Darlington vs Middlesbrough
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Darlington | Middlesbrough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.2% | 48.3% |
| Male Pass Rate | 48.4% | 48.9% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.4% | 47.5% |
| Tests Conducted | 6,828 | 8,952 |
| Years of Data | 16 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Darlington vs Middlesbrough
Choosing between Darlington and Middlesbrough for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. These two centres have very similar pass rates, so other factors may be more important in your decision.
Darlington has a pass rate of 49.2% from 6,828 tests, while Middlesbrough sits at 48.3% from 8,952 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Darlington leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Middlesbrough is the busier centre with 8,952 tests per year, compared to 6,828 at Darlington. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Darlington has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points, while Middlesbrough has remained relatively stable over the last three years. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Darlington, the male pass rate is 48.4% and female is 50.4%. At Middlesbrough, it's 48.9% male and 47.5% female.
Our Verdict
With pass rates this close (49.2% vs 48.3%), your decision should come down to practical factors: which centre is easier to get to? Which area have you practised in? Where can you get a booking sooner? Both are equally viable options.
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: Middlesbrough is the busier centre (8,952 vs 6,828 tests/year). Darlington may have more available slots.
- Best months: Darlington's highest pass rate month is Apr (54.9%). Middlesbrough peaks in Aug (52.3%).
- 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, Darlington or Middlesbrough?
Darlington has the higher pass rate at 49.2%, compared to 48.3% at Middlesbrough. This is a 0.9 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Middlesbrough conducts more tests (8,952 vs 6,828 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Darlington has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points. Middlesbrough has remained relatively stable over the last three years. 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.