Basingstoke Driving Test Centre
· Hampshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Basingstoke
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Basingstoke is located at Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 3EP. To get there by car, take the A30 (London Road) into Basingstoke town centre, then follow signs for the A339 towards Newbury. Turn left onto Cliddesden Road and the test centre will be on your right-hand side. The centre has its own car park with free parking spaces available for test candidates and accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Basingstoke station, which is approximately 1.5 miles away from the test centre. If you're travelling by public transport, several bus routes serve the area including the number 1 and 2 services that run along Cliddesden Road. From the station, you can catch a bus or take a taxi to reach the centre.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving examiner will collect you from the waiting area when it's time to begin. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a comfortable waiting area. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time to allow for the check-in process.
About Basingstoke Test Centre
Basingstoke is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hampshire. With a current pass rate of 56.9%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,940 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Basingstoke, stretching back to 2007-08. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
There are approximately 505 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the RG21 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Basingstoke test centre serves candidates from Hampshire and the surrounding areas. If you're booking your practical test here, it's worth arriving at least 10 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the car park and check in with the examiner.
Test routes from Basingstoke will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hampshire area. As with all DVSA centres, your test will last approximately 40 minutes and include an independent driving section, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and potentially an emergency stop.
The centre conducts around 412 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Basingstoke stands at 56.9%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 4.4 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 3.7 percentage point advantage at Basingstoke, passing at 58.5% compared to 54.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Basingstoke was 61.3% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 43.1% in 2016-17.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 61.5%, while the lowest was in Aug at 51.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Basingstoke Historical Performance
Our records for Basingstoke begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.8% from 4,997 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 44.4%, and it now sits at 56.9%.
Test volumes at Basingstoke have remained broadly stable over this period. The data also captures the impact of COVID-19, with the 2020-21 year showing significantly reduced test volumes across all UK centres.
This long-term perspective is valuable for understanding whether the current pass rate is typical for this centre or part of a broader trend. A centre with a temporarily low pass rate may be recovering, while one with a consistently high rate offers more predictable conditions.
Tips for Passing at Basingstoke
Based on the data we hold for Basingstoke, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Basingstoke, pass rates in Apr (61.5%) are notably higher than in Aug (51.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Basingstoke. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hampshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Basingstoke, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Basingstoke have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Basingstoke at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Use the time to settle your nerves and review any tricky manoeuvres mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate at Basingstoke?
The current pass rate at Basingstoke is 56.9%, based on 4,940 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Basingstoke conduct per year?
Basingstoke conducted 4,940 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 412 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Basingstoke a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 56.9%, Basingstoke is a solid choice. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data.
What's the best month to take my test at Basingstoke?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 61.5%. However, monthly variation can change year to year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Do men or women pass more at Basingstoke?
Male candidates have a 3.7 percentage point advantage at Basingstoke, passing at 58.5% compared to 54.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Basingstoke pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 452 | 278 | 61.5% | 65.4% | 57.6% |
| May | 473 | 255 | 53.9% | 52.1% | 56.2% |
| Jun | 392 | 227 | 57.9% | 57.9% | 57.9% |
| Jul | 430 | 252 | 58.6% | 62.9% | 53.9% |
| Aug | 322 | 165 | 51.2% | 52.2% | 50.0% |
| Sep | 298 | 166 | 55.7% | 62.0% | 47.7% |
| Oct | 466 | 277 | 59.4% | 60.5% | 58.0% |
| Nov | 488 | 271 | 55.5% | 57.1% | 53.5% |
| Dec | 427 | 245 | 57.4% | 59.9% | 53.7% |
| Jan | 455 | 249 | 54.7% | 55.3% | 54.0% |
| Feb | 313 | 175 | 55.9% | 56.6% | 55.1% |
| Mar | 424 | 249 | 58.7% | 61.0% | 56.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Basingstoke.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Basingstoke? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,031 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Basingstoke with 64.9% from 1115 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 52.1%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,115 | 64.9% | 65.7% | 64.1% |
| 18 | 647 | 62.3% | 64.8% | 59.6% |
| 19 | 307 | 58.0% | 58.6% | 57.2% |
| 20 | 208 | 53.8% | 54.8% | 52.7% |
| 21 | 190 | 54.2% | 56.9% | 50.0% |
| 22 | 154 | 59.7% | 68.8% | 50.0% |
| 23 | 167 | 52.1% | 46.7% | 58.7% |
| 24 | 134 | 60.4% | 63.2% | 57.6% |
| 25 | 109 | 60.6% | 67.6% | 48.8% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Basingstoke, the automatic test pass rate is 52.0%, which is 4.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 56.9%. With 1,360 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 54.9% compared to 49.9% for females.