Chippenham Driving Test Centre
· Sir Fynwy - Monmouthshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Chippenham
About Chippenham Test Centre
Chippenham is a DVSA driving test centre located in Sir Fynwy - Monmouthshire. With a current pass rate of 50.6%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 7,641 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Chippenham, 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 324 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NP25 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Chippenham test centre serves candidates from Sir Fynwy - Monmouthshire 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 Chippenham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Sir Fynwy - Monmouthshire 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 637 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Chippenham stands at 50.6%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 4.2 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 3.4 percentage point advantage at Chippenham, passing at 52.2% compared to 48.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Chippenham was 52.8% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 44.7% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jan at 55.1%, while the lowest was in Sep at 45.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Chippenham Historical Performance
Our records for Chippenham begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.8% from 5,696 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had fallen to 50.4%, and it now sits at 50.6%.
Test volumes at Chippenham have grown over this period, rising from 5,696 to 7,641 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 Chippenham
Based on the data we hold for Chippenham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Chippenham, pass rates in Jan (55.1%) are notably higher than in Sep (45.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Chippenham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Sir Fynwy - Monmouthshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Chippenham, 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 Chippenham 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 Chippenham?
The current pass rate at Chippenham is 50.6%, based on 7,641 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Chippenham conduct per year?
Chippenham conducted 7,641 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 637 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Chippenham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 50.6%, Chippenham 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 Chippenham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jan had the highest pass rate at 55.1%. 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 Chippenham?
Male candidates have a 3.4 percentage point advantage at Chippenham, passing at 52.2% compared to 48.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Chippenham pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 583 | 311 | 53.3% | 56.7% | 50.2% |
| May | 688 | 356 | 51.7% | 52.1% | 51.3% |
| Jun | 581 | 303 | 52.2% | 54.6% | 49.5% |
| Jul | 569 | 286 | 50.3% | 49.8% | 50.7% |
| Aug | 469 | 225 | 48.0% | 49.8% | 45.8% |
| Sep | 541 | 247 | 45.7% | 47.7% | 43.2% |
| Oct | 706 | 327 | 46.3% | 46.8% | 45.8% |
| Nov | 636 | 298 | 46.9% | 49.6% | 43.7% |
| Dec | 577 | 289 | 50.1% | 50.9% | 49.0% |
| Jan | 726 | 400 | 55.1% | 55.1% | 55.1% |
| Feb | 760 | 394 | 51.8% | 54.1% | 49.3% |
| Mar | 805 | 432 | 53.7% | 56.5% | 50.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.4pp higher rate than female candidates at Chippenham.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Chippenham? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,409 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Chippenham with 57.5% from 2040 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 45.1%. 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 | 2,040 | 57.5% | 60.2% | 54.0% |
| 18 | 1,192 | 50.5% | 53.6% | 47.4% |
| 19 | 563 | 52.9% | 51.3% | 54.5% |
| 20 | 360 | 48.1% | 46.8% | 49.7% |
| 21 | 321 | 49.2% | 50.3% | 48.0% |
| 22 | 284 | 45.1% | 48.0% | 41.8% |
| 23 | 260 | 53.5% | 52.1% | 54.7% |
| 24 | 224 | 54.0% | 54.5% | 53.6% |
| 25 | 165 | 52.1% | 53.0% | 51.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Chippenham, the automatic test pass rate is 44.2%, which is 6.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 50.6%. With 1,182 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 46.1% compared to 43.3% for females.