Bury (Manchester) vs Chorley
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bury (Manchester) | Chorley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 40.3% | 48.3% |
| Male Pass Rate | 41.5% | 47.6% |
| Female Pass Rate | 38.4% | 49.2% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,136 | 5,257 |
| Years of Data | 11 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Bury vs Chorley
Choosing between Bury and Chorley for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 8.0 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Bury has a pass rate of 40.3% from 8,136 tests, while Chorley sits at 48.3% from 5,257 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Chorley leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Bury is the busier centre with 8,136 tests per year, compared to 5,257 at Chorley. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Bury has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.4 percentage points, while Chorley has declined notably over the last three years, falling 9.5 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Bury, the male pass rate is 41.5% and female is 38.4%. At Chorley, it's 47.6% male and 49.2% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Chorley has the edge at 48.3% 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: Bury is the busier centre (8,136 vs 5,257 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Chorley could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Bury's highest pass rate month is Oct (44.7%). Chorley peaks in Apr (56.3%).
- 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, Bury or Chorley?
Chorley has the higher pass rate at 48.3%, compared to 40.3% at Bury. This is a 8.0 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Bury conducts more tests (8,136 vs 5,257 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Bury has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.4 percentage points. Chorley has declined notably over the last three years, falling 9.5 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.