Chadderton Driving Test Centre
· Greater Manchester
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Key Statistics
Getting to Chadderton
The DVSA Chadderton practical driving test centre is located at Block Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL9 9QH. To reach the centre by car, take the A663 (Broadway) through Chadderton town centre, then turn onto Block Lane where you'll find the test centre clearly signposted. If approaching from the M60, exit at Junction 21 and follow the A663 towards Chadderton. The centre has its own car park with designated parking bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Mills Hill, approximately 1.5 miles away, though most candidates find it more convenient to arrive by car given the test centre's location. Several local bus routes serve the Chadderton area, including services along Broadway, but you'll need to check current timetables as routes can change. When you arrive at the centre, head straight to the reception area inside the building to check in for your test appointment.
The test centre is a purpose-built facility, so you can expect standard accessibility and amenities. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park during your test, and there are facilities available for candidates. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time to allow for the check-in process and any final preparations.
About Chadderton Test Centre
Chadderton is a DVSA driving test centre located in Greater Manchester. With a current pass rate of 44.9%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 12,454 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 8 years of historical data for Chadderton, stretching back to 2016-17. 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 406 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the OL9 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Chadderton test centre serves candidates from Greater Manchester 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 Chadderton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Greater Manchester 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 1,038 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Chadderton stands at 44.9%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male candidates have a 6.5 percentage point advantage at Chadderton, passing at 48.0% compared to 41.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Chadderton was 47.3% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 33.6% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 48.8%, while the lowest was in Oct at 42.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Chadderton Historical Performance
Our records for Chadderton begin in the 2016-17 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 35.5% from 166 tests. By 2021-22, the rate had risen to 47.3%, and it now sits at 44.9%.
Test volumes at Chadderton have grown over this period, rising from 166 to 12,454 tests per year.
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 Chadderton
Based on the data we hold for Chadderton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Chadderton, pass rates in Aug (48.8%) are notably higher than in Oct (42.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Chadderton is one of the busier centres, conducting over 12,454 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Chadderton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Greater Manchester area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Chadderton, 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 Chadderton 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 Chadderton?
The current pass rate at Chadderton is 44.9%, based on 12,454 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Chadderton conduct per year?
Chadderton conducted 12,454 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,038 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Chadderton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 44.9%, Chadderton is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Chadderton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 48.8%. 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 Chadderton?
Male candidates have a 6.5 percentage point advantage at Chadderton, passing at 48.0% compared to 41.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Chadderton pass rate over 8 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 798 | 347 | 43.5% | 50.0% | 36.2% |
| May | 876 | 398 | 45.4% | 49.8% | 40.7% |
| Jun | 1,022 | 488 | 47.7% | 52.5% | 42.8% |
| Jul | 1,170 | 522 | 44.6% | 48.4% | 40.6% |
| Aug | 804 | 392 | 48.8% | 49.1% | 48.4% |
| Sep | 948 | 449 | 47.4% | 49.1% | 45.6% |
| Oct | 1,130 | 482 | 42.7% | 44.0% | 41.0% |
| Nov | 1,038 | 457 | 44.0% | 45.8% | 42.1% |
| Dec | 882 | 395 | 44.8% | 45.9% | 43.4% |
| Jan | 1,165 | 508 | 43.6% | 46.8% | 39.8% |
| Feb | 1,174 | 513 | 43.7% | 46.9% | 39.4% |
| Mar | 1,447 | 645 | 44.6% | 48.7% | 39.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 6.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Chadderton.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Chadderton? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 6,885 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Chadderton with 57.2% from 950 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 42.9%. 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 | 950 | 57.2% | 58.7% | 54.8% |
| 18 | 1,444 | 51.3% | 53.3% | 49.1% |
| 19 | 1,097 | 49.0% | 52.9% | 44.9% |
| 20 | 845 | 48.0% | 47.8% | 48.3% |
| 21 | 648 | 49.2% | 51.7% | 46.8% |
| 22 | 554 | 50.2% | 52.9% | 47.5% |
| 23 | 461 | 46.6% | 49.6% | 43.9% |
| 24 | 438 | 42.9% | 45.3% | 40.3% |
| 25 | 448 | 44.6% | 43.4% | 46.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Chadderton, the automatic test pass rate is 37.7%, which is 7.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 44.9%. With 3,169 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
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 42.2% compared to 35.4% for females.