- Guildford
Guildford
Updated with DVSA figures to September 2026
Find driving instructors near the Guildford test centre in Guildford. Browse local instructors, view test centre statistics, and prepare for your driving test with local instructors who know the area.
The Guildford driving test centre has a 57.07% pass rate across 4,542 tests (DVSA figures, 2025-26). That ranks it 83rd of 316 centres in Britain for pass rate. The median wait between booking and taking a test here is 7.8 weeks as of September 2026.
Got a test booked at Guildford?
Local instructors know the test routes here better than anyone. Get a few lessons on them before your date.
Official DVSA figures
57.07%
Pass rate
DVSA figures, 2025-26
7.8 weeks
Average wait
DVSA figures for September 2026
4,542
Tests
Conducted over the period reported
2,592
Passes
Candidates who passed here
#83 of 316 in Britain
Guildford Driving Instructors
Find driving instructors within 10 miles of the Guildford test centre. Working with a local instructor who knows the test routes and area can significantly improve your preparation and confidence.
Lesson availability
Lesson availability
Lesson availability
Lesson availability
Lesson availability
Guildford test centre review: what the DVSA figures say
We don't publish learner reviews of test centres, and we won't make any up. Instead, this is what the official DVSA figures say about Guildford.
Our verdict
Higher pass rate than average
Going by the DVSA figures, Guildford has a higher pass rate than average: 57.07% of tests here were passes in 2025-26, 7.0 percentage points above the 50.07% across Britain.
It ranks 83rd of 316 centres in Britain for pass rate, and 8th of 32 in the South East.
The pass rate is up 5.3 percentage points on 2024-25.
For people taking their first test, the pass rate was 56.78% in 2025-26, against 50.57% across Britain.
The wait for a test is shorter than average: 7.8 weeks in September 2026, against 12.8 weeks across all centres.
Scorecard
- Pass rate (2025-26)
- 57.07%Britain: 50.07%Above average
- Rank in Britain
- 83rd of 316By pass rate, 1st is highest
- Rank in the South East
- 8th of 32
- Change on 2024-25
- Up 5.3 percentage points
- First-time pass rate (2025-26)
- 56.78%Britain: 50.57%Above average
- Automatic pass rate (2025-26)
- 50.85%Britain: 44.69%Above average
- Male / female pass rate (2025-26)
- 58.25% / 55.63%
- Average wait (September 2026)
- 7.8 weeksAll centres: 12.8 weeksShorter than average
- Tests DVSA cancelled (2025-26)
- 285
A pass rate reflects who tests here as well as the centre itself: how old candidates are, how many are on a first attempt and how ready they are. A lower rate does not mean the examiners are stricter.
How Guildford compares with nearby test centres
Open test centres within 20 miles of Guildford, with their latest DVSA pass rate and average wait. If you can travel a little further, a nearby centre may have a shorter wait.
| Test centre | Pass rate (2025-26) | Wait (Sep 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| GuildfordThis centre | 57.07% | 7.8 weeks |
| Chertsey (London)9 miles away | 52.90% | 21.7 weeks |
| Farnborough9 miles away | 59.70% | 19.6 weeks |
| Tolworth (London)14.5 miles away | 53.59% | 23.1 weeks |
| Slough (London)17.3 miles away | 50.84% | 22.1 weeks |
| Isleworth (Fleming Way)17.4 miles away | 50.35% | 20.9 weeks |
| Morden (London)17.6 miles away | 50.96% | 19.1 weeks |
Pass rates are for 2025-26 and waits are the median for September 2026, unless another period is shown. Distances are in a straight line from Guildford.
About Guildford
The Guildford test centre serves the Guildford area as a key location for practical driving tests. With a pass rate of 57.07% based on 4,542 tests conducted, this test centre provides valuable insights for learner drivers preparing for their practical examination. Understanding the local area and practicing with an instructor familiar with the test centre can make a significant difference in your preparation and confidence on test day.
Success at any test centre comes down to thorough preparation. Working with a local driving instructor who knows the Guildford area means you'll practice on roads similar to those used during your test, become familiar with local traffic patterns, and build the skills and confidence needed to pass. We've listed instructors near this test centre to help you prepare effectively.
Address
Slyfield Industrial Estate, Off Moorfield Road
Guildford
GU1 1SA
Theory test first
Guildford theory test centre - 54.00% pass rateBook Your Test
Visit gov.uk/book-driving-test to book your driving test.
How long is the wait at Guildford?
Official DVSA figures for September 2026
Average wait for a test
7.8 weeks
The median time between booking a test here and taking it.
Until appointments free up
14.3 weeks
How far ahead you have to look before this centre has a reasonable choice of slots.
Tests DVSA cancelled here
285
Over 2025-26, mostly examiner medical absence. These are cancellations by DVSA - examiner absence, weather, industrial action - not by candidates. A cancelled test is rebooked at no charge.
See how Guildford compares: waiting times at every UK test centre
Test Centre Statistics
Official DVSA figures from April 2025 to March 2026 (2025-26)
Overall Pass Rate
57.07%
83 of 316 centres in Britain
Best Performing Month
January 2026
62.97% pass rate (250 passes)
Average Monthly Tests
379
Conducted per month on average
Total Passes
2,592
Successful candidates over 12 months
Pass Rate Trends & Analysis
Pass rates at Guildford move month to month, influenced by weather, time of year and how well prepared candidates are. While January 2026 showed the highest pass rate at 62.97%, your result depends far more on your own preparation than on the month you book. An instructor who knows the local roads and traffic patterns is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances.
