Chester
driving test centre.

Understand the numbers, get to know your options and decide what fits your learning plan.

The numbers in context

In the year from April 2025 to March 2026, Chester recorded 9,212 car practical tests and 4,360 passes. These figures include all attempts and transmissions, not only first-time or manual tests.

47.3%Centre pass rate
9,212Tests taken
50.0%GB national rate
Plan training here

In 2024-25, the published centre rate was 46.2%, from 8,026 tests. Changes can reflect the mix of learners and tests, so they should not be treated as a change in difficulty.

A percentage is not your personal chance of passing. The test standard is the same. Your preparation, familiarity with the area and ability to drive independently are more useful things to focus on.

Nearby centres with higher pass rates

How do other local options compare with Chester’s 47.3%?

Up to three centres within 25 miles, highest rates first. Each recorded at least 100 tests in 2025–26.

  1. Northwich

    57.6%Historic pass rate
    From this centre
    16.8 miles
    Tests taken
    3,529
    Rate difference
    +10.3 percentage points
    Plan training here
  2. Rhyl

    56.9%Historic pass rate
    From this centre
    23.3 miles
    Tests taken
    4,011
    Rate difference
    +9.6 percentage points
    Plan training here
  3. Warrington

    55.5%Historic pass rate
    From this centre
    18.4 miles
    Tests taken
    7,550
    Rate difference
    +8.2 percentage points
    Plan training here

Distances are straight-line miles from Chester, not your postcode. A higher historical rate does not make a test easier or predict your result.

Explore all nearby centres

Where to find the centre

Chester
Unit 16, Telford Court, Dunkirk Trading Estate, Chester Gates Dunkirk, Chester, CH1 6LT
CH1 6LT

Address details come from the official GOV.UK directory. Check the venue, arrival instructions and any changes against your booking confirmation before travelling. This page does not show available test appointments.

Other centres within reach

These are nearby published locations, measured in a straight line from this centre. Road journeys may be longer.

Build training around your needs

Where you take the test is only part of the plan. Start with your current experience, the situations you find difficult and how much time you can realistically make for lessons. My First Pass is a matching service designed to connect learners with suitable independent instructors for bespoke tuition.

Use the course planner for an explained starting range, then have a driving assessment before agreeing the final hours. Instructor coverage, lesson dates and test availability need to be confirmed separately.

Get training options

Estimate my training hours

Sources and scope
DVSA DRT122A, 2025–26 · Released 25 June 2026.
Official test-centre finder · Location dataset updated 22 October 2026.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Full methodology and limitations