Goodmayes (London) Driving Test Centre
· Greater London
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Key Statistics
Getting to Goodmayes (London)
The DVSA Goodmayes test centre is located at 83-85 High Road, Goodmayes, Ilford, Essex IG3 8RL. To reach the centre by car, take the A12 Eastern Avenue and exit at the Goodmayes roundabout, then follow the A124 High Road towards Goodmayes. The centre is situated on the High Road itself, making it relatively straightforward to find. There's a small car park on-site with limited spaces, so arriving early is advisable. If the car park is full, you'll find some nearby residential streets where you can park, though do check for any parking restrictions.
The nearest railway station is Goodmayes, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the test centre. The station is served by TfL Rail services running between Liverpool Street and Shenfield. Several bus routes also serve the High Road, including the 150, 128, and 169, making the centre accessible by public transport. When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check your documents and provide instructions.
The test centre is housed in a fairly standard building with step-free access. There are toilet facilities available, and there's a waiting area where you can sit before your test if you arrive early. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park during your test, and the centre operates during standard business hours throughout the week.
About Goodmayes Test Centre
Goodmayes is a DVSA driving test centre located in Greater London. With a current pass rate of 43.7%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 21,961 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the busiest in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Goodmayes, stretching back to 2013-14. 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 466 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the IG3 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Goodmayes test centre serves candidates from Greater London 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 Goodmayes will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Greater London 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 1,830 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Goodmayes stands at 43.7%, 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 8.6 percentage point advantage at Goodmayes, passing at 47.7% compared to 39.1% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Goodmayes was 44.8% in 2023-24, while the lowest was 37.9% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 47.2%, while the lowest was in Feb at 40.9%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Goodmayes Historical Performance
Our records for Goodmayes begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 38.3% from 25,992 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had fallen to 38.0%, and it now sits at 43.7%.
Test volumes at Goodmayes have remained broadly stable 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 Goodmayes
Based on the data we hold for Goodmayes, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Goodmayes, pass rates in Apr (47.2%) are notably higher than in Feb (40.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Goodmayes is one of the busier centres, conducting over 21,961 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Goodmayes. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Greater London area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Goodmayes, 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 Goodmayes 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 Goodmayes?
The current pass rate at Goodmayes is 43.7%, based on 21,961 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Goodmayes conduct per year?
Goodmayes conducted 21,961 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,830 per month. This makes it one of the busiest in the UK.
Is Goodmayes a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 43.7%, Goodmayes 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 Goodmayes?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 47.2%. 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 Goodmayes?
Male candidates have a 8.6 percentage point advantage at Goodmayes, passing at 47.7% compared to 39.1% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Goodmayes (London) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 2,114 | 998 | 47.2% | 50.8% | 42.6% |
| May | 2,272 | 1,030 | 45.3% | 49.5% | 40.2% |
| Jun | 2,005 | 872 | 43.5% | 47.7% | 38.5% |
| Jul | 2,298 | 1,008 | 43.9% | 49.1% | 38.4% |
| Aug | 1,752 | 743 | 42.4% | 46.4% | 37.7% |
| Sep | 1,870 | 770 | 41.2% | 45.2% | 36.4% |
| Oct | 1,799 | 776 | 43.1% | 47.4% | 38.0% |
| Nov | 1,663 | 712 | 42.8% | 45.6% | 39.7% |
| Dec | 1,251 | 583 | 46.6% | 50.3% | 42.6% |
| Jan | 1,718 | 739 | 43.0% | 46.9% | 38.8% |
| Feb | 1,573 | 644 | 40.9% | 43.8% | 38.0% |
| Mar | 1,646 | 718 | 43.6% | 47.8% | 38.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 8.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Goodmayes (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Goodmayes (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 11,258 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Goodmayes (London) with 49.5% from 689 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 44.6%. 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 | 689 | 49.5% | 53.7% | 40.9% |
| 18 | 1,512 | 46.9% | 51.1% | 41.0% |
| 19 | 1,833 | 46.0% | 48.3% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 1,819 | 44.7% | 47.3% | 42.2% |
| 21 | 1,373 | 46.5% | 48.4% | 44.9% |
| 22 | 1,161 | 47.0% | 50.4% | 43.7% |
| 23 | 1,088 | 45.2% | 49.5% | 40.7% |
| 24 | 931 | 45.0% | 49.5% | 39.2% |
| 25 | 852 | 44.6% | 48.7% | 39.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Goodmayes (London), the automatic test pass rate is 41.5%, which is 2.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 43.7%. With 11,402 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 45.3% compared to 39.4% for females.