Durham vs Gateshead
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham | Gateshead |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 49.6% | 37.4% |
| Male Pass Rate | 49.7% | 37.2% |
| Female Pass Rate | 49.5% | 37.6% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,228 | 8,109 |
| Years of Data | 13 | 16 |
Pass Rate Trends
Durham vs Gateshead
Choosing between Durham and Gateshead for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 12.2 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Durham has a pass rate of 49.6% from 8,228 tests, while Gateshead sits at 37.4% from 8,109 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Durham leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Durham is the busier centre with 8,228 tests per year, compared to 8,109 at Gateshead. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Durham has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.1 percentage points, while Gateshead has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.2 percentage points.
Gender comparison: At Durham, the male pass rate is 49.7% and female is 49.5%. At Gateshead, it's 37.2% male and 37.6% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Durham has the edge at 49.6% compared to Gateshead's 37.4%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Gateshead, 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: Durham is the busier centre (8,228 vs 8,109 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Gateshead could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Durham's highest pass rate month is Dec (57.3%). Gateshead peaks in Jun (41.9%).
- 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, Durham or Gateshead?
Durham has the higher pass rate at 49.6%, compared to 37.4% at Gateshead. This is a 12.2 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Durham conducts more tests (8,228 vs 8,109 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Durham has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.1 percentage points. Gateshead has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.2 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.