Learner drivers in Ealing face significant challenges when trying to pass their driving test on the first attempt, especially at the borough’s two test centres — Greenford test centre on Horsenden Lane North and Southall test centre on Allenby Road.
According to new analysis of official DVSA data for 2023/24, conducted by traffic planning software firm Traffic Chart, both locations rank among the ten lowest-scoring centres in London for first-time pass rates.
The Greenford test centre ranks as the 5th lowest in the capital, with a total first-time pass rate of 38.2% from 3,484 tests. Male candidates passed at 41.2%, while just 33.6% of women succeeded on their first attempt.
At Southall, the picture isn’t much brighter. With a 39.4% pass rate from 2,170 attempts, the centre ranks 7th lowest in London. The gender split shows 40.2% of men passed, compared to 37.5% of women.
Both fall short of the London-wide average of 46.3% (male: 48.4%, female: 43.4%), underscoring the difficulties many learners face at these London locations.
In contrast, Sidcup tops the list for best first-time pass rates in London. With an impressive 57.2% success rate from 4,911 tests, it significantly outperforms the London average. Male learners passed at 59.5%, while 54.1% of women were successful.
Despite their low rankings within London, Greenford and Southall are not the worst performers in the UK. Nationally, several test centres fall below even these figures. According to the DVSA data:
With Greenford at 38.2% and Southall at 39.4%, Ealing’s centres, while difficult, still offer better odds than the lowest-performing UK test centres.
Martijn Hulshof, founder of Traffic Chart, said the figures reveal “remarkable regional variations” in test outcomes. “Scottish test centres, for example, tend to perform very well, likely due to quieter roads and less complex urban layouts.”
He added: “The gender differences are also worth noting, with men typically outperforming women — a trend that appears consistent across the country. Factors such as test anxiety, examiner variability, and road conditions all play a part.”
Mr Hulshof concluded that while personal driving skills remain crucial, “choosing where you take your test can significantly improve your chances of passing first time. Rural or less congested test centres often yield better outcomes, though convenience and accessibility also matter.”
