Hartlepool Driving Test Centre
· Hartlepool
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Key Statistics
Getting to Hartlepool
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Hartlepool is located at Brougham Terrace, Hartlepool TS24 8EY. To reach the centre by car, take the A179 towards Hartlepool town centre, then follow signs for the hospital area. The test centre is situated near the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Brougham Terrace. If you're coming from the A19, exit onto the A179 and continue straight through several roundabouts until you reach the Brougham Terrace area. The centre is clearly signposted once you're in the vicinity of the hospital.
There is a small car park available at the test centre with designated spaces for candidates and accompanying drivers. However, spaces can fill up quickly during busy periods, so arriving with plenty of time to spare is advisable. If the on-site parking is full, there are some residential streets nearby where you may be able to park, but be mindful of any parking restrictions. The nearest railway station is Hartlepool station, which is approximately 1.5 miles away from the test centre, so you'll need to arrange onward transport by taxi or bus if travelling by train.
When you arrive at the centre, report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver should wait in the designated waiting area or in their vehicle. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a waiting room. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time with all the necessary documents, including your theory test certificate, provisional licence, and any other required paperwork.
About Hartlepool Test Centre
Hartlepool is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hartlepool. With a current pass rate of 49.7%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,725 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Hartlepool, 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 347 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the TS24 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Hartlepool test centre serves candidates from Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hartlepool 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 477 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Hartlepool stands at 49.7%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.8 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Hartlepool, passing at 50.4% compared to 49.2% for male candidates, a 1.2 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Hartlepool was 57.9% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 42.0% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 52.7%, while the lowest was in Jan at 44.5%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Hartlepool Historical Performance
Our records for Hartlepool begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 42.0% from 5,690 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 53.7%, and it now sits at 49.7%.
Test volumes at Hartlepool have remained broadly stable over this period. 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 Hartlepool
Based on the data we hold for Hartlepool, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Hartlepool, pass rates in Sep (52.7%) are notably higher than in Jan (44.5%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Hartlepool. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hartlepool area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Hartlepool, 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 Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool?
The current pass rate at Hartlepool is 49.7%, based on 5,725 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Hartlepool conduct per year?
Hartlepool conducted 5,725 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 477 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Hartlepool a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.7%, Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 52.7%. 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 Hartlepool?
Female candidates outperform males at Hartlepool, passing at 50.4% compared to 49.2% for male candidates, a 1.2 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Hartlepool pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 533 | 272 | 51.0% | 51.8% | 50.0% |
| May | 556 | 248 | 44.6% | 42.5% | 47.6% |
| Jun | 499 | 250 | 50.1% | 48.6% | 51.8% |
| Jul | 507 | 262 | 51.7% | 52.0% | 51.3% |
| Aug | 345 | 177 | 51.3% | 49.7% | 53.1% |
| Sep | 507 | 267 | 52.7% | 52.5% | 52.9% |
| Oct | 615 | 306 | 49.8% | 51.3% | 48.2% |
| Nov | 488 | 243 | 49.8% | 51.9% | 47.3% |
| Dec | 435 | 215 | 49.4% | 46.4% | 52.6% |
| Jan | 465 | 207 | 44.5% | 41.6% | 48.1% |
| Feb | 333 | 167 | 50.2% | 50.8% | 49.3% |
| Mar | 442 | 233 | 52.7% | 52.1% | 53.5% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.2pp higher rate than male candidates at Hartlepool.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Hartlepool? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,386 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Hartlepool with 61.9% from 1158 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 46.5%. 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 | 1,158 | 61.9% | 63.5% | 60.4% |
| 18 | 818 | 53.2% | 55.1% | 51.6% |
| 19 | 332 | 48.8% | 53.1% | 45.5% |
| 20 | 269 | 46.5% | 47.4% | 45.6% |
| 21 | 221 | 57.5% | 56.0% | 58.7% |
| 22 | 171 | 53.8% | 53.3% | 54.4% |
| 23 | 148 | 58.1% | 57.8% | 58.5% |
| 24 | 129 | 51.9% | 43.2% | 63.6% |
| 25 | 140 | 60.0% | 59.8% | 60.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Hartlepool, the automatic test pass rate is 46.6%, which is 3.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.7%. With 1,068 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 48.2% compared to 44.4% for males.