Slough (London) Driving Test Centre
· Powys - Powys
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Key Statistics
Getting to Slough (London)
About Slough Test Centre
Slough is a DVSA driving test centre located in Powys - Powys. With a current pass rate of 45.6%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,181 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 11 years of historical data for Slough, 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 28 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LD8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Slough test centre serves candidates from Powys - Powys 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 Slough will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Powys - Powys 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 765 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Slough stands at 45.6%, 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 7.6 percentage point advantage at Slough, passing at 49.1% compared to 41.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Slough was 49.2% in 2013-14, while the lowest was 43.0% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 51.0%, while the lowest was in Feb at 42.0%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Slough Historical Performance
Our records for Slough begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.2% from 9,296 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had fallen to 43.7%, and it now sits at 45.6%.
Test volumes at Slough have remained broadly stable over this period.
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 Slough
Based on the data we hold for Slough, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Slough, pass rates in Aug (51.0%) are notably higher than in Feb (42.0%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Slough. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Powys - Powys area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Slough, 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 Slough 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 Slough?
The current pass rate at Slough is 45.6%, based on 9,181 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Slough conduct per year?
Slough conducted 9,181 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 765 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Slough a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 45.6%, Slough 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 Slough?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 51.0%. 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 Slough?
Male candidates have a 7.6 percentage point advantage at Slough, passing at 49.1% compared to 41.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Slough (London) pass rate over 11 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 988 | 445 | 45.0% | 49.7% | 38.6% |
| May | 988 | 430 | 43.5% | 45.2% | 41.6% |
| Jun | 843 | 380 | 45.1% | 47.1% | 43.0% |
| Jul | 1,009 | 493 | 48.9% | 53.4% | 43.9% |
| Aug | 572 | 292 | 51.0% | 53.9% | 47.0% |
| Sep | 741 | 333 | 44.9% | 49.0% | 40.1% |
| Oct | 840 | 366 | 43.6% | 49.7% | 35.4% |
| Nov | 797 | 352 | 44.2% | 46.8% | 41.3% |
| Dec | 696 | 309 | 44.4% | 49.6% | 38.7% |
| Jan | 684 | 323 | 47.2% | 51.2% | 42.5% |
| Feb | 559 | 235 | 42.0% | 43.6% | 40.5% |
| Mar | 464 | 228 | 49.1% | 49.6% | 48.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 7.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Slough (London).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Slough (London)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,989 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Slough (London) with 60.3% from 875 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 40.1%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 20.2 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 875 | 60.3% | 60.9% | 59.7% |
| 18 | 998 | 52.6% | 53.9% | 51.0% |
| 19 | 698 | 47.9% | 47.3% | 48.4% |
| 20 | 526 | 50.2% | 51.0% | 49.2% |
| 21 | 417 | 44.6% | 46.7% | 41.5% |
| 22 | 448 | 46.2% | 50.2% | 41.2% |
| 23 | 383 | 47.5% | 52.2% | 40.8% |
| 24 | 354 | 40.1% | 39.0% | 41.9% |
| 25 | 290 | 44.8% | 48.1% | 39.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Slough (London), the automatic test pass rate is 40.2%, which is 5.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 45.6%. With 3,275 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 45.5% compared to 38.0% for females.