Barnsley vs Featherstone
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barnsley | Featherstone |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 52.2% | 34.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 53.1% | 34.3% |
| Female Pass Rate | 51.1% | 33.8% |
| Tests Conducted | 7,765 | 14,070 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 10 |
Pass Rate Trends
Barnsley vs Featherstone
Choosing between Barnsley and Featherstone for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 18.1 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Barnsley has a pass rate of 52.2% from 7,765 tests, while Featherstone sits at 34.1% from 14,070 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Barnsley leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Featherstone is the busier centre with 14,070 tests per year, compared to 7,765 at Barnsley. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Barnsley has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Featherstone has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.4 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Barnsley, the male pass rate is 53.1% and female is 51.1%. At Featherstone, it's 34.3% male and 33.8% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Barnsley has the edge at 52.2% compared to Featherstone's 34.1%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Featherstone, 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: Featherstone is the busier centre (14,070 vs 7,765 tests/year). Barnsley may have more available slots.
- Best months: Barnsley's highest pass rate month is Feb (55.1%). Featherstone peaks in Mar (36.9%).
- 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, Barnsley or Featherstone?
Barnsley has the higher pass rate at 52.2%, compared to 34.1% at Featherstone. This is a 18.1 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Featherstone conducts more tests (14,070 vs 7,765 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Barnsley has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Featherstone has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.4 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.