Cardigan vs Aberystwyth (Park Avenue)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cardigan | Aberystwyth (Park Avenue) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.8% | 53.2% |
| Male Pass Rate | 48.9% | 55.0% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.9% | 51.2% |
| Tests Conducted | 1,340 | 1,469 |
| Years of Data | 18 | 8 |
Pass Rate Trends
Cardigan vs Aberystwyth
Choosing between Cardigan and Aberystwyth for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 3.4 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Cardigan has a pass rate of 49.8% from 1,340 tests, while Aberystwyth sits at 53.2% from 1,469 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Aberystwyth leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Aberystwyth is the busier centre with 1,469 tests per year, compared to 1,340 at Cardigan. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Cardigan has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Aberystwyth has declined notably over the last three years, falling 10.3 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Cardigan, the male pass rate is 48.9% and female is 50.9%. At Aberystwyth, it's 55.0% male and 51.2% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Aberystwyth has the edge at 53.2% compared to Cardigan's 49.8%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Cardigan, 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: Aberystwyth is the busier centre (1,469 vs 1,340 tests/year). Cardigan may have more available slots.
- Best months: Cardigan's highest pass rate month is Feb (63.0%). Aberystwyth peaks in Apr (61.8%).
- 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, Cardigan or Aberystwyth?
Aberystwyth has the higher pass rate at 53.2%, compared to 49.8% at Cardigan. This is a 3.4 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Aberystwyth conducts more tests (1,469 vs 1,340 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Cardigan has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Aberystwyth has declined notably over the last three years, falling 10.3 percentage points. 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.