Gateshead vs Malton
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gateshead | Malton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 37.4% | 66.7% |
| Male Pass Rate | 37.2% | 67.0% |
| Female Pass Rate | 37.6% | 66.4% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,109 | 562 |
| Years of Data | 16 | 18 |
Pass Rate Trends
Gateshead vs Malton
Choosing between Gateshead and Malton for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 29.3 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Gateshead has a pass rate of 37.4% from 8,109 tests, while Malton sits at 66.7% from 562 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Malton leads with the higher pass rate. This is a substantial gap that suggests genuinely different testing conditions or candidate profiles.
Test volume: Gateshead is the busier centre with 8,109 tests per year, compared to 562 at Malton. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Gateshead has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.2 percentage points, while Malton has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.5 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Gateshead, the male pass rate is 37.2% and female is 37.6%. At Malton, it's 67.0% male and 66.4% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Malton has the edge at 66.7% 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: Gateshead is the busier centre (8,109 vs 562 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Malton could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Gateshead's highest pass rate month is Jun (41.9%). Malton peaks in Jun (77.5%).
- 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, Gateshead or Malton?
Malton has the higher pass rate at 66.7%, compared to 37.4% at Gateshead. This is a 29.3 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Gateshead conducts more tests (8,109 vs 562 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Gateshead has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.2 percentage points. Malton has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.5 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.