Clacton-on-Sea Driving Test Centre
· Essex
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Clacton-on-Sea
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Clacton-on-Sea is located at Centenary Way, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 4AU. To reach the centre by car, take the A133 into Clacton-on-Sea and follow signs towards the town centre. From the A133, turn onto Centenary Way and the test centre will be clearly signposted on your left. The centre has its own car park with designated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces elsewhere.
The nearest railway station is Clacton-on-Sea, which is approximately half a mile from the test centre. It's about a 10-minute walk along fairly straightforward roads, though you might want to allow extra time if you're carrying your provisional licence and other test documents. Local bus services operate along the main roads near the centre, making it accessible by public transport if needed.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where DVSA staff will check your documents and call you when your examiner is ready. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a waiting area. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your test time to complete the necessary paperwork and vehicle safety checks with your accompanying driver or instructor.
About Clacton-on- Sea Test Centre
Clacton-on- Sea is a DVSA driving test centre located in Essex. With a current pass rate of 47.4%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,867 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 12 years of historical data for Clacton-on- Sea, stretching back to 2012-13. 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 380 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CO15 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Clacton-on- Sea test centre serves candidates from Essex 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 Clacton-on- Sea will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Essex 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 239 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 Clacton-on- Sea stands at 47.4%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.1 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Clacton-on- Sea, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Clacton-on- Sea was 53.1% in 2019-20, while the lowest was 43.9% in 2013-14.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 50.9%, while the lowest was in Aug at 42.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Clacton-on- Sea Historical Performance
Our records for Clacton-on- Sea begin in the 2012-13 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 44.0% from 5,506 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 49.1%, and it now sits at 47.4%.
Test volumes at Clacton-on- Sea have decreased over this period.
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 Clacton-on- Sea
Based on the data we hold for Clacton-on- Sea, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Clacton-on- Sea, pass rates in Apr (50.9%) are notably higher than in Aug (42.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Clacton-on- Sea 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 Clacton-on- Sea. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Essex area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Clacton-on- Sea, 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 Clacton-on- Sea 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 Clacton-on- Sea 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 Clacton-on- Sea?
The current pass rate at Clacton-on- Sea is 47.4%, based on 2,867 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Clacton-on- Sea conduct per year?
Clacton-on- Sea conducted 2,867 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 239 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Clacton-on- Sea a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.4%, Clacton-on- Sea 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.
What's the best month to take my test at Clacton-on- Sea?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 50.9%. 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 Clacton-on- Sea?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Clacton-on- Sea, 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
Clacton-on-Sea pass rate over 12 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 214 | 109 | 50.9% | 53.5% | 48.7% |
| May | 130 | 63 | 48.5% | 51.7% | 45.8% |
| Jun | 159 | 81 | 50.9% | 59.1% | 45.2% |
| Jul | 136 | 64 | 47.1% | 51.8% | 43.8% |
| Aug | 83 | 35 | 42.2% | 48.3% | 38.9% |
| Sep | 142 | 63 | 44.4% | 50.8% | 39.8% |
| Oct | 353 | 177 | 50.1% | 46.9% | 53.4% |
| Nov | 333 | 147 | 44.1% | 38.9% | 50.3% |
| Dec | 214 | 97 | 45.3% | 44.2% | 46.8% |
| Jan | 352 | 178 | 50.6% | 47.5% | 54.5% |
| Feb | 405 | 175 | 43.2% | 42.9% | 43.6% |
| Mar | 346 | 170 | 49.1% | 51.1% | 47.1% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Clacton-on-Sea.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Clacton-on-Sea? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,772 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Clacton-on-Sea with 57.6% from 535 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 39.7%. 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 | 535 | 57.6% | 57.3% | 57.9% |
| 18 | 381 | 47.5% | 45.3% | 49.3% |
| 19 | 216 | 52.3% | 50.6% | 53.4% |
| 20 | 153 | 54.2% | 59.2% | 50.0% |
| 21 | 121 | 48.8% | 48.1% | 49.3% |
| 22 | 109 | 56.0% | 56.9% | 54.9% |
| 23 | 87 | 56.3% | 55.3% | 57.5% |
| 24 | 73 | 39.7% | 37.1% | 42.1% |
| 25 | 97 | 43.3% | 40.6% | 48.5% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Clacton-on-Sea, the automatic test pass rate is 43.0%, which is 4.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 47.4%. With 718 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 43.5% compared to 42.1% for males.