Launceston Driving Test Centre
· Cornwall
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Key Statistics
Getting to Launceston
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Launceston is located at Pennygillam Way, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7ED. To reach the centre by car, take the A30 towards Launceston and follow signs for the town centre. From the A30, take the A388 exit and continue until you reach Pennygillam Way. The test centre is situated in the Pennygillam Industrial Estate area, making it relatively straightforward to find once you're in the vicinity.
There is on-site parking available at the test centre, with designated bays for candidates and their accompanying drivers. The nearest railway station is Gunnislake, which is approximately 8 miles away, though most candidates find it more practical to arrange car transport given the rural location. Local bus services do operate in the Launceston area, but you should check current timetables with Cornwall Council's transport services to ensure reliable connections to Pennygillam Way.
When you arrive for your test, you'll need to report to the reception area where DVSA staff will check your documentation and provisional licence. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park area during your test. The centre is a modern facility with standard amenities, and the test routes typically cover a good mix of town driving, rural roads, and some of the challenging Cornish countryside that's characteristic of this part of Cornwall.
About Launceston Test Centre
Launceston is a DVSA driving test centre located in Cornwall. With a current pass rate of 48.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,286 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Launceston, 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 367 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PL15 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Launceston test centre serves candidates from Cornwall 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 Launceston will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Cornwall 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 191 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 Launceston stands at 48.3%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.8 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.7 percentage point advantage at Launceston, passing at 49.6% compared to 46.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Launceston was 58.8% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 41.9% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 56.7%, while the lowest was in Jun at 41.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Launceston Historical Performance
Our records for Launceston begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.8% from 2,614 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 53.3%, and it now sits at 48.3%.
Test volumes at Launceston 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 Launceston
Based on the data we hold for Launceston, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Launceston, pass rates in Feb (56.7%) are notably higher than in Jun (41.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Launceston 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 Launceston. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Cornwall area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Launceston, 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 Launceston 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 Launceston?
The current pass rate at Launceston is 48.3%, based on 2,286 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Launceston conduct per year?
Launceston conducted 2,286 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 191 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Launceston a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 48.3%, Launceston 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 Launceston?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 56.7%. 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 Launceston?
Male candidates have a 2.7 percentage point advantage at Launceston, passing at 49.6% compared to 46.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Launceston pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 231 | 98 | 42.4% | 45.1% | 39.8% |
| May | 187 | 84 | 44.9% | 48.5% | 40.5% |
| Jun | 187 | 77 | 41.2% | 39.6% | 42.7% |
| Jul | 236 | 121 | 51.3% | 55.9% | 47.8% |
| Aug | 145 | 70 | 48.3% | 52.7% | 43.7% |
| Sep | 172 | 87 | 50.6% | 51.1% | 50.0% |
| Oct | 219 | 99 | 45.2% | 44.3% | 46.2% |
| Nov | 161 | 79 | 49.1% | 48.2% | 50.0% |
| Dec | 144 | 62 | 43.1% | 42.7% | 43.5% |
| Jan | 145 | 72 | 49.7% | 54.5% | 45.6% |
| Feb | 224 | 127 | 56.7% | 59.8% | 54.1% |
| Mar | 235 | 127 | 54.0% | 53.0% | 55.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Launceston.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Launceston? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,810 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Launceston with 56.2% from 763 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 41.8%. 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 | 763 | 56.2% | 58.7% | 53.8% |
| 18 | 423 | 49.6% | 48.5% | 50.7% |
| 19 | 186 | 47.8% | 47.6% | 48.0% |
| 20 | 96 | 45.8% | 50.0% | 39.5% |
| 21 | 79 | 41.8% | 48.7% | 35.0% |
| 22 | 93 | 43.0% | 50.0% | 37.7% |
| 23 | 69 | 55.1% | 66.7% | 47.6% |
| 24 | 54 | 50.0% | 58.3% | 43.3% |
| 25 | 47 | 42.6% | 36.7% | 52.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Launceston, the automatic test pass rate is 34.8%, which is 13.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 48.3%. 207 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 37.3% compared to 31.5% for males.