Rhyl Driving Test Centre
· Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Rhyl
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Rhyl is located at Marsh Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 2AB. To reach the centre by car, take the A55 North Wales Expressway and exit at Junction 25, following signs for Rhyl. From the roundabout, take the A525 towards Rhyl town centre, then follow local signs to the test centre on Marsh Road. The centre provides on-site parking bays for candidates and instructors, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces elsewhere.
Rhyl railway station is approximately one mile from the test centre, making it reasonably accessible by public transport. Local bus services connect the station to various parts of the town, though you'll want to check current timetables with the local bus operator. If you're travelling by train, allow extra time for the journey from the station to the test centre, particularly if you're not familiar with the local area.
When you arrive at the centre, you'll need to report to the reception area where staff will check your documents and confirm your test appointment. Your driving instructor can accompany you to reception, and you'll typically wait in the designated waiting area until your examiner calls you for the test. The centre is generally well-signposted, but do allow a few extra minutes to locate the building if it's your first visit to ensure you arrive feeling calm and prepared.
About Rhyl Test Centre
Rhyl is a DVSA driving test centre located in Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire. With a current pass rate of 55.9%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,232 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Rhyl, 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 352 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LL18 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Rhyl test centre serves candidates from Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire 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 Rhyl will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire 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 269 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Rhyl stands at 55.9%, which is above 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 2.2 percentage point advantage at Rhyl, passing at 57.0% compared to 54.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Rhyl was 55.9% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 35.0% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 64.5%, while the lowest was in May at 47.1%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Rhyl Historical Performance
Our records for Rhyl begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 35.0% from 3,418 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 48.2%, and it now sits at 55.9%.
Test volumes at Rhyl 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 Rhyl
Based on the data we hold for Rhyl, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Rhyl, pass rates in Mar (64.5%) are notably higher than in May (47.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Rhyl. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Rhyl, 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 Rhyl 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 Rhyl?
The current pass rate at Rhyl is 55.9%, based on 3,232 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Rhyl conduct per year?
Rhyl conducted 3,232 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 269 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Rhyl a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 55.9%, Rhyl 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 Rhyl?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 64.5%. 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 Rhyl?
Male candidates have a 2.2 percentage point advantage at Rhyl, passing at 57.0% compared to 54.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Rhyl pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 365 | 189 | 51.8% | 54.3% | 49.5% |
| May | 291 | 137 | 47.1% | 48.7% | 45.4% |
| Jun | 317 | 162 | 51.1% | 52.5% | 49.7% |
| Jul | 224 | 116 | 51.8% | 53.4% | 50.0% |
| Aug | 149 | 90 | 60.4% | 58.3% | 62.3% |
| Sep | 171 | 101 | 59.1% | 53.9% | 64.6% |
| Oct | 278 | 164 | 59.0% | 62.3% | 54.8% |
| Nov | 352 | 197 | 56.0% | 58.0% | 53.8% |
| Dec | 291 | 152 | 52.2% | 52.6% | 51.9% |
| Jan | 269 | 164 | 61.0% | 62.7% | 59.6% |
| Feb | 260 | 164 | 63.1% | 63.8% | 62.4% |
| Mar | 265 | 171 | 64.5% | 65.2% | 63.8% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Rhyl.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Rhyl? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,149 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Rhyl with 65.3% from 769 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 44.8%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 20.5 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 769 | 65.3% | 69.2% | 61.7% |
| 18 | 475 | 57.9% | 56.1% | 59.7% |
| 19 | 207 | 58.0% | 60.4% | 55.2% |
| 20 | 154 | 51.9% | 55.9% | 48.8% |
| 21 | 134 | 56.7% | 56.2% | 57.4% |
| 22 | 129 | 51.9% | 48.1% | 57.7% |
| 23 | 110 | 53.6% | 56.6% | 50.9% |
| 24 | 84 | 59.5% | 63.4% | 55.8% |
| 25 | 87 | 44.8% | 38.5% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Rhyl, the automatic test pass rate is 51.0%, which is 4.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 55.9%. With 604 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 54.6% compared to 49.1% for females.