% | 70.1% | 70.1% |
| 18 | 759 | 66.0% | 63.9% | 68.3% |
| 19 | 328 | 65.2% | 68.1% | 61.6% |
| 20 | 263 | 66.2% | 68.4% | 63.8% |
| 21 | 198 | 65.2% | 63.5% | 66.7% |
| 22 | 192 | 67.2% | 69.1% | 65.3% |
| 23 | 139 | 75.5% | 73.7% | 77.8% |
| 24 | 122 | 61.5% | 63.8% | 58.5% |
| 25 | 120 | 65.8% | 65.1% | 66.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Chichester, the automatic test pass rate is 59.0%, which is 5.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 64.2%. With 858 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 60.2% compared to 57.2% for males.