Horsforth Driving Test Centre
· West Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Horsforth
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Horsforth is located at Horsforth School, Lee Lane East, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5RF. To reach the centre by car, take the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road and exit at the junction for Horsforth. Follow signs towards the town centre, then turn onto Lee Lane East where you'll find the school entrance. The test centre operates from within the school grounds, so look out for DVSA signage directing you to the correct area of the site.
Parking is available in the school car park, but spaces can be limited during busy periods, so arrive with plenty of time to spare. The nearest railway station is Horsforth, which is approximately half a mile away from the test centre. You can walk from the station in about 10-15 minutes, or take a short taxi ride if you prefer. Several local bus routes serve the Horsforth area, connecting to Leeds city centre and surrounding districts.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the designated DVSA area within the school premises rather than the main school reception. Your driving instructor will know exactly where to go, but look for clear DVSA signage if you're arriving independently. As the centre operates from a school site, be mindful of school traffic and pedestrians, particularly during term time when students may be moving around the grounds.
About Horsforth Test Centre
Horsforth is a DVSA driving test centre located in West Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 51.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 11,935 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Horsforth, 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 501 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LS18 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Horsforth 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 Horsforth 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 995 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Horsforth stands at 51.3%, which is close to 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 3.2 percentage point advantage at Horsforth, passing at 52.7% compared to 49.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Horsforth was 51.3% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 34.9% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 53.8%, while the lowest was in Sep at 47.5%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Horsforth Historical Performance
Our records for Horsforth begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 34.9% from 9,833 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 47.1%, and it now sits at 51.3%.
Test volumes at Horsforth have grown over this period, rising from 9,833 to 11,935 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 Horsforth
Based on the data we hold for Horsforth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Horsforth, pass rates in Mar (53.8%) are notably higher than in Sep (47.5%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Horsforth. 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 Horsforth, 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 Horsforth 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 Horsforth?
The current pass rate at Horsforth is 51.3%, based on 11,935 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Horsforth conduct per year?
Horsforth conducted 11,935 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 995 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Horsforth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.3%, Horsforth 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 Horsforth?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 53.8%. 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 Horsforth?
Male candidates have a 3.2 percentage point advantage at Horsforth, passing at 52.7% compared to 49.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Horsforth pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 990 | 528 | 53.3% | 56.3% | 49.8% |
| May | 941 | 489 | 52.0% | 53.5% | 50.2% |
| Jun | 1,089 | 556 | 51.1% | 52.4% | 49.4% |
| Jul | 1,218 | 644 | 52.9% | 55.0% | 50.3% |
| Aug | 847 | 404 | 47.7% | 50.3% | 44.7% |
| Sep | 976 | 464 | 47.5% | 49.1% | 45.5% |
| Oct | 1,214 | 619 | 51.0% | 51.9% | 49.8% |
| Nov | 982 | 508 | 51.7% | 52.3% | 50.9% |
| Dec | 992 | 491 | 49.5% | 48.4% | 51.0% |
| Jan | 775 | 401 | 51.7% | 54.8% | 47.5% |
| Feb | 949 | 497 | 52.4% | 52.9% | 51.7% |
| Mar | 962 | 518 | 53.8% | 55.3% | 52.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Horsforth.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Horsforth? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 6,082 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Horsforth with 66.8% from 1104 tests, while 24-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 | 1,104 | 66.8% | 66.7% | 66.9% |
| 18 | 1,094 | 55.9% | 56.2% | 55.5% |
| 19 | 727 | 52.0% | 55.2% | 48.0% |
| 20 | 613 | 53.7% | 55.2% | 52.1% |
| 21 | 588 | 54.9% | 57.0% | 52.9% |
| 22 | 544 | 55.9% | 58.3% | 53.6% |
| 23 | 492 | 55.9% | 57.4% | 54.4% |
| 24 | 430 | 50.0% | 50.6% | 49.1% |
| 25 | 490 | 51.6% | 51.1% | 52.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Horsforth, the automatic test pass rate is 45.7%, which is 5.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.3%. With 3,389 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.
Male automatic candidates pass at 46.9% compared to 45.0% for females.