Pass Rate Trend
Monthly pass rates at Guildford (April 2025 - March 2026)
Overall Pass Rate
April 2025 - March 2026
Who passes at Guildford
The headline rate mixes first tests with retakes. DVSA break it down further (2025-26).
First-time candidates
56.78%
Across 2,346 first attempts, of which 106 passed with no faults at all. If this is your first test, this is the closer comparison.
Automatic car tests
50.85%
Across 1,418 automatic tests. An automatic licence only lets you drive automatics.
Pass rate by age
Younger candidates tend to pass more often - worth knowing before comparing yourself to the headline number. The number on the right is how many tests that age group took.
Pass rate year by year
Every year DVSA have published for Guildford, from 2007-08 to 2025-26
Financial years 2007-08 to 2025-26, ranging between 42.76% and 57.07%
| Financial year | Pass rate | Tests conducted |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | 46.31% | 5,213 |
| 2008-09 | 47.34% | 6,304 |
| 2009-10 | 47.17% | 6,477 |
| 2010-11 | 50.47% | 6,931 |
| 2011-12 | 55.44% | 5,664 |
| 2012-13 | 52.9% | 6,346 |
| 2013-14 | 50.74% | 6,313 |
| 2014-15 | 48.94% | 7,078 |
| 2015-16 | 46.35% | 7,128 |
| 2016-17 | 53.98% | 5,537 |
| 2017-18 | 52.72% | 6,986 |
| 2018-19 | 48.65% | 6,691 |
| 2019-20 | 50.18% | 6,222 |
| 2020-21 | 52.71% | 1,440 |
| 2021-22 | 42.76% | 4,698 |
| 2022-23 | 44.62% | 6,519 |
| 2023-24 | 48.72% | 7,990 |
| 2024-25 | 51.8% | 5,032 |
| 2025-26 | 57.07% | 4,542 |
ADI qualifying tests at Guildford
Trainee driving instructors sit their qualifying tests at ordinary test centres - these are the figures for this one.
ADI Part 2 pass rate (2025-26)
44.21%
The advanced driving-ability test. 95 taken here, 42 passed. Every centre's Part 2 rate
ADI Part 3 pass rate (2025-26)
29.41%
The instructional-ability test - nationally the hardest step. Every centre's Part 3 rate
Guildford driving test routes (2008–2010)
These are the official DSA route documents, last reviewed 2008–2010. DVSA stopped publishing test routes in October 2010 when independent driving was introduced; today's routes are different and unpublished, and the test centre itself may have moved site since these were written. Use these to get familiar with the general area - not to memorise a route.
Source: Driving Standards Agency, via The National Archives (OGL v3.0).
Test Centre Facilities & Services
Important information about the Guildford test centre
Available Test Types
This test centre provides these types of tests: car, lorry and bus, ADI part 2, ADI part 3.
Accessibility Information
You can access this test centre if you use a wheelchair.
What to Expect on Test Day
Your driving test at Guildford will follow the standard DVSA practical test format. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in procedures.
- Bring your provisional driving licence and theory test pass certificate
- Your test will begin with an eyesight check (reading a number plate)
- You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions ('show me, tell me')
- The driving portion lasts approximately 40 minutes
- You'll be asked to perform one manoeuvre and may be required to follow sat-nav directions
Preparing for Your Driving Test at Guildford
Expert advice to help you succeed on test day
Preparing for your driving test requires more than just learning to drive - it's about building confidence, understanding the local area, and practicing under test-like conditions. At the Guildford test centre, success starts with thorough preparation and the right support.
Work With a Local Instructor
One of the most valuable investments you can make is working with a driving instructor who knows the Guildford area well. Local instructors understand the roads commonly used for tests from Guildford, know the local traffic patterns, and can provide targeted practice on manoeuvres and situations you're likely to encounter. They can also offer mock tests that simulate the real experience, helping you build confidence and identify areas that need more work.
Practice in the Local Area
Familiarity with the roads around Guildford can make a significant difference on test day. Spend time practicing in the area with your instructor, paying attention to speed limits, road layouts, and common hazards. This local knowledge helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on demonstrating your driving skills rather than trying to navigate unfamiliar roads.
Understand the Statistics
The 57.07% pass rate at Guildford provides context but shouldn't define your expectations. Every candidate's journey is different, and with proper preparation, you can exceed these statistics. Focus on mastering the skills, building your confidence, and taking your test only when you and your instructor agree you're ready.
Common Questions About Guildford
Find answers to frequently asked questions about this test centre, pass rates, and preparing for your driving test.
Cite these figures
Writing about this test centre? You're welcome to quote these figures. Please credit The Driving Instructor Directory and link to this page.
Source: The Driving Instructor Directory, using DVSA data (DRT122A, DRT122F) for 2025-26 pass rates and September 2026 waiting times. https://www.thedrivinginstructordirectory.co.uk/driving-test-centres/guildford
The figures are DVSA's. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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