Bishops Stortford vs Letchworth
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bishops Stortford | Letchworth |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 50.4% | 58.3% |
| Male Pass Rate | 49.8% | 58.9% |
| Female Pass Rate | 51.2% | 57.5% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,826 | 5,032 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Bishops Stortford vs Letchworth
Choosing between Bishops Stortford and Letchworth for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 7.9 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Bishops Stortford has a pass rate of 50.4% from 6,826 tests, while Letchworth sits at 58.3% from 5,032 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Letchworth leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Bishops Stortford is the busier centre with 6,826 tests per year, compared to 5,032 at Letchworth. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Bishops Stortford has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Letchworth has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.3 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Bishops Stortford, the male pass rate is 49.8% and female is 51.2%. At Letchworth, it's 58.9% male and 57.5% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Letchworth has the edge at 58.3% compared to Bishops Stortford's 50.4%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Bishops Stortford, 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: Bishops Stortford is the busier centre (6,826 vs 5,032 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Letchworth could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Bishops Stortford's highest pass rate month is Dec (53.8%). Letchworth peaks in Aug (64.3%).
- 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, Bishops Stortford or Letchworth?
Letchworth has the higher pass rate at 58.3%, compared to 50.4% at Bishops Stortford. This is a 7.9 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Bishops Stortford conducts more tests (6,826 vs 5,032 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Bishops Stortford has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Letchworth has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.3 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.