Eastbourne vs Middlesbrough
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eastbourne | Middlesbrough |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 52.1% | 48.3% |
| Male Pass Rate | 53.3% | 48.9% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.6% | 47.5% |
| Tests Conducted | 5,609 | 8,952 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Eastbourne vs Middlesbrough
Choosing between Eastbourne and Middlesbrough for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 3.8 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Eastbourne has a pass rate of 52.1% from 5,609 tests, while Middlesbrough sits at 48.3% from 8,952 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Eastbourne 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 5,609 at Eastbourne. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Eastbourne has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Middlesbrough has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Gender comparison: At Eastbourne, the male pass rate is 53.3% and female is 50.6%. At Middlesbrough, it's 48.9% male and 47.5% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Eastbourne has the edge at 52.1% compared to Middlesbrough's 48.3%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Middlesbrough, 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: Middlesbrough is the busier centre (8,952 vs 5,609 tests/year). Eastbourne may have more available slots.
- Best months: Eastbourne's highest pass rate month is Dec (58.7%). 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, Eastbourne or Middlesbrough?
Eastbourne has the higher pass rate at 52.1%, compared to 48.3% at Middlesbrough. This is a 3.8 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Middlesbrough conducts more tests (8,952 vs 5,609 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Eastbourne has remained relatively stable over the last three years. 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.