Halifax Driving Test Centre
· West Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Halifax
The DVSA Halifax practical driving test centre is located at Shay Stadium, Shaw Hill, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 2YS. To reach the centre by car, follow the A58 from either direction and turn onto Shaw Hill near the town centre. The test centre shares its location with FC Halifax Town's football ground, so look out for the Shay Stadium signage. There's on-site parking available in the stadium car park, which is free to use during test appointments. The car park can get busy on match days, so allow extra time if there's a football fixture scheduled.
Halifax railway station is approximately one mile from the test centre, making it a reasonable walk of about 15 to 20 minutes uphill along King Cross Street and Shaw Hill. Several local bus services run along the A58 and nearby routes, though you'll need to check current timetables with First West Yorkshire for the most up-to-date information. The walk from the town centre bus stops takes roughly 10 minutes.
When you arrive, report to the DVSA reception area within the stadium complex rather than waiting in your car. The building is clearly signposted once you're in the car park. Be aware that the location involves some walking across the car park and the entrance may not be immediately obvious if you're unfamiliar with the stadium layout, so arrive with a few minutes to spare to find your way around.
About Halifax Test Centre
Halifax is a DVSA driving test centre located in West Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 44.7%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,959 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Halifax, 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 96 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the HX1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Halifax test centre serves candidates from West Yorkshire 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 Halifax will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the West Yorkshire 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 413 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Halifax stands at 44.7%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Halifax, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Halifax was 48.0% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 36.0% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 50.2%, while the lowest was in Nov at 38.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Halifax Historical Performance
Our records for Halifax begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.5% from 5,013 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 43.0%, and it now sits at 44.7%.
Test volumes at Halifax 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 Halifax
Based on the data we hold for Halifax, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Halifax, pass rates in Jun (50.2%) are notably higher than in Nov (38.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Halifax. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the West Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Halifax, 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 Halifax 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 Halifax?
The current pass rate at Halifax is 44.7%, based on 4,959 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Halifax conduct per year?
Halifax conducted 4,959 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 413 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Halifax a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 44.7%, Halifax 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 Halifax?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 50.2%. 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 Halifax?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Halifax, 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
Halifax pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 325 | 141 | 43.4% | 49.7% | 37.2% |
| May | 494 | 212 | 42.9% | 42.6% | 43.3% |
| Jun | 438 | 220 | 50.2% | 47.2% | 53.1% |
| Jul | 434 | 213 | 49.1% | 45.2% | 53.4% |
| Aug | 333 | 152 | 45.6% | 48.0% | 43.1% |
| Sep | 506 | 219 | 43.3% | 46.4% | 39.5% |
| Oct | 476 | 228 | 47.9% | 44.7% | 51.3% |
| Nov | 390 | 151 | 38.7% | 40.2% | 37.1% |
| Dec | 380 | 169 | 44.5% | 42.8% | 46.5% |
| Jan | 265 | 103 | 38.9% | 42.2% | 34.7% |
| Feb | 416 | 180 | 43.3% | 45.0% | 41.4% |
| Mar | 502 | 231 | 46.0% | 47.3% | 44.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Halifax.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Halifax? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,146 of the tests conducted here.
23-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Halifax with 55.9% from 143 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 39.2%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 665 | 52.2% | 52.9% | 51.3% |
| 18 | 754 | 47.2% | 47.7% | 46.8% |
| 19 | 448 | 47.8% | 49.8% | 45.7% |
| 20 | 334 | 39.8% | 41.5% | 37.7% |
| 21 | 250 | 46.8% | 46.7% | 47.0% |
| 22 | 241 | 41.1% | 43.4% | 38.4% |
| 23 | 143 | 55.9% | 51.4% | 60.3% |
| 24 | 168 | 53.0% | 52.4% | 53.5% |
| 25 | 143 | 39.2% | 42.7% | 35.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Halifax, the automatic test pass rate is 44.3%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 44.7%. With 887 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 44.9% compared to 43.1% for males.