Bishops Stortford Driving Test Centre
· Hertfordshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bishops Stortford
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Bishop's Stortford is located at Waytemore Road, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3DJ. If you're driving there, the centre is easily accessible from the A120 and A1184. From the M11, take junction 8 and follow signs towards Bishop's Stortford town centre, then look out for Waytemore Road. The test centre has its own car park with dedicated bays for candidates and their accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
Bishop's Stortford railway station is approximately a mile away from the test centre, making it a reasonable walk of about 15-20 minutes if you're arriving by train. Several local bus routes serve the area, including services that connect the town centre with surrounding villages. If you're using public transport, allow extra time to ensure you arrive relaxed and punctual for your test appointment.
When you arrive at the centre, you'll need to report to the reception area where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park during your test. The centre is a purpose-built facility with adequate facilities including toilets, and the car park is easily accessible without any steep inclines or barriers that might cause concern.
About Bishops Stortford Test Centre
Bishops Stortford is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hertfordshire. With a current pass rate of 50.4%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,826 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Bishops Stortford, 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 544 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CM23 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bishops Stortford test centre serves candidates from Hertfordshire 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 Bishops Stortford will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hertfordshire 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 569 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bishops Stortford stands at 50.4%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Female candidates outperform males at Bishops Stortford, passing at 51.2% compared to 49.8% for male candidates, a 1.4 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bishops Stortford was 50.6% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 42.8% in 2012-13.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 53.8%, while the lowest was in Oct at 47.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Bishops Stortford Historical Performance
Our records for Bishops Stortford begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.1% from 6,749 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 49.9%, and it now sits at 50.4%.
Test volumes at Bishops Stortford 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 Bishops Stortford
Based on the data we hold for Bishops Stortford, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bishops Stortford, pass rates in Dec (53.8%) are notably higher than in Oct (47.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bishops Stortford. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hertfordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bishops Stortford, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Bishops Stortford 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 Bishops Stortford?
The current pass rate at Bishops Stortford is 50.4%, based on 6,826 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bishops Stortford conduct per year?
Bishops Stortford conducted 6,826 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 569 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Bishops Stortford a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 50.4%, Bishops Stortford 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 Bishops Stortford?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 53.8%. 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 Bishops Stortford?
Female candidates outperform males at Bishops Stortford, passing at 51.2% compared to 49.8% for male candidates, a 1.4 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bishops Stortford pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 669 | 356 | 53.2% | 52.8% | 53.7% |
| May | 620 | 311 | 50.2% | 51.6% | 48.4% |
| Jun | 589 | 309 | 52.5% | 50.2% | 55.3% |
| Jul | 691 | 338 | 48.9% | 50.3% | 47.3% |
| Aug | 447 | 235 | 52.6% | 51.2% | 54.1% |
| Sep | 631 | 300 | 47.5% | 45.0% | 50.5% |
| Oct | 683 | 324 | 47.4% | 47.6% | 47.3% |
| Nov | 581 | 298 | 51.3% | 47.1% | 56.0% |
| Dec | 346 | 186 | 53.8% | 57.1% | 50.3% |
| Jan | 488 | 238 | 48.8% | 47.5% | 50.2% |
| Feb | 530 | 278 | 52.5% | 51.0% | 54.2% |
| Mar | 551 | 270 | 49.0% | 49.1% | 48.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Bishops Stortford.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bishops Stortford? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,747 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bishops Stortford with 59.5% from 1717 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 46.5%. 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 | 1,717 | 59.5% | 60.8% | 58.1% |
| 18 | 1,076 | 51.0% | 47.7% | 54.4% |
| 19 | 553 | 50.6% | 49.1% | 52.3% |
| 20 | 337 | 50.4% | 50.5% | 50.3% |
| 21 | 295 | 49.5% | 46.3% | 54.2% |
| 22 | 253 | 53.0% | 52.8% | 53.1% |
| 23 | 198 | 46.5% | 40.4% | 53.9% |
| 24 | 175 | 49.7% | 52.0% | 46.6% |
| 25 | 143 | 46.9% | 45.7% | 47.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bishops Stortford, the automatic test pass rate is 45.9%, which is 4.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 50.4%. With 1,691 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 47.2% compared to 43.9% for males.