Bedford vs Bury (Manchester)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bedford | Bury (Manchester) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.9% | 40.3% |
| Male Pass Rate | 50.1% | 41.5% |
| Female Pass Rate | 49.7% | 38.4% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,958 | 8,136 |
| Years of Data | 9 | 11 |
Pass Rate Trends
Bedford vs Bury
Choosing between Bedford and Bury for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 9.6 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Bedford has a pass rate of 49.9% from 8,958 tests, while Bury sits at 40.3% from 8,136 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Bedford leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Bedford is the busier centre with 8,958 tests per year, compared to 8,136 at Bury. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Bedford has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.1 percentage points, while Bury has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.4 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Bedford, the male pass rate is 50.1% and female is 49.7%. At Bury, it's 41.5% male and 38.4% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Bedford has the edge at 49.9% compared to Bury's 40.3%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Bury, 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: Bedford is the busier centre (8,958 vs 8,136 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Bury could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Bedford's highest pass rate month is Jan (53.1%). Bury peaks in Oct (44.7%).
- 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, Bedford or Bury?
Bedford has the higher pass rate at 49.9%, compared to 40.3% at Bury. This is a 9.6 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Bedford conducts more tests (8,958 vs 8,136 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Bedford has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.1 percentage points. Bury has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.4 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.