Southampton (Maybush) Driving Test Centre
· City of Southampton
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Key Statistics
Getting to Southampton (Maybush)
The DVSA Southampton (Maybush) test centre is located at Redbridge Lane, Southampton SO16 4LD. To get there by car, take the A35 Redbridge Road and turn onto Redbridge Lane - the centre is clearly signposted. From the M271, exit at junction 1 and follow signs towards Totton, then pick up the A35. The test centre has its own free car park with plenty of spaces, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for parking.
The nearest railway station is Redbridge, which is approximately half a mile away and about a 10-minute walk to the test centre. Several bus routes serve the area, including routes that connect to Southampton city centre and surrounding areas, though you should check current timetables with local operators. When you arrive, head to the reception area inside the building where you'll need to check in with your driving licence and theory test certificate. The waiting area has seating, and your instructor can wait with you until your test begins.
The test centre is a modern, purpose-built facility with step-free access and toilet facilities available. There's no barrier-controlled entry to the car park, making arrival straightforward. Allow extra time if you're unfamiliar with the area, as the turning onto Redbridge Lane can be easy to miss if you're travelling at speed along the A35.
About Southampton (Forest Hills) Test Centre
Southampton (Forest Hills) is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Southampton. With a current pass rate of 47.1%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,954 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Southampton (Forest Hills), 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 444 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SO14 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Southampton (Forest Hills) test centre serves candidates from City of Southampton 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 Southampton (Forest Hills) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Southampton 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 746 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Southampton (Forest Hills) stands at 47.1%, 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 4.0 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 5.3 percentage point advantage at Southampton (Forest Hills), passing at 49.5% compared to 44.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Southampton (Forest Hills) was 52.3% in 2011-12, while the lowest was 42.5% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Nov at 50.8%, while the lowest was in Jan at 45.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Southampton (Forest Hills) Historical Performance
Our records for Southampton (Forest Hills) begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.3% from 8,194 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 48.1%, and it now sits at 47.1%.
Test volumes at Southampton (Forest Hills) 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 Southampton (Forest Hills)
Based on the data we hold for Southampton (Forest Hills), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Southampton (Forest Hills), pass rates in Nov (50.8%) are notably higher than in Jan (45.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Southampton (Forest Hills). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Southampton area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Southampton (Forest Hills), 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 Southampton (Forest Hills) 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 Southampton (Forest Hills)?
The current pass rate at Southampton (Forest Hills) is 47.1%, based on 8,954 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Southampton (Forest Hills) conduct per year?
Southampton (Forest Hills) conducted 8,954 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 746 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Southampton (Forest Hills) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.1%, Southampton (Forest Hills) 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.
What's the best month to take my test at Southampton (Forest Hills)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Nov had the highest pass rate at 50.8%. 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 Southampton (Forest Hills)?
Male candidates have a 5.3 percentage point advantage at Southampton (Forest Hills), passing at 49.5% compared to 44.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Southampton (Maybush) pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 874 | 398 | 45.5% | 46.5% | 44.4% |
| May | 929 | 430 | 46.3% | 49.3% | 42.8% |
| Jun | 883 | 409 | 46.3% | 50.3% | 41.5% |
| Jul | 848 | 403 | 47.5% | 49.0% | 45.4% |
| Aug | 652 | 316 | 48.5% | 52.5% | 42.8% |
| Sep | 574 | 265 | 46.2% | 48.5% | 43.6% |
| Oct | 722 | 361 | 50.0% | 56.6% | 43.3% |
| Nov | 679 | 345 | 50.8% | 52.4% | 49.1% |
| Dec | 528 | 243 | 46.0% | 47.8% | 44.1% |
| Jan | 768 | 347 | 45.2% | 47.3% | 42.4% |
| Feb | 747 | 350 | 46.9% | 48.1% | 45.5% |
| Mar | 750 | 350 | 46.7% | 47.3% | 45.9% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 5.3pp higher rate than female candidates at Southampton (Maybush).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Southampton (Maybush)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,225 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Southampton (Maybush) with 57.9% from 596 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 45.4%. 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 | 596 | 57.9% | 63.6% | 50.6% |
| 18 | 853 | 55.2% | 62.0% | 49.1% |
| 19 | 425 | 48.9% | 57.4% | 42.1% |
| 20 | 314 | 49.0% | 56.3% | 44.1% |
| 21 | 232 | 52.6% | 57.7% | 46.8% |
| 22 | 235 | 51.5% | 56.9% | 47.4% |
| 23 | 216 | 45.4% | 47.1% | 43.3% |
| 24 | 198 | 53.0% | 53.2% | 52.8% |
| 25 | 156 | 51.9% | 57.3% | 46.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Southampton (Maybush), the automatic test pass rate is 44.3%, which is 2.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 47.1%. With 884 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 47.4% compared to 42.9% for females.