Car theory test pass rates for Chelmsford, taken straight from DVSA's published figures, with what the test involves and driving instructors teaching around Chelmsford.
47.90% of car theory tests taken at Chelmsford were passed across 22,482 tests (DVSA figures, 2025-26). It ranks 65 of 193 theory test centres in Britain for pass rate.
Official DVSA figures
47.90%
Pass rate
65 of 193 theory test centres
22,482
Tests taken
In 2025-26
10,760
Passes
Candidates who passed here
#65 of 193 in Britain
47.90% of car theory tests taken here were passed in 2025-26, 1.4 points above the 46.5% average across theory test centres. Pass rates vary by centre far less than people expect - the test is identical everywhere, so what moves the number is who books there.
Pass rate
47.90%
65 of 193 theory test centres
Tests taken
22,482
In 2025-26
Passes
10,760
Candidates who passed here
Women vs men
50.40% / 45.60%
Women passed 50.40% of 10,636 tests, men 45.60% of 11,846.
Every year DVSA have published for Chelmsford, from 2007-08 to 2025-26
Financial years 2007-08 to 2025-26, ranging between 47.4% and 69.4%
DVSA publish the monthly detail for 2025-26. The month you book matters far less than whether you have worked through the question bank and the hazard clips.
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | 1,714 | 820 | 47.8% |
| May 2025 | 1,838 | 873 | 47.5% |
| Jun 2025 | 1,876 | 894 | 47.7% |
| Jul 2025 | 1,849 | 892 | 48.2% |
| Aug 2025 | 2,069 | 1,006 | 48.6% |
| Sep 2025 | 1,974 | 942 | 47.7% |
| Oct 2025 | 1,887 | 893 | 47.3% |
| Nov 2025 | 1,904 | 912 | 47.9% |
| Dec 2025 | 1,422 | 648 | 45.6% |
| Jan 2026 | 2,038 | 928 | 45.5% |
| Feb 2026 | 1,896 | 973 | 51.3% |
| Mar 2026 | 2,015 | 979 | 48.6% |
The test is the same at every centre. Two parts, taken in one sitting, both of which have to be passed together.
Multiple-choice questions
50
You need 43 correct to pass this part.
Time for the questions
57 min
There is a practice session first if you want one.
Hazard perception clips
14
15 scoreable hazards, scored 0-5 on how early you spot each.
Hazard perception pass mark
44/75
Both parts have to be passed in the same sitting.
Your UK photocard driving licence. Without it the test is cancelled and the fee is lost. Arrive around 15 minutes early, and expect to leave phones and bags in a locker.
Two years. If you have not passed your practical test by then you take the theory again - which is why booking lessons while you revise, rather than after, is worth doing.
Most learners book lessons while they are revising for the theory test, not after it - the practical waiting list is measured in months and a theory pass only lasts two years. These instructors teach within 10 miles of Chelmsford.
Pass rates, what the test involves, and how the theory test fits around booking lessons and a practical test.
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