Rochdale (Manchester) Driving Test Centre
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Key Statistics
Getting to Rochdale (Manchester)
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Rochdale (Manchester) is located at Kingsway Business Park, Rochdale, OL16 4UU. To reach the centre by car, take the M62 to Junction 20 and follow the A627(M) towards Rochdale and Oldham. Continue on the A664 (Rochdale Road) and follow signs for the business park. The centre is situated within the industrial estate, so keep an eye out for DVSA signage once you're in the area. There's on-site parking available at the test centre, with designated bays for candidates and their accompanying drivers.
The nearest railway station is Rochdale, which is approximately 2 miles away from the test centre. From the station, you'll need to take a taxi or bus to reach the centre, as it's not within comfortable walking distance. Local bus services connect the town centre to the business park area, though you should check current timetables with Transport for Greater Manchester for the most reliable routes on your test day.
When you arrive, you should report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park during your test. The centre is a modern, purpose-built facility with standard amenities including toilets and a waiting area. Allow extra time for your journey, particularly during busy periods, as the business park can get congested with commercial traffic.
About Rochdale Test Centre
Rochdale is a DVSA driving test centre located in Unknown. With a current pass rate of 41.2%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,790 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 12 years of historical data for Rochdale, stretching back to 2013-14. 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 406 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the OL16 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Rochdale test centre serves candidates from Unknown 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 Rochdale will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Unknown 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 816 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Rochdale stands at 41.2%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.9 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 5.8 percentage point advantage at Rochdale, passing at 43.7% compared to 37.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Rochdale was 42.3% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 30.8% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 44.3%, while the lowest was in Jun at 37.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Rochdale Historical Performance
Our records for Rochdale begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 40.5% from 5,236 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 30.8%, and it now sits at 41.2%.
Test volumes at Rochdale have grown over this period, rising from 5,236 to 9,790 tests per year.
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 Rochdale
Based on the data we hold for Rochdale, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Rochdale, pass rates in Oct (44.3%) are notably higher than in Jun (37.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Rochdale. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Unknown area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Rochdale, 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 Rochdale 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 Rochdale?
The current pass rate at Rochdale is 41.2%, based on 9,790 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Rochdale conduct per year?
Rochdale conducted 9,790 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 816 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Rochdale a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 41.2%, Rochdale 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. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Rochdale?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 44.3%. 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 Rochdale?
Male candidates have a 5.8 percentage point advantage at Rochdale, passing at 43.7% compared to 37.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Rochdale (Manchester) pass rate over 12 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 847 | 328 | 38.7% | 43.4% | 32.7% |
| May | 788 | 306 | 38.8% | 40.0% | 37.7% |
| Jun | 869 | 327 | 37.6% | 38.9% | 36.0% |
| Jul | 1,009 | 395 | 39.1% | 43.4% | 33.8% |
| Aug | 846 | 358 | 42.3% | 44.2% | 40.2% |
| Sep | 920 | 375 | 40.8% | 43.8% | 36.1% |
| Oct | 838 | 371 | 44.3% | 46.1% | 41.8% |
| Nov | 709 | 304 | 42.9% | 44.5% | 40.1% |
| Dec | 693 | 287 | 41.4% | 42.7% | 39.3% |
| Jan | 771 | 331 | 42.9% | 44.8% | 40.1% |
| Feb | 655 | 281 | 42.9% | 44.3% | 41.1% |
| Mar | 845 | 373 | 44.1% | 46.9% | 39.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 5.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Rochdale (Manchester).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Rochdale (Manchester)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,154 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Rochdale (Manchester) with 52.1% from 824 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 40.5%. 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 | 824 | 52.1% | 54.6% | 48.1% |
| 18 | 1,045 | 46.0% | 49.1% | 42.2% |
| 19 | 727 | 45.0% | 48.6% | 40.9% |
| 20 | 571 | 43.6% | 46.7% | 40.8% |
| 21 | 432 | 47.2% | 53.1% | 40.9% |
| 22 | 441 | 44.0% | 45.7% | 42.0% |
| 23 | 390 | 45.6% | 48.3% | 42.9% |
| 24 | 378 | 43.7% | 41.4% | 47.8% |
| 25 | 346 | 40.5% | 43.7% | 35.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Rochdale (Manchester), the automatic test pass rate is 35.2%, which is 6.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 41.2%. With 2,364 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.
Male automatic candidates pass at 37.9% compared to 33.8% for females.