Barrow In Furness vs Heysham
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barrow In Furness | Heysham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 61.9% | 55.0% |
| Male Pass Rate | 62.9% | 54.6% |
| Female Pass Rate | 60.7% | 55.5% |
| Tests Conducted | 1,735 | 3,735 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Barrow In Furness vs Heysham
Choosing between Barrow In Furness and Heysham for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 6.9 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Barrow In Furness has a pass rate of 61.9% from 1,735 tests, while Heysham sits at 55.0% from 3,735 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Barrow In Furness leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Heysham is the busier centre with 3,735 tests per year, compared to 1,735 at Barrow In Furness. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Barrow In Furness has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.9 percentage points, while Heysham 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 Barrow In Furness, the male pass rate is 62.9% and female is 60.7%. At Heysham, it's 54.6% male and 55.5% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Barrow In Furness has the edge at 61.9% compared to Heysham's 55.0%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Heysham, 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: Heysham is the busier centre (3,735 vs 1,735 tests/year). Barrow In Furness may have more available slots.
- Best months: Barrow In Furness's highest pass rate month is Mar (69.9%). Heysham peaks in Jun (61.2%).
- 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, Barrow In Furness or Heysham?
Barrow In Furness has the higher pass rate at 61.9%, compared to 55.0% at Heysham. This is a 6.9 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Heysham conducts more tests (3,735 vs 1,735 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Barrow In Furness has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.9 percentage points. Heysham 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.