Nottingham (Chilwell) Driving Test Centre
· City of Nottingham
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Key Statistics
Getting to Nottingham (Chilwell)
The Nottingham (Chilwell) DVSA test centre is conveniently located in the City of Nottingham within the NG1 postcode area. If you're travelling by car, the centre is easily accessible from the A52 and benefits from good connections to the M1 motorway. There's dedicated parking available at the test centre for candidates and their accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding a space on test day.
For those using public transport, Nottingham's excellent tram and bus networks provide good access to the area. The NET tram system connects various parts of the city, while local bus services run regularly throughout the day. If you're coming from further afield, Nottingham railway station offers connections from across the East Midlands and beyond, with onward transport links to reach the test centre.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your test appointment to allow time for parking and checking in. The centre staff will need to verify your provisional licence and ensure you're ready for your test, so arriving with a few minutes to spare will help you feel more relaxed and prepared.
About Nottingham (Chilwell) Test Centre
Nottingham (Chilwell) is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Nottingham. With a current pass rate of 43.9%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 10,561 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 8 years of historical data for Nottingham (Chilwell), stretching back to 2016-17. 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 804 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NG1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Nottingham (Chilwell) test centre serves candidates from City of Nottingham 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 Nottingham (Chilwell) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Nottingham 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 880 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Nottingham (Chilwell) stands at 43.9%, 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 1.8 percentage point advantage at Nottingham (Chilwell), passing at 44.7% compared to 42.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Nottingham (Chilwell) was 52.1% in 2019-20, while the lowest was 39.3% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 47.1%, while the lowest was in Apr at 39.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Nottingham (Chilwell) Historical Performance
Our records for Nottingham (Chilwell) begin in the 2016-17 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 41.9% from 6,213 tests. By 2021-22, the rate had risen to 48.9%, and it now sits at 43.9%.
Test volumes at Nottingham (Chilwell) have grown over this period, rising from 6,213 to 10,561 tests per year.
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 Nottingham (Chilwell)
Based on the data we hold for Nottingham (Chilwell), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Nottingham (Chilwell), pass rates in Feb (47.1%) are notably higher than in Apr (39.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Nottingham (Chilwell). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Nottingham area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Nottingham (Chilwell), 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 Nottingham (Chilwell) 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 Nottingham (Chilwell)?
The current pass rate at Nottingham (Chilwell) is 43.9%, based on 10,561 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Nottingham (Chilwell) conduct per year?
Nottingham (Chilwell) conducted 10,561 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 880 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Nottingham (Chilwell) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 43.9%, Nottingham (Chilwell) 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 Nottingham (Chilwell)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 47.1%. 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 Nottingham (Chilwell)?
Male candidates have a 1.8 percentage point advantage at Nottingham (Chilwell), passing at 44.7% compared to 42.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Nottingham (Chilwell) pass rate over 8 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 743 | 291 | 39.2% | 42.2% | 35.4% |
| May | 844 | 362 | 42.9% | 44.3% | 41.4% |
| Jun | 952 | 407 | 42.8% | 47.1% | 37.7% |
| Jul | 816 | 380 | 46.6% | 46.6% | 46.5% |
| Aug | 811 | 360 | 44.4% | 47.6% | 40.8% |
| Sep | 981 | 413 | 42.1% | 42.2% | 42.0% |
| Oct | 1,245 | 559 | 44.9% | 45.2% | 44.5% |
| Nov | 940 | 423 | 45.0% | 45.6% | 44.3% |
| Dec | 756 | 324 | 42.9% | 39.2% | 47.8% |
| Jan | 803 | 334 | 41.6% | 42.6% | 40.1% |
| Feb | 798 | 376 | 47.1% | 46.5% | 47.8% |
| Mar | 872 | 410 | 47.0% | 47.2% | 46.8% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Nottingham (Chilwell).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Nottingham (Chilwell)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,968 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Nottingham (Chilwell) with 56.3% from 1308 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 44.2%. 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 | 1,308 | 56.3% | 58.2% | 53.9% |
| 18 | 1,129 | 51.2% | 50.4% | 52.0% |
| 19 | 713 | 49.6% | 52.6% | 46.8% |
| 20 | 624 | 45.2% | 52.1% | 38.1% |
| 21 | 566 | 44.9% | 43.8% | 46.1% |
| 22 | 517 | 44.5% | 43.5% | 45.7% |
| 23 | 414 | 45.2% | 45.8% | 44.6% |
| 24 | 380 | 44.2% | 46.6% | 41.5% |
| 25 | 317 | 46.4% | 45.3% | 47.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Nottingham (Chilwell), the automatic test pass rate is 38.7%, which is 5.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 43.9%. With 2,623 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 38.9% compared to 38.6% for females.