Chippenham vs Abergavenny
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chippenham | Abergavenny |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 50.6% | 61.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 52.2% | 62.8% |
| Female Pass Rate | 48.8% | 59.3% |
| Tests Conducted | 7,641 | 4,650 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 18 |
Pass Rate Trends
Chippenham vs Abergavenny
Choosing between Chippenham and Abergavenny for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 10.5 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Chippenham has a pass rate of 50.6% from 7,641 tests, while Abergavenny sits at 61.1% from 4,650 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Abergavenny leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Chippenham is the busier centre with 7,641 tests per year, compared to 4,650 at Abergavenny. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Chippenham has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 4.2 percentage points, while Abergavenny has remained relatively stable over the last three years. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Chippenham, the male pass rate is 52.2% and female is 48.8%. At Abergavenny, it's 62.8% male and 59.3% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Abergavenny has the edge at 61.1% compared to Chippenham's 50.6%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Chippenham, the familiarity with local roads may outweigh the statistical difference.
Whichever centre you choose, thorough preparation is the single biggest factor in your result. Practice until you're consistently confident, book when you feel ready, and arrive early on the day.
Booking Tips
When choosing between these centres, consider the following practical factors:
- Availability: Chippenham is the busier centre (7,641 vs 4,650 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Abergavenny could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Chippenham's highest pass rate month is Jan (55.1%). Abergavenny peaks in Mar (63.8%).
- Practice area: Book at the centre whose surrounding roads you've practised on most. Route familiarity consistently matters more than pass rate statistics.
- Cancellation checking: If your preferred centre has a long wait, consider using a cancellation checking service. Both centres may have short-notice openings that aren't visible when you first book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher pass rate, Chippenham or Abergavenny?
Abergavenny has the higher pass rate at 61.1%, compared to 50.6% at Chippenham. This is a 10.5 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Chippenham conducts more tests (7,641 vs 4,650 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Chippenham has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 4.2 percentage points. Abergavenny has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Check each centre's individual page for the full historical chart.
Should I choose a centre based on pass rate alone?
No. Pass rates reflect the overall candidate pool, not test difficulty. A centre with a lower pass rate may have more first-time or nervous candidates. Your own preparation, familiarity with the roads, and comfort level on test day are far more important than a few percentage points of difference.