England · practical testing

Chelmsford
Driving test centre.

Official results, the context behind them and a practical way to plan your next step.

55.4%
All-car pass rate · 2025/26
9,107
Tests taken · 2025/26
17.0 weeks
Median completed wait
24.0 weeks
Forward availability measure

Results: official source tables. Waiting measures: August 2026, DRT122F. Missing values are not zero. Definitions and limitations.

The wider picture

Pass rates over time

Compare the same test group across published periods.

Period Tests Passes Pass rate
2009/10 7,891 3,074 39.0%
2010/11 8,388 3,245 38.7%
2011/12 8,019 3,196 39.9%
2012/13 6,863 2,694 39.3%
2013/14 6,682 2,735 40.9%
2025/26 9,107 5,044 55.4%

Candidate mix and repeated attempts affect these figures. The highest rate does not identify the easiest test for you.

Plan the practicalities

Before you book

  • Agree readiness and test-day car use with your instructor.
  • Check the current venue address, facilities and offered services.
  • Use the correct official booking service for your nation.
  • Check any support or adjustments before the appointment.

A centre’s statistical name may not identify the latest building. Any address must be checked against your booking confirmation.

Two different measures

Understand the wait.

A completed wait describes past test takers. The availability measure describes the published booking outlook at that time.

Last 12 published months
Month Median completed wait Forward availability Completed within 7 weeks Completed after 21 weeks
September 2025 14.6 weeks 15.0 weeks 36.5% 35.4%
October 2025 17.4 weeks 24.0 weeks 28.8% 40.5%
November 2025 14.0 weeks 24.0 weeks 41.9% 37.4%
December 2025 14.6 weeks 24.0 weeks 37.0% 40.0%
January 2026 12.0 weeks 24.0 weeks 40.5% 34.7%
February 2026 9.1 weeks 24.0 weeks 45.2% 29.5%
March 2026 11.9 weeks 24.0 weeks 37.3% 29.9%
April 2026 8.0 weeks 24.0 weeks 47.3% 20.1%
May 2026 9.0 weeks 24.0 weeks 46.6% 24.7%
June 2026 12.5 weeks 24.0 weeks 35.6% 32.0%
July 2026 17.0 weeks 24.0 weeks 28.5% 42.4%
August 2026 17.0 weeks 24.0 weeks 24.3% 48.8%
This is not a live appointment search. The forward measure concerns when at least 10% of weekly appointments are available in the published snapshot. It is not the earliest slot. Use the official booking service for current appointments.
Automatic transmission

A separate candidate group.

Automatic pass rate · 2025/26
49.2%
Automatic tests
2,697

Automatic-only outcomes use a different group of tests from the all-car rate. They do not establish which transmission is easier for you. Source: DRT122E.

Choosing manual or automatic

Build a realistic budget

Include lessons, official fees and test-day car use.

Check your readiness

Use a structured conversation with your instructor.

Plan travel and conditions

Official road, public transport and weather sources.

Suggest a correction to this record. For a booking issue, contact the official test authority.

Other centres in the region

All centres

These are regional comparisons, not a list of permitted booking transfers or the closest centres by travel time.