Merthyr Tydfil Driving Test Centre
· Merthyr Tudful - Merthyr Tydfil
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Key Statistics
Getting to Merthyr Tydfil
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Merthyr Tydfil is located at Pentrebach Road, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8UN. To reach the centre by car, take the A470 which runs through Merthyr Tydfil, then follow signs for Pentrebach. The test centre is situated on Pentrebach Road and is clearly signposted. If you're coming from the M4, take Junction 32 and follow the A470 north towards Merthyr Tydfil. The journey from Cardiff takes approximately 30 minutes via this route.
The test centre has its own car park with dedicated spaces for test candidates and their accompanying drivers. There's no need to worry about finding street parking or paying for parking as the on-site facilities are free to use. The nearest railway station is Merthyr Tydfil station, which is about 2 miles from the test centre. Local bus services operate in the area, though you'll need to check current timetables with Stagecoach Wales for the most up-to-date route information.
When you arrive, you should report to the reception area inside the building where DVSA staff will check you in for your test. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointed time with all required documents. The centre has waiting facilities, and your driving instructor can accompany you inside. The building is accessible and has toilet facilities available for candidates.
About Merthyr Tydfil Test Centre
Merthyr Tydfil is a DVSA driving test centre located in Merthyr Tudful - Merthyr Tydfil. With a current pass rate of 53.5%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,703 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 14 years of historical data for Merthyr Tydfil, stretching back to 2011-12. 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 697 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CF47 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Merthyr Tydfil test centre serves candidates from Merthyr Tudful - Merthyr Tydfil 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 Merthyr Tydfil will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Merthyr Tudful - Merthyr Tydfil 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 309 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Merthyr Tydfil stands at 53.5%, 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 4.9 percentage point advantage at Merthyr Tydfil, passing at 55.8% compared to 50.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Merthyr Tydfil was 59.7% in 2011-12, while the lowest was 49.8% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 57.9%, while the lowest was in Aug at 47.0%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Merthyr Tydfil Historical Performance
Our records for Merthyr Tydfil begin in the 2011-12 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 59.7% from 3,352 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had fallen to 52.9%, and it now sits at 53.5%.
Test volumes at Merthyr Tydfil 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 Merthyr Tydfil
Based on the data we hold for Merthyr Tydfil, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Merthyr Tydfil, pass rates in Jun (57.9%) are notably higher than in Aug (47.0%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Merthyr Tydfil. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Merthyr Tudful - Merthyr Tydfil area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Merthyr Tydfil, 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 Merthyr Tydfil 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 Merthyr Tydfil?
The current pass rate at Merthyr Tydfil is 53.5%, based on 3,703 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Merthyr Tydfil conduct per year?
Merthyr Tydfil conducted 3,703 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 309 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Merthyr Tydfil a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 53.5%, Merthyr Tydfil 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 Merthyr Tydfil?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 57.9%. 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 Merthyr Tydfil?
Male candidates have a 4.9 percentage point advantage at Merthyr Tydfil, passing at 55.8% compared to 50.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Merthyr Tydfil pass rate over 14 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 288 | 161 | 55.9% | 60.9% | 48.7% |
| May | 275 | 156 | 56.7% | 62.1% | 51.1% |
| Jun | 266 | 154 | 57.9% | 61.5% | 54.2% |
| Jul | 332 | 177 | 53.3% | 54.8% | 51.8% |
| Aug | 355 | 167 | 47.0% | 50.0% | 43.6% |
| Sep | 313 | 176 | 56.2% | 51.2% | 61.6% |
| Oct | 362 | 194 | 53.6% | 56.8% | 49.4% |
| Nov | 287 | 151 | 52.6% | 53.3% | 51.9% |
| Dec | 254 | 139 | 54.7% | 55.9% | 53.2% |
| Jan | 287 | 146 | 50.9% | 53.4% | 48.2% |
| Feb | 361 | 187 | 51.8% | 55.2% | 47.9% |
| Mar | 323 | 173 | 53.6% | 56.7% | 50.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4.9pp higher rate than female candidates at Merthyr Tydfil.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Merthyr Tydfil? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,435 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Merthyr Tydfil with 62.9% from 886 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 46.2%. 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 | 886 | 62.9% | 62.9% | 62.9% |
| 18 | 528 | 49.1% | 52.2% | 45.6% |
| 19 | 242 | 50.0% | 58.8% | 41.5% |
| 20 | 187 | 55.6% | 60.2% | 51.5% |
| 21 | 154 | 50.6% | 49.4% | 52.1% |
| 22 | 126 | 61.1% | 58.6% | 63.2% |
| 23 | 117 | 53.0% | 59.0% | 46.4% |
| 24 | 104 | 46.2% | 40.0% | 54.5% |
| 25 | 91 | 54.9% | 57.8% | 52.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Merthyr Tydfil, the automatic test pass rate is 48.7%, which is 4.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 53.5%. With 519 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 51.3% compared to 47.3% for females.