Trowbridge Driving Test Centre
· Wiltshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Trowbridge
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Trowbridge is located at Ashton Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 6BL. To reach the centre by car, take the A361 if approaching from the north or south, or the A363 from Bath and Bradford-on-Avon. From the town centre, head towards Ashton Street which runs parallel to the main shopping area. The test centre is clearly signposted and situated in a purpose-built facility with good road access for driving test routes.
Parking is available in the test centre's own car park, which has designated bays for candidates and their accompanying drivers. There's no charge for using the centre's parking facilities during your test appointment. Trowbridge railway station is approximately half a mile away, making it easily walkable in about 8-10 minutes. The station has regular services to London Paddington, Bath Spa, and Westbury. Local bus services including the 234 and X4 routes serve the town centre and connect to nearby areas.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check your documents and arrange for you to meet your driving examiner. You'll typically wait inside the centre rather than in your car. The facility includes toilets and a waiting area for accompanying drivers. The car park has step-free access to the building, making it accessible for all candidates. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointed test time to allow for the check-in process.
About Trowbridge Test Centre
Trowbridge is a DVSA driving test centre located in Wiltshire. With a current pass rate of 51.1%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,547 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 14 years of historical data for Trowbridge, stretching back to 2011-12. 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 252 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the BA14 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Trowbridge 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 Trowbridge 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 212 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 Trowbridge stands at 51.1%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Trowbridge, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Trowbridge was 59.1% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 48.8% in 2016-17.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 58.9%, while the lowest was in Oct at 44.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Trowbridge Historical Performance
Our records for Trowbridge begin in the 2011-12 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 53.6% from 401 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had fallen to 50.1%, and it now sits at 51.1%.
Test volumes at Trowbridge have grown over this period, rising from 401 to 2,547 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 Trowbridge
Based on the data we hold for Trowbridge, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Trowbridge, pass rates in Sep (58.9%) are notably higher than in Oct (44.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Trowbridge 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 Trowbridge. 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 Trowbridge, 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 Trowbridge 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 Trowbridge?
The current pass rate at Trowbridge is 51.1%, based on 2,547 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Trowbridge conduct per year?
Trowbridge conducted 2,547 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 212 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Trowbridge a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.1%, Trowbridge 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 Trowbridge?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 58.9%. 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 Trowbridge?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Trowbridge, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Trowbridge pass rate over 14 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 250 | 126 | 50.4% | 47.8% | 52.6% |
| May | 205 | 112 | 54.6% | 58.0% | 52.1% |
| Jun | 231 | 108 | 46.8% | 44.4% | 48.5% |
| Jul | 244 | 137 | 56.1% | 59.5% | 52.5% |
| Aug | 145 | 79 | 54.5% | 57.8% | 51.9% |
| Sep | 129 | 76 | 58.9% | 56.9% | 60.3% |
| Oct | 223 | 100 | 44.8% | 44.5% | 45.1% |
| Nov | 209 | 121 | 57.9% | 54.3% | 61.5% |
| Dec | 147 | 66 | 44.9% | 41.1% | 48.6% |
| Jan | 292 | 132 | 45.2% | 48.2% | 42.5% |
| Feb | 248 | 136 | 54.8% | 56.2% | 53.5% |
| Mar | 224 | 109 | 48.7% | 50.8% | 46.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Trowbridge.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Trowbridge? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,803 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Trowbridge with 57.2% from 617 tests, while 19-year-olds have the lowest at 50.6%. 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 | 617 | 57.2% | 57.8% | 56.5% |
| 18 | 432 | 52.5% | 53.4% | 51.9% |
| 19 | 178 | 50.6% | 40.5% | 59.6% |
| 20 | 132 | 54.5% | 47.5% | 60.3% |
| 21 | 116 | 51.7% | 59.7% | 42.6% |
| 22 | 99 | 51.5% | 53.6% | 48.8% |
| 23 | 100 | 53.0% | 58.3% | 48.1% |
| 24 | 77 | 51.9% | 52.8% | 51.2% |
| 25 | 52 | 51.9% | 58.3% | 46.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Trowbridge, the automatic test pass rate is 47.8%, which is 3.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.1%. 322 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
Male automatic candidates pass at 49.4% compared to 47.3% for females.