Newtown Driving Test Centre
· Wiltshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Newtown
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Newtown is located at London Road, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1PH. To get there by car, take the A4 which runs directly through Marlborough town centre. If you're coming from the M4, exit at Junction 15 and follow the A346 south towards Marlborough, then join the A4. The test centre is situated on the London Road (A4) on the eastern side of town. There's a small car park on-site with designated spaces for test candidates, though spaces can fill up during busy periods, so arriving early is recommended.
The nearest railway station is Pewsey, approximately 8 miles south of the test centre, which has regular services to London Paddington and Reading. From Pewsey station, you'll need to take a bus or taxi as there's no direct public transport link. Local bus services do run through Marlborough town centre, but you should check current timetables with Wiltshire Council's transport services as routes can change.
When you arrive at the test centre, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check your documents and let you know where to wait. The building has standard facilities including toilets and a waiting area. Your driving instructor can park in the car park while waiting, but they'll need to move their vehicle before your test begins to allow space for the examiner's requirements.
About Newtown Test Centre
Newtown is a DVSA driving test centre located in Wiltshire. With a current pass rate of 63.7%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,740 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Newtown, 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 365 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SN8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Newtown test centre serves candidates from Wiltshire 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 Newtown will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Wiltshire 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 145 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 Newtown stands at 63.7%, 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 4.6 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Newtown, passing at 65.8% compared to 62.3% for male candidates, a 3.5 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Newtown was 74.5% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 51.3% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 72.6%, while the lowest was in Jan at 52.4%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Newtown Historical Performance
Our records for Newtown begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.3% from 1,262 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 57.5%, and it now sits at 63.7%.
Test volumes at Newtown have grown over this period, rising from 1,262 to 1,740 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 Newtown
Based on the data we hold for Newtown, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Newtown, pass rates in May (72.6%) are notably higher than in Jan (52.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- The gender gap favours female candidates here. Women pass at 65.8% compared to 62.3% for men. This is unusual nationally and may reflect the local road conditions.
- Take advantage of availability. Newtown 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 Newtown. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Wiltshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Newtown, 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 Newtown 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 Newtown?
The current pass rate at Newtown is 63.7%, based on 1,740 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Newtown conduct per year?
Newtown conducted 1,740 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 145 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Newtown a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 63.7%, Newtown 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 Newtown?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 72.6%. 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 Newtown?
Female candidates outperform males at Newtown, passing at 65.8% compared to 62.3% for male candidates, a 3.5 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Newtown pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 110 | 68 | 61.8% | 64.7% | 57.1% |
| May | 117 | 85 | 72.6% | 72.6% | 72.7% |
| Jun | 131 | 82 | 62.6% | 60.5% | 66.0% |
| Jul | 137 | 98 | 71.5% | 67.1% | 77.6% |
| Aug | 99 | 69 | 69.7% | 70.0% | 69.2% |
| Sep | 134 | 96 | 71.6% | 70.6% | 72.7% |
| Oct | 144 | 95 | 66.0% | 60.0% | 74.6% |
| Nov | 126 | 88 | 69.8% | 70.5% | 68.8% |
| Dec | 185 | 105 | 56.8% | 58.0% | 54.8% |
| Jan | 187 | 98 | 52.4% | 51.8% | 53.2% |
| Feb | 160 | 91 | 56.9% | 54.5% | 61.0% |
| Mar | 210 | 134 | 63.8% | 61.3% | 67.0% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 3.5pp higher rate than male candidates at Newtown.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Newtown? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 982 of the tests conducted here.
19-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Newtown with 76.7% from 73 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 57.1%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 475 | 74.3% | 76.8% | 71.8% |
| 18 | 176 | 65.3% | 66.7% | 63.8% |
| 19 | 73 | 76.7% | 76.9% | 76.5% |
| 20 | 57 | 66.7% | 71.0% | 61.5% |
| 21 | 47 | 68.1% | 63.6% | 72.0% |
| 22 | 50 | 72.0% | 73.3% | 70.0% |
| 23 | 27 | 66.7% | 54.5% | 75.0% |
| 24 | 42 | 73.8% | 65.4% | 87.5% |
| 25 | 35 | 57.1% | 55.6% | 58.8% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Newtown, the automatic test pass rate is 53.0%, which is 10.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 63.7%. 347 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
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 57.9% compared to 48.3% for males.