Winchester Driving Test Centre
· Hampshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Winchester
The Winchester DVSA practical driving test centre is located at Easton Lane, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 7RX. To reach the centre by car, follow the A31 towards Winchester and take the exit for the A3090 towards Easton. The test centre is situated on Easton Lane, just off the main road. There's on-site parking available with dedicated bays for driving test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces elsewhere.
Winchester railway station is approximately 2 miles from the test centre, making it accessible by taxi or bus if you're arriving by train. Several local bus routes serve the Easton area, though you'll want to check current timetables with Stagecoach South for the most up-to-date information. The journey from the station typically takes about 10-15 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
When you arrive at the centre, you'll need to report to reception where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor can accompany you inside, and there's a waiting area for any friends or family who might have come along. The centre has toilet facilities available, and the building is accessible with step-free access. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your test time to complete the check-in process without rushing.
About Winchester Test Centre
Winchester is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hampshire. With a current pass rate of 47.9%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,839 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Winchester, 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 444 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SO23 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Winchester test centre serves candidates from Hampshire 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 Winchester will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hampshire 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 320 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Winchester stands at 47.9%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Winchester, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Winchester was 56.5% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 39.8% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Nov at 52.6%, while the lowest was in Feb at 40.6%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Winchester Historical Performance
Our records for Winchester begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 39.8% from 4,233 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 43.1%, and it now sits at 47.9%.
Test volumes at Winchester have remained broadly stable over this period. 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 Winchester
Based on the data we hold for Winchester, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Winchester, pass rates in Nov (52.6%) are notably higher than in Feb (40.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Winchester. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hampshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Winchester, 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 Winchester 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 Winchester?
The current pass rate at Winchester is 47.9%, based on 3,839 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Winchester conduct per year?
Winchester conducted 3,839 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 320 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Winchester a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.9%, Winchester 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 Winchester?
Based on 2024-25 data, Nov 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 Winchester?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Winchester, 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
Winchester pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 440 | 206 | 46.8% | 49.6% | 43.8% |
| May | 295 | 144 | 48.8% | 49.0% | 48.7% |
| Jun | 358 | 168 | 46.9% | 49.2% | 44.5% |
| Jul | 334 | 157 | 47.0% | 45.3% | 48.6% |
| Aug | 295 | 143 | 48.5% | 50.7% | 46.3% |
| Sep | 320 | 153 | 47.8% | 45.0% | 50.3% |
| Oct | 345 | 160 | 46.4% | 44.8% | 48.1% |
| Nov | 302 | 159 | 52.6% | 51.2% | 54.4% |
| Dec | 295 | 144 | 48.8% | 42.2% | 56.0% |
| Jan | 240 | 126 | 52.5% | 52.7% | 52.3% |
| Feb | 249 | 101 | 40.6% | 43.4% | 37.5% |
| Mar | 366 | 177 | 48.4% | 49.4% | 47.4% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.2pp higher rate than male candidates at Winchester.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Winchester? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,733 of the tests conducted here.
22-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Winchester with 58.0% from 131 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 41.9%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,033 | 54.1% | 54.7% | 53.6% |
| 18 | 614 | 49.8% | 48.9% | 50.8% |
| 19 | 306 | 47.1% | 49.4% | 44.7% |
| 20 | 157 | 48.4% | 49.4% | 47.2% |
| 21 | 165 | 43.6% | 39.8% | 48.1% |
| 22 | 131 | 58.0% | 61.7% | 54.9% |
| 23 | 104 | 47.1% | 43.1% | 52.2% |
| 24 | 130 | 47.7% | 50.7% | 44.1% |
| 25 | 93 | 41.9% | 39.2% | 45.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Winchester, the automatic test pass rate is 44.1%, which is 3.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 47.9%. With 859 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 45.0% compared to 42.7% for males.