Swindon Driving Test Centre
· Gloucestershire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Swindon
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Swindon is located at Charlton Lane Depot, Charlton Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 9TX. To reach the centre by car, take the A40 towards Cheltenham and follow signs for the town centre. From the town centre, head towards Charlton Kings via the B4632 (London Road), then turn onto Charlton Lane. The centre is clearly signposted once you're in the area. There's free on-site parking available for candidates and their accompanying drivers, with designated bays right outside the test centre building.
The nearest railway station is Cheltenham Spa, which is approximately 2 miles from the test centre. Several local bus routes serve the area, including services that connect to Cheltenham town centre and the railway station, though you'll need to check current timetables as these can change seasonally. If travelling by public transport, allow plenty of extra time to ensure you arrive punctually for your test appointment.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception desk inside the building with your driving licence and test appointment confirmation. The waiting area has seating for both candidates and accompanying drivers. The centre has basic facilities including toilets, and the car park operates a simple entry system without barriers. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time to complete the necessary paperwork and eyesight check.
About Swindon Test Centre
Swindon is a DVSA driving test centre located in Gloucestershire. With a current pass rate of 49.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,470 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Swindon, stretching back to 2008-09. 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 359 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the GL51 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Swindon test centre serves candidates from Gloucestershire 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 Swindon will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Gloucestershire 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 789 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Swindon stands at 49.3%, 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 2.6 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Swindon, passing at 50.2% compared to 48.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Swindon was 56.4% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 46.6% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 54.9%, while the lowest was in Apr at 47.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Swindon Historical Performance
Our records for Swindon begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.2% from 618 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 55.5%, and it now sits at 49.3%.
Test volumes at Swindon have grown over this period, rising from 618 to 9,470 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 Swindon
Based on the data we hold for Swindon, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Swindon, pass rates in Dec (54.9%) are notably higher than in Apr (47.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Swindon. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Gloucestershire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Swindon, 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 Swindon 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 Swindon?
The current pass rate at Swindon is 49.3%, based on 9,470 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Swindon conduct per year?
Swindon conducted 9,470 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 789 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Swindon a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.3%, Swindon 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 Swindon?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 54.9%. 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 Swindon?
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Swindon, passing at 50.2% compared to 48.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Swindon pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 760 | 359 | 47.2% | 47.5% | 47.0% |
| May | 973 | 462 | 47.5% | 50.4% | 43.9% |
| Jun | 888 | 450 | 50.7% | 48.5% | 53.1% |
| Jul | 959 | 457 | 47.7% | 47.9% | 47.4% |
| Aug | 722 | 356 | 49.3% | 51.6% | 46.8% |
| Sep | 709 | 343 | 48.4% | 47.3% | 49.6% |
| Oct | 725 | 363 | 50.1% | 53.4% | 46.4% |
| Nov | 702 | 346 | 49.3% | 48.7% | 49.9% |
| Dec | 616 | 338 | 54.9% | 55.9% | 53.8% |
| Jan | 904 | 442 | 48.9% | 49.4% | 48.2% |
| Feb | 687 | 345 | 50.2% | 53.4% | 46.3% |
| Mar | 825 | 404 | 49.0% | 50.3% | 47.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2pp higher rate than female candidates at Swindon.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Swindon? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,487 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Swindon with 58.7% from 1621 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 46.8%. 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 | 1,621 | 58.7% | 57.5% | 60.1% |
| 18 | 1,270 | 53.5% | 56.8% | 49.9% |
| 19 | 619 | 51.9% | 50.0% | 53.8% |
| 20 | 470 | 46.8% | 47.3% | 46.2% |
| 21 | 314 | 54.8% | 51.4% | 59.1% |
| 22 | 350 | 54.3% | 52.0% | 56.7% |
| 23 | 325 | 49.8% | 50.3% | 49.4% |
| 24 | 249 | 53.0% | 47.1% | 58.6% |
| 25 | 269 | 47.2% | 47.7% | 46.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Swindon, the automatic test pass rate is 46.0%, which is 3.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.3%. With 2,205 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 49.6% compared to 44.0% for females.