Hexham Driving Test Centre
· Northumberland
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Key Statistics
Getting to Hexham
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Hexham is located at Wentworth Business Park, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 3QP. To reach the centre by car, follow the A69 trunk road and take the junction for Hexham. The business park is clearly signposted from the main road approaches to the town. If you're coming from Newcastle, head west on the A69, while those travelling from Carlisle should head east on the same route. The test centre provides on-site parking with designated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding roadside parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Hexham station, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre. Regular bus services connect the town centre with various parts of Hexham, though you'll need to check current timetables for the most convenient routes to Wentworth Business Park. If you're arriving by public transport, allow extra time for the journey from the station or bus stops to ensure you arrive punctually for your test appointment.
When you arrive at the test centre, you should report to reception where staff will check you in for your appointment. Make sure you bring both parts of your driving licence and any other required documentation. The centre facilities include a waiting area, and your driving examiner will collect you from reception when it's time for your test to begin.
About Hexham Test Centre
Hexham is a DVSA driving test centre located in Northumberland. With a current pass rate of 56.7%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,213 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Hexham, 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 718 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NE46 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Hexham test centre serves candidates from Northumberland 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 Hexham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Northumberland 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 101 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Hexham stands at 56.7%, 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.
Female candidates outperform males at Hexham, passing at 57.7% compared to 55.8% for male candidates, a 1.9 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Hexham was 67.6% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 44.6% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 69.2%, while the lowest was in Dec at 43.5%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Hexham Historical Performance
Our records for Hexham begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 44.6% from 2,340 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 62.0%, and it now sits at 56.7%.
Test volumes at Hexham have decreased 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 Hexham
Based on the data we hold for Hexham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Hexham, pass rates in Jun (69.2%) are notably higher than in Dec (43.5%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Hexham is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Hexham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Northumberland area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Hexham, 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 Hexham 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 Hexham?
The current pass rate at Hexham is 56.7%, based on 1,213 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Hexham conduct per year?
Hexham conducted 1,213 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 101 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Hexham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 56.7%, Hexham 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 Hexham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 69.2%. 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 Hexham?
Female candidates outperform males at Hexham, passing at 57.7% compared to 55.8% for male candidates, a 1.9 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Hexham pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 122 | 69 | 56.6% | 62.5% | 50.0% |
| May | 110 | 66 | 60.0% | 57.1% | 63.8% |
| Jun | 78 | 54 | 69.2% | 69.7% | 68.9% |
| Jul | 96 | 55 | 57.3% | 50.0% | 65.9% |
| Aug | 82 | 49 | 59.8% | 60.9% | 58.3% |
| Sep | 97 | 57 | 58.8% | 64.2% | 52.3% |
| Oct | 124 | 76 | 61.3% | 57.1% | 66.7% |
| Nov | 109 | 61 | 56.0% | 53.7% | 59.5% |
| Dec | 92 | 40 | 43.5% | 44.0% | 42.9% |
| Jan | 98 | 52 | 53.1% | 48.9% | 56.9% |
| Feb | 107 | 55 | 51.4% | 49.1% | 53.7% |
| Mar | 98 | 54 | 55.1% | 55.6% | 54.7% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.9pp higher rate than male candidates at Hexham.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Hexham? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 818 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Hexham with 66.4% from 372 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 50.0%. 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 | 372 | 66.4% | 64.1% | 69.0% |
| 18 | 179 | 60.3% | 60.7% | 60.0% |
| 19 | 87 | 62.1% | 63.4% | 60.9% |
| 20 | 39 | 64.1% | 56.5% | 75.0% |
| 21 | 50 | 56.0% | 55.6% | 56.5% |
| 22 | 50 | 50.0% | 61.9% | 41.4% |
| 23 | 41 | 51.2% | 38.1% | 65.0% |
| 24 | 0 | 44.4% | 42.9% | 50.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 64.7% | 61.5% | 75.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Hexham, the automatic test pass rate is 46.3%, which is 10.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 56.7%. 203 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
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 49.0% compared to 43.7% for males.