Newport (Gwent) Driving Test Centre
· Highland
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Key Statistics
Getting to Newport (Gwent)
Getting to Newport (Gwent) DVSA test centre in Highland is straightforward whether you're travelling by car or public transport. The centre is located in the KW7 postcode area and is well-signposted from the main roads. If you're driving, you'll find the centre easily accessible from the A99, which connects to the wider Highland road network. There's adequate parking available on site, so you won't need to worry about finding a space for your test day.
For those using public transport, local bus services serve the area regularly, though you'll want to check the current timetables to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to spare. The journey from nearby towns is generally reliable, but Highland weather can occasionally affect services, particularly during winter months. It's always wise to plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test appointment to allow for any unexpected delays and to give yourself time to settle your nerves before the big moment.
About Newport (Gwent) Test Centre
Newport (Gwent) is a DVSA driving test centre located in Highland. With a current pass rate of 51.0%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 7,106 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Newport (Gwent), 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 29 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the KW7 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Newport (Gwent) test centre serves candidates from Highland 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 Newport (Gwent) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Highland 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 592 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Newport (Gwent) stands at 51.0%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 4.4 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Newport (Gwent), passing at 51.6% compared to 50.5% for male candidates, a 1.1 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Newport (Gwent) was 53.0% in 2007-08, while the lowest was 44.5% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 56.5%, while the lowest was in Apr at 45.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Newport (Gwent) Historical Performance
Our records for Newport (Gwent) begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 53.0% from 5,452 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 48.3%, and it now sits at 51.0%.
Test volumes at Newport (Gwent) have grown over this period, rising from 5,452 to 7,106 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 Newport (Gwent)
Based on the data we hold for Newport (Gwent), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Newport (Gwent), pass rates in Aug (56.5%) are notably higher than in Apr (45.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Newport (Gwent). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Highland area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Newport (Gwent), 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 Newport (Gwent) 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 Newport (Gwent)?
The current pass rate at Newport (Gwent) is 51.0%, based on 7,106 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Newport (Gwent) conduct per year?
Newport (Gwent) conducted 7,106 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 592 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Newport (Gwent) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.0%, Newport (Gwent) 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 Newport (Gwent)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 56.5%. 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 Newport (Gwent)?
Female candidates outperform males at Newport (Gwent), passing at 51.6% compared to 50.5% for male candidates, a 1.1 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Newport (Gwent) pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 530 | 243 | 45.8% | 43.8% | 48.3% |
| May | 612 | 336 | 54.9% | 51.4% | 58.9% |
| Jun | 530 | 291 | 54.9% | 54.4% | 55.4% |
| Jul | 563 | 293 | 52.0% | 52.2% | 51.9% |
| Aug | 460 | 260 | 56.5% | 57.5% | 55.5% |
| Sep | 608 | 317 | 52.1% | 52.3% | 51.9% |
| Oct | 548 | 295 | 53.8% | 55.5% | 51.8% |
| Nov | 509 | 282 | 55.4% | 53.4% | 57.7% |
| Dec | 612 | 298 | 48.7% | 47.6% | 50.2% |
| Jan | 796 | 366 | 46.0% | 47.1% | 44.3% |
| Feb | 702 | 341 | 48.6% | 49.7% | 47.2% |
| Mar | 636 | 302 | 47.5% | 45.8% | 49.6% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.1pp higher rate than male candidates at Newport (Gwent).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Newport (Gwent)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,063 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Newport (Gwent) with 61.8% from 1375 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 49.8%. 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 | 1,375 | 61.8% | 63.2% | 60.3% |
| 18 | 822 | 50.7% | 51.0% | 50.5% |
| 19 | 428 | 52.3% | 48.9% | 56.5% |
| 20 | 280 | 57.1% | 60.3% | 53.5% |
| 21 | 255 | 58.8% | 56.3% | 61.9% |
| 22 | 241 | 56.4% | 49.2% | 64.1% |
| 23 | 219 | 60.3% | 59.8% | 60.8% |
| 24 | 211 | 49.8% | 54.5% | 44.6% |
| 25 | 232 | 54.7% | 56.7% | 52.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Newport (Gwent), the automatic test pass rate is 45.2%, which is 5.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.0%. With 1,682 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 47.5% compared to 41.8% for males.