Bridlington Driving Test Centre
· East Riding of Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Bridlington
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Bridlington is located at Bessingby Industrial Estate, Bessingby Road, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO16 4SJ. To reach the centre by car, take the A165 towards Bridlington and follow signs for Bessingby Industrial Estate. From the town centre, head north on the A165 (Flamborough Road) and turn left into Bessingby Road. The test centre is clearly signposted within the industrial estate. There's free on-site parking available in the test centre car park, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying fees.
The nearest railway station is Bridlington station, which is approximately 2 miles from the test centre. From the station, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the centre. Local bus services run along the A165, though you'll need to check current timetables with East Yorkshire Motor Services for the most up-to-date routes and times. The walk from the nearest bus stop would be around 10-15 minutes.
When you arrive at the test centre, report to the reception desk inside the building with your provisional licence and theory test certificate. The reception staff will check you in and let you know where to wait. There are toilet facilities available on-site, and you'll typically wait in the reception area until your examiner calls you for your test. The centre has level access, making it accessible for all candidates.
About Bridlington Test Centre
Bridlington is a DVSA driving test centre located in East Riding of Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 56.4%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,766 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Bridlington, 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 316 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the YO15 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Bridlington test centre serves candidates from East Riding of Yorkshire 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 Bridlington will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the East Riding of Yorkshire 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 231 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Bridlington stands at 56.4%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.9 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 7.8 percentage point advantage at Bridlington, passing at 60.1% compared to 52.3% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Bridlington was 63.3% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 48.6% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 59.0%, while the lowest was in Feb at 49.8%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Bridlington Historical Performance
Our records for Bridlington begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.6% from 2,050 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 55.7%, and it now sits at 56.4%.
Test volumes at Bridlington have grown over this period, rising from 2,050 to 2,766 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 Bridlington
Based on the data we hold for Bridlington, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Bridlington, pass rates in May (59.0%) are notably higher than in Feb (49.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Bridlington is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Bridlington. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the East Riding of Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Bridlington, 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 Bridlington 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 Bridlington 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 Bridlington?
The current pass rate at Bridlington is 56.4%, based on 2,766 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Bridlington conduct per year?
Bridlington conducted 2,766 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 231 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Bridlington a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 56.4%, Bridlington 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 Bridlington?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 59.0%. 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 Bridlington?
Male candidates have a 7.8 percentage point advantage at Bridlington, passing at 60.1% compared to 52.3% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Bridlington pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 290 | 161 | 55.5% | 59.4% | 51.7% |
| May | 229 | 135 | 59.0% | 61.0% | 56.6% |
| Jun | 225 | 132 | 58.7% | 61.8% | 54.9% |
| Jul | 170 | 90 | 52.9% | 54.8% | 50.6% |
| Aug | 252 | 141 | 56.0% | 57.7% | 54.1% |
| Sep | 240 | 140 | 58.3% | 62.7% | 53.5% |
| Oct | 246 | 143 | 58.1% | 59.1% | 56.9% |
| Nov | 207 | 122 | 58.9% | 61.9% | 56.4% |
| Dec | 202 | 116 | 57.4% | 61.7% | 52.6% |
| Jan | 193 | 112 | 58.0% | 65.7% | 49.5% |
| Feb | 213 | 106 | 49.8% | 57.8% | 42.3% |
| Mar | 299 | 162 | 54.2% | 58.6% | 48.9% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 7.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Bridlington.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Bridlington? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,959 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Bridlington with 63.9% from 806 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 51.0%. 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 | 806 | 63.9% | 69.8% | 57.0% |
| 18 | 429 | 51.7% | 55.5% | 48.2% |
| 19 | 206 | 57.3% | 55.8% | 59.1% |
| 20 | 117 | 56.4% | 56.5% | 56.4% |
| 21 | 124 | 63.7% | 64.8% | 62.3% |
| 22 | 92 | 56.5% | 61.0% | 52.9% |
| 23 | 79 | 59.5% | 71.4% | 45.9% |
| 24 | 49 | 51.0% | 50.0% | 51.7% |
| 25 | 57 | 52.6% | 50.0% | 55.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Bridlington, the automatic test pass rate is 49.1%, which is 7.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 56.4%. 275 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
The lower automatic pass rate compared to overall is unusual. This could reflect a smaller sample size or a particular candidate demographic. Check the trend over time to see if this is consistent.
Male automatic candidates pass at 52.7% compared to 46.7% for females.