Sale (Manchester) Driving Test Centre
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Key Statistics
Getting to Sale (Manchester)
The DVSA Sale (Manchester) test centre is located at 5 Ashton Lane, Sale, Greater Manchester M33 4DN. To reach the centre by car, take the M60 motorway to junction 6 and follow the A6144 towards Sale. From the town centre, head towards Ashton Lane which runs parallel to the Metrolink line. The centre is easily identifiable as a modern DVSA building with clear signage. There is a small car park on-site with limited spaces available for candidates and their instructors on a first-come, first-served basis.
The nearest railway connection is Sale Metrolink station, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the test centre. This tram stop is on the Altrincham line and provides excellent links to Manchester city centre and beyond. Several bus routes serve the Sale area, including services along the main A56 Chester Road. If the on-site parking is full, there are some unrestricted residential streets nearby, though you'll need to check local parking restrictions carefully.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the building where DVSA staff will check you in for your test. You'll typically wait inside until your examiner calls you, rather than waiting in your vehicle. The building is accessible with level access, and facilities include toilets and a waiting area with seating for candidates and accompanying drivers or instructors.
About Sale Test Centre
Sale is a DVSA driving test centre located in Unknown. With a current pass rate of 49.1%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,977 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Sale, 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 738 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the M33 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Sale test centre serves candidates from Unknown 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 Sale will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Unknown 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 831 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Sale stands at 49.1%, which is close to 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 6.2 percentage point advantage at Sale, passing at 52.0% compared to 45.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Sale was 50.9% in 2017-18, while the lowest was 47.0% in 2013-14.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 52.6%, while the lowest was in Apr at 45.0%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Sale Historical Performance
Our records for Sale begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.0% from 6,993 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 50.1%, and it now sits at 49.1%.
Test volumes at Sale have grown over this period, rising from 6,993 to 9,977 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 Sale
Based on the data we hold for Sale, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Sale, pass rates in Mar (52.6%) are notably higher than in Apr (45.0%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Sale. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Unknown area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Sale, 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 Sale 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 Sale?
The current pass rate at Sale is 49.1%, based on 9,977 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Sale conduct per year?
Sale conducted 9,977 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 831 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Sale a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.1%, Sale 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 Sale?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 52.6%. 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 Sale?
Male candidates have a 6.2 percentage point advantage at Sale, passing at 52.0% compared to 45.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Sale (Manchester) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 647 | 291 | 45.0% | 49.5% | 40.8% |
| May | 677 | 315 | 46.5% | 47.8% | 45.3% |
| Jun | 852 | 439 | 51.5% | 58.4% | 44.8% |
| Jul | 1,064 | 529 | 49.7% | 50.4% | 48.9% |
| Aug | 622 | 305 | 49.0% | 51.5% | 46.2% |
| Sep | 1,010 | 519 | 51.4% | 54.0% | 48.3% |
| Oct | 893 | 430 | 48.2% | 50.2% | 45.6% |
| Nov | 852 | 397 | 46.6% | 47.3% | 45.8% |
| Dec | 621 | 310 | 49.9% | 56.2% | 42.3% |
| Jan | 836 | 414 | 49.5% | 52.9% | 45.5% |
| Feb | 975 | 464 | 47.6% | 51.0% | 43.3% |
| Mar | 928 | 488 | 52.6% | 54.7% | 50.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 6.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Sale (Manchester).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Sale (Manchester)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,323 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Sale (Manchester) with 61.1% from 1209 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 47.8%. 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 | 1,209 | 61.1% | 62.4% | 59.7% |
| 18 | 1,189 | 51.9% | 54.7% | 49.1% |
| 19 | 708 | 53.7% | 55.4% | 51.2% |
| 20 | 504 | 49.4% | 53.3% | 44.7% |
| 21 | 376 | 56.1% | 55.7% | 56.6% |
| 22 | 375 | 52.3% | 54.1% | 50.5% |
| 23 | 345 | 47.8% | 52.3% | 42.0% |
| 24 | 332 | 50.9% | 52.6% | 48.6% |
| 25 | 285 | 48.8% | 46.3% | 52.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Sale (Manchester), the automatic test pass rate is 44.2%, which is 4.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.1%. With 3,042 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 49.0% compared to 41.5% for females.