Barry vs Forfar
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barry | Forfar |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 61.8% | 68.5% |
| Male Pass Rate | 61.1% | 72.2% |
| Female Pass Rate | 62.5% | 65.9% |
| Tests Conducted | 1,621 | 356 |
| Years of Data | 14 | 18 |
Pass Rate Trends
Barry vs Forfar
Choosing between Barry and Forfar for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 6.7 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Barry has a pass rate of 61.8% from 1,621 tests, while Forfar sits at 68.5% from 356 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Forfar leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Barry is the busier centre with 1,621 tests per year, compared to 356 at Forfar. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Barry has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Forfar has declined notably over the last three years, falling 5.1 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Barry, the male pass rate is 61.1% and female is 62.5%. At Forfar, it's 72.2% male and 65.9% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Forfar has the edge at 68.5% compared to Barry's 61.8%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Barry, 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: Barry is the busier centre (1,621 vs 356 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Forfar could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Barry's highest pass rate month is Jan (68.6%). Forfar peaks in Oct (76.7%).
- 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, Barry or Forfar?
Forfar has the higher pass rate at 68.5%, compared to 61.8% at Barry. This is a 6.7 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Barry conducts more tests (1,621 vs 356 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Barry has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Forfar has declined notably over the last three years, falling 5.1 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.