Basildon vs Erith (London)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Basildon | Erith (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 45.6% | 49.3% |
| Male Pass Rate | 46.5% | 49.5% |
| Female Pass Rate | 44.4% | 49.0% |
| Tests Conducted | 4,862 | 4,921 |
| Years of Data | 15 | 11 |
Pass Rate Trends
Basildon vs Erith
Choosing between Basildon and Erith for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 3.7 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Basildon has a pass rate of 45.6% from 4,862 tests, while Erith sits at 49.3% from 4,921 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Erith leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Erith is the busier centre with 4,921 tests per year, compared to 4,862 at Basildon. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Basildon has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.7 percentage points, while Erith has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 14.8 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Basildon, the male pass rate is 46.5% and female is 44.4%. At Erith, it's 49.5% male and 49.0% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Erith has the edge at 49.3% compared to Basildon's 45.6%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Basildon, 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: Erith is the busier centre (4,921 vs 4,862 tests/year). Basildon may have more available slots.
- Best months: Basildon's highest pass rate month is Mar (50.8%). Erith peaks in Jun (54.2%).
- 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, Basildon or Erith?
Erith has the higher pass rate at 49.3%, compared to 45.6% at Basildon. This is a 3.7 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Erith conducts more tests (4,921 vs 4,862 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Basildon has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 3.7 percentage points. Erith has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 14.8 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.