Bridgend Driving Test Centre
· Highland
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bridgend
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Bridgend is located at Bridgend Industrial Estate, Dingwall, Highland IV15 9SL. To reach the centre by car, take the A9 north from Inverness for approximately 15 miles, then follow signs for Dingwall and the industrial estate. The test centre is clearly signposted within the industrial estate area. There is a dedicated car park on-site with free parking spaces for candidates and accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying fees.
The nearest railway station is Dingwall, which is about 2 miles from the test centre. Regular bus services connect Dingwall town centre to the industrial estate, with the number 25 and 27 buses running several times daily. If you're travelling from Inverness, you can also catch direct buses that stop near the industrial estate.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the main building 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 building has level access and includes waiting facilities and toilets. Do arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time to allow for the check-in process and any last-minute preparations.
About Bridgend Test Centre
Bridgend is a DVSA driving test centre located in Highland. With a current pass rate of 53.1%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,938 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Bridgend, 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 141 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the IV6 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bridgend test centre serves candidates from Highland 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 Bridgend will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Highland 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 578 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bridgend stands at 53.1%, 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.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Bridgend, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bridgend was 56.4% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 51.0% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Nov at 57.4%, while the lowest was in Apr at 48.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Bridgend Historical Performance
Our records for Bridgend begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.3% from 5,112 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 51.3%, and it now sits at 53.1%.
Test volumes at Bridgend have grown over this period, rising from 5,112 to 6,938 tests per year. 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 Bridgend
Based on the data we hold for Bridgend, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bridgend, pass rates in Nov (57.4%) are notably higher than in Apr (48.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bridgend. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Highland area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bridgend, 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 Bridgend 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 Bridgend?
The current pass rate at Bridgend is 53.1%, based on 6,938 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bridgend conduct per year?
Bridgend conducted 6,938 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 578 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Bridgend a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 53.1%, Bridgend 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 Bridgend?
Based on 2024-25 data, Nov had the highest pass rate at 57.4%. 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 Bridgend?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Bridgend, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bridgend pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 569 | 277 | 48.7% | 52.6% | 44.2% |
| May | 312 | 166 | 53.2% | 54.3% | 52.2% |
| Jun | 495 | 283 | 57.2% | 58.2% | 55.7% |
| Jul | 561 | 287 | 51.2% | 47.2% | 57.3% |
| Aug | 451 | 233 | 51.7% | 51.0% | 52.6% |
| Sep | 622 | 306 | 49.2% | 50.4% | 47.2% |
| Oct | 643 | 339 | 52.7% | 52.1% | 53.7% |
| Nov | 657 | 377 | 57.4% | 59.3% | 53.8% |
| Dec | 581 | 296 | 50.9% | 50.7% | 51.3% |
| Jan | 742 | 396 | 53.4% | 52.2% | 55.4% |
| Feb | 560 | 299 | 53.4% | 53.5% | 53.3% |
| Mar | 745 | 424 | 56.9% | 55.6% | 59.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.3pp higher rate than female candidates at Bridgend.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bridgend? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,157 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bridgend with 63.7% from 1831 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 50.0%. 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 | 1,831 | 63.7% | 66.2% | 61.2% |
| 18 | 663 | 53.2% | 56.1% | 50.3% |
| 19 | 341 | 50.1% | 51.7% | 47.8% |
| 20 | 240 | 57.1% | 65.1% | 47.7% |
| 21 | 242 | 60.3% | 60.0% | 60.7% |
| 22 | 242 | 52.9% | 53.1% | 52.6% |
| 23 | 208 | 50.5% | 51.7% | 47.6% |
| 24 | 200 | 50.0% | 44.4% | 64.3% |
| 25 | 190 | 53.2% | 54.2% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bridgend, the automatic test pass rate is 48.9%, which is 4.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 53.1%. With 1,112 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 51.3% compared to 46.6% for males.