Hereford Driving Test Centre
· County of Herefordshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Hereford
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Hereford is located at Holmer Road, Hereford HR4 9RS. To reach the centre by car, take the A49 if approaching from the north or south, or the A438 from the east or west. From the city centre, head north on the A49 (Commercial Road) and turn right onto Holmer Road. The test centre will be on your left after approximately half a mile. There's a dedicated car park on site with free parking bays available for test candidates and accompanying drivers.
The nearest railway station is Hereford station, which is approximately 2 miles away in the city centre. You can reach the test centre from the station by taxi in about 10 minutes, or by taking local bus services that run along the A49 corridor. Several bus routes serve the Holmer Road area, making it accessible by public transport if needed.
When you arrive at the centre, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building. Your driving examiner will collect you from the waiting area when it's time for your test to begin. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a comfortable waiting area. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointed test time to allow for any administrative procedures.
About Hereford Test Centre
Hereford is a DVSA driving test centre located in County of Herefordshire. With a current pass rate of 59.4%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,352 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Hereford, 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 95 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the HR4 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Hereford test centre serves candidates from County of Herefordshire 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 Hereford will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the County of Herefordshire 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 279 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Hereford stands at 59.4%, which is above 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 1.5 percentage point advantage at Hereford, passing at 60.1% compared to 58.6% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Hereford was 61.2% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 49.8% in 2013-14.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 64.7%, while the lowest was in Oct at 53.9%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Hereford Historical Performance
Our records for Hereford begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 50.7% from 3,150 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 57.9%, and it now sits at 59.4%.
Test volumes at Hereford 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 Hereford
Based on the data we hold for Hereford, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Hereford, pass rates in Aug (64.7%) are notably higher than in Oct (53.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Hereford. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the County of Herefordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Hereford, 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 Hereford 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 Hereford?
The current pass rate at Hereford is 59.4%, based on 3,352 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Hereford conduct per year?
Hereford conducted 3,352 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 279 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Hereford a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 59.4%, Hereford 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 Hereford?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 64.7%. 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 Hereford?
Male candidates have a 1.5 percentage point advantage at Hereford, passing at 60.1% compared to 58.6% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Hereford pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 278 | 157 | 56.5% | 55.7% | 57.4% |
| May | 342 | 205 | 59.9% | 59.9% | 60.0% |
| Jun | 316 | 188 | 59.5% | 61.8% | 56.2% |
| Jul | 221 | 138 | 62.4% | 60.8% | 64.4% |
| Aug | 207 | 134 | 64.7% | 70.5% | 57.9% |
| Sep | 238 | 141 | 59.2% | 57.3% | 61.2% |
| Oct | 284 | 153 | 53.9% | 49.1% | 60.5% |
| Nov | 236 | 142 | 60.2% | 59.2% | 61.2% |
| Dec | 204 | 112 | 54.9% | 51.2% | 60.2% |
| Jan | 258 | 155 | 60.1% | 66.0% | 51.0% |
| Feb | 385 | 233 | 60.5% | 62.7% | 57.6% |
| Mar | 383 | 234 | 61.1% | 64.3% | 56.8% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Hereford.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Hereford? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,088 of the tests conducted here.
22-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Hereford with 70.8% from 96 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 55.6%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 902 | 69.1% | 70.6% | 67.5% |
| 18 | 440 | 63.6% | 67.6% | 60.1% |
| 19 | 182 | 64.8% | 70.6% | 59.8% |
| 20 | 126 | 55.6% | 53.3% | 57.6% |
| 21 | 84 | 63.1% | 64.3% | 61.9% |
| 22 | 96 | 70.8% | 74.1% | 66.7% |
| 23 | 103 | 60.2% | 53.7% | 67.3% |
| 24 | 74 | 63.5% | 61.5% | 65.7% |
| 25 | 81 | 61.7% | 70.6% | 46.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Hereford, the automatic test pass rate is 50.1%, which is 9.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 59.4%. With 567 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 51.9% compared to 47.8% for males.