Gloucester Driving Test Centre
· Gloucestershire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Gloucester
The DVSA Gloucester test centre is located at Olympus Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 4NF. To get there by car, take the A38 from Gloucester city centre heading south towards Bristol. After approximately 3 miles, turn left at the roundabout onto Naas Lane (following signs for Olympus Park), then continue straight until you reach the test centre on your right. If approaching from the M5, exit at Junction 12 and follow the A38 northbound towards Gloucester, then turn right onto Naas Lane at the roundabout.
The test centre provides free on-site parking with clearly marked bays directly outside the building. The nearest railway station is Gloucester, which is about 4 miles away and accessible by taxi or the number 5 bus service that runs from the city centre to Quedgeley. From Gloucester bus station, take the number 5 towards Quedgeley and alight at the Olympus Park stop, which is a short walk from the test centre.
When you arrive, head to the reception desk inside the building to check in for your test. The centre has a comfortable waiting area with seating, and there are toilet facilities available. Your driving instructor can wait in the car park during your test, and the centre staff will direct you on where to meet your examiner when it's time to begin.
About Gloucester Test Centre
Gloucester is a DVSA driving test centre located in Gloucestershire. With a current pass rate of 49.6%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,511 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Gloucester, 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 GL1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 543 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Gloucester stands at 49.6%, 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 2.9 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Gloucester, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Gloucester was 52.6% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 44.8% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 53.3%, while the lowest was in Jun at 47.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Gloucester Historical Performance
Our records for Gloucester begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.8% from 7,250 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 48.6%, and it now sits at 49.6%.
Test volumes at Gloucester 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 Gloucester
Based on the data we hold for Gloucester, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Gloucester, pass rates in Feb (53.3%) are notably higher than in Jun (47.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Gloucester. 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 Gloucester, 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester?
The current pass rate at Gloucester is 49.6%, based on 6,511 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Gloucester conduct per year?
Gloucester conducted 6,511 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 543 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Gloucester a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.6%, Gloucester 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 Gloucester?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 53.3%. 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 Gloucester?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Gloucester, 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
Gloucester pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 454 | 220 | 48.5% | 48.9% | 48.0% |
| May | 555 | 279 | 50.3% | 50.0% | 50.5% |
| Jun | 631 | 301 | 47.7% | 47.5% | 47.9% |
| Jul | 513 | 246 | 48.0% | 50.4% | 45.6% |
| Aug | 373 | 182 | 48.8% | 51.6% | 46.1% |
| Sep | 507 | 265 | 52.3% | 52.4% | 52.1% |
| Oct | 608 | 298 | 49.0% | 47.7% | 50.3% |
| Nov | 528 | 267 | 50.6% | 49.5% | 51.8% |
| Dec | 515 | 264 | 51.3% | 53.9% | 48.4% |
| Jan | 653 | 312 | 47.8% | 47.9% | 47.6% |
| Feb | 501 | 267 | 53.3% | 54.0% | 52.6% |
| Mar | 673 | 330 | 49.0% | 48.6% | 49.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Gloucester.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Gloucester? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,295 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Gloucester with 58.3% from 1322 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 46.5%. 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 | 1,322 | 58.3% | 59.2% | 57.4% |
| 18 | 1,005 | 54.0% | 55.2% | 53.0% |
| 19 | 490 | 55.5% | 57.7% | 53.3% |
| 20 | 350 | 53.7% | 58.4% | 49.2% |
| 21 | 299 | 51.5% | 49.0% | 54.0% |
| 22 | 264 | 53.0% | 56.1% | 50.4% |
| 23 | 191 | 52.4% | 44.9% | 61.9% |
| 24 | 204 | 51.0% | 50.8% | 51.3% |
| 25 | 170 | 46.5% | 44.4% | 48.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Gloucester, the automatic test pass rate is 39.8%, which is 9.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.6%. With 1,193 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 40.1% compared to 39.3% for males.