Farnborough Driving Test Centre
· Warwickshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Farnborough
The DVSA Farnborough test centre is located at Mollington Road, Farnborough, Banbury OX17 1AY. To reach the centre by car, take the A423 from Banbury towards Coventry, then follow signs for Farnborough village. The test centre is clearly signposted once you enter the village. From the M40, exit at Junction 11 and follow the A361 towards Banbury, then join the A423. The centre has its own car park with designated bays for test candidates and accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying fees.
The nearest railway station is Banbury, approximately 8 miles away, which has regular services to London, Birmingham, and Oxford. From Banbury station, you'll need to take a taxi or arrange private transport as direct bus services to Farnborough village are limited. If travelling by bus, the most reliable option is to take a service from Banbury town centre, though you should check current timetables with Stagecoach as routes can change seasonally.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. You'll typically wait inside until your examiner calls you, rather than waiting in your car. The building is accessible at ground level, and facilities include toilets and a waiting area with seating. The car park can get busy during peak testing times, so arrive with plenty of time to spare before your appointment.
About Farnborough Test Centre
Farnborough is a DVSA driving test centre located in Warwickshire. With a current pass rate of 58.3%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,041 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Farnborough, stretching back to 2008-09. 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 397 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the OX17 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Farnborough test centre serves candidates from Warwickshire 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 Farnborough will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Warwickshire 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 670 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Farnborough stands at 58.3%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.5 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 5.2 percentage point advantage at Farnborough, passing at 60.8% compared to 55.6% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Farnborough was 58.4% in 2017-18, while the lowest was 49.3% in 2009-10.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 61.8%, while the lowest was in Sep at 53.0%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Farnborough Historical Performance
Our records for Farnborough begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.7% from 3,026 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 54.3%, and it now sits at 58.3%.
Test volumes at Farnborough have grown over this period, rising from 3,026 to 8,041 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 Farnborough
Based on the data we hold for Farnborough, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Farnborough, pass rates in May (61.8%) are notably higher than in Sep (53.0%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Farnborough. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Warwickshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Farnborough, 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 Farnborough 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 Farnborough?
The current pass rate at Farnborough is 58.3%, based on 8,041 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Farnborough conduct per year?
Farnborough conducted 8,041 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 670 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Farnborough a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.3%, Farnborough 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 Farnborough?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 61.8%. 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 Farnborough?
Male candidates have a 5.2 percentage point advantage at Farnborough, passing at 60.8% compared to 55.6% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Farnborough pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 660 | 406 | 61.5% | 62.2% | 60.9% |
| May | 587 | 363 | 61.8% | 63.4% | 60.4% |
| Jun | 678 | 389 | 57.4% | 60.7% | 53.9% |
| Jul | 598 | 360 | 60.2% | 61.0% | 59.2% |
| Aug | 697 | 401 | 57.5% | 59.8% | 54.8% |
| Sep | 611 | 324 | 53.0% | 57.8% | 48.2% |
| Oct | 734 | 417 | 56.8% | 59.9% | 53.3% |
| Nov | 676 | 396 | 58.6% | 64.1% | 52.4% |
| Dec | 639 | 370 | 57.9% | 60.4% | 55.3% |
| Jan | 789 | 468 | 59.3% | 59.9% | 58.7% |
| Feb | 674 | 397 | 58.9% | 62.0% | 55.7% |
| Mar | 698 | 398 | 57.0% | 59.3% | 54.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 5.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Farnborough.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Farnborough? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,313 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Farnborough with 69.0% from 2018 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 51.9%. 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 | 2,018 | 69.0% | 72.7% | 65.1% |
| 18 | 1,205 | 61.2% | 63.7% | 58.8% |
| 19 | 559 | 56.9% | 58.4% | 55.4% |
| 20 | 371 | 58.2% | 62.4% | 53.8% |
| 21 | 295 | 56.3% | 57.4% | 55.0% |
| 22 | 252 | 63.1% | 62.1% | 64.3% |
| 23 | 241 | 51.9% | 55.2% | 46.9% |
| 24 | 215 | 55.3% | 59.8% | 50.0% |
| 25 | 157 | 54.1% | 53.8% | 54.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Farnborough, the automatic test pass rate is 52.9%, which is 5.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 58.3%. With 1,984 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 55.2% compared to 51.6% for females.