Letchworth Driving Test Centre
· Hertfordshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Letchworth
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Letchworth is located at Letchworth Driving Test Centre, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1EF. To reach the centre by car, take the A1(M) to junction 9 and follow signs for Letchworth Garden City via the A1072. The test centre is situated on Icknield Way, which is easily accessible from the town centre. If approaching from other directions, the A505 provides good access to Letchworth, connecting with local roads that lead to Icknield Way.
The centre has its own car park with designated spaces for candidates and their instructors, so you shouldn't need to worry about finding street parking. Letchworth Garden City railway station is approximately 1.5 miles away, making it reasonably accessible by foot or a short taxi ride if you're arriving by train. Local bus services operate in the area, though you'll want to check current timetables as services can vary.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor can accompany you during this process. The centre has standard facilities including waiting areas and toilets. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time to allow for the check-in process and any last-minute preparations.
About Letchworth Test Centre
Letchworth is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hertfordshire. With a current pass rate of 58.3%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,032 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Letchworth, 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 278 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SG6 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Letchworth test centre serves candidates from Hertfordshire 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 Letchworth will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hertfordshire 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 419 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Letchworth stands at 58.3%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.3 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 1.4 percentage point advantage at Letchworth, passing at 58.9% compared to 57.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Letchworth was 58.3% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 43.8% in 2011-12.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 64.3%, while the lowest was in Apr at 51.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Letchworth Historical Performance
Our records for Letchworth begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.3% from 4,361 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 48.7%, and it now sits at 58.3%.
Test volumes at Letchworth 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 Letchworth
Based on the data we hold for Letchworth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Letchworth, pass rates in Aug (64.3%) are notably higher than in Apr (51.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Letchworth. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hertfordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Letchworth, 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 Letchworth 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 Letchworth?
The current pass rate at Letchworth is 58.3%, based on 5,032 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Letchworth conduct per year?
Letchworth conducted 5,032 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 419 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Letchworth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.3%, Letchworth 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 Letchworth?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 64.3%. 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 Letchworth?
Male candidates have a 1.4 percentage point advantage at Letchworth, passing at 58.9% compared to 57.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Letchworth pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 477 | 247 | 51.8% | 51.8% | 51.8% |
| May | 401 | 224 | 55.9% | 54.8% | 57.2% |
| Jun | 431 | 256 | 59.4% | 63.7% | 54.3% |
| Jul | 431 | 252 | 58.5% | 63.0% | 53.2% |
| Aug | 395 | 254 | 64.3% | 64.9% | 63.5% |
| Sep | 326 | 185 | 56.7% | 53.6% | 60.8% |
| Oct | 447 | 270 | 60.4% | 61.1% | 59.5% |
| Nov | 484 | 296 | 61.2% | 62.8% | 58.9% |
| Dec | 419 | 243 | 58.0% | 55.9% | 60.8% |
| Jan | 416 | 234 | 56.3% | 60.9% | 50.3% |
| Feb | 403 | 247 | 61.3% | 56.1% | 69.4% |
| Mar | 402 | 225 | 56.0% | 56.5% | 55.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.4pp higher rate than female candidates at Letchworth.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Letchworth? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,247 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Letchworth with 68.9% from 1082 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 48.5%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 20.4 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,082 | 68.9% | 73.5% | 64.4% |
| 18 | 741 | 60.9% | 60.6% | 61.1% |
| 19 | 395 | 56.2% | 56.6% | 55.7% |
| 20 | 240 | 60.8% | 64.9% | 57.1% |
| 21 | 205 | 60.0% | 61.9% | 57.6% |
| 22 | 163 | 48.5% | 45.8% | 52.2% |
| 23 | 154 | 58.4% | 57.1% | 60.7% |
| 24 | 132 | 65.2% | 66.7% | 62.2% |
| 25 | 135 | 60.7% | 61.6% | 59.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Letchworth, the automatic test pass rate is 54.9%, which is 3.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 58.3%. With 981 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 56.2% compared to 53.0% for males.