DVSA Test Centre
Southend-on-Sea Driving Test Centre
Everything you need before booking a driving test at Southend-on-Sea — the latest DVSA pass rates, current waiting times, how to practise the local test routes, and the nearest alternative centres. The headline number: 48.1% of tests here ended in a pass in 2024/25.
Southend-on-Sea pass rate (2024/25, DVSA)
National average pass rate (2024/25)
Typical wait for a test slot (May 2026)
Male / female pass rate (2024/25)
Pass rate at Southend-on-Sea
In 2024/25, 48.1% of practical driving tests at Southend-on-Sea ended in a pass — below the national average of 48.7%. Male candidates passed 51.5% of tests and female candidates 44.7% (from 2,428 and 2,369 tests respectively). That is 0.5 percentage points lower than in 2023/24 (48.6%).
Pass rate by year
| Year | Overall | Male | Female | Tests conducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 47.6% | 50.6% | 45.1% | 6,306 |
| 2020/21 | 55.8% | 56.4% | 55.3% | 1,201 |
| 2021/22 | 53.7% | 57.2% | 50.6% | 4,581 |
| 2022/23 | 51.1% | 54% | 48.4% | 4,307 |
| 2023/24 | 48.6% | 53% | 44.1% | 4,573 |
| 2024/25 | 48.1% | 51.5% | 44.7% | 4,797 |
Source: DVSA car practical test data by centre. Explore the full history in our DVSA Stats Explorer.
Every DVSA examiner marks to the same national standard — a lower pass rate does not mean stricter examiners. It reflects the difficulty of the local road network and how well-prepared candidates tend to be. Knowing the roads around Southend-on-Sea is the most reliable way to shift the odds.
Southend-on-Sea driving test routes
The DVSA stopped publishing official test routes in 2010, but tests from Southend-on-Sea still follow a consistent pattern: examiners use an established set of routes built from the road network within roughly 20 minutes' drive of the centre. Candidates who have practised on those local roads — the same junctions, roundabouts and high-speed stretches — go into their test with far less uncertainty.
DriveSidekick generates mock test routes for Southend-on-Sea using the real road network around the centre, with turn-by-turn navigation so you can practise independently between lessons.
Practise Southend-on-Sea routes free
Generate mock driving test routes around Southend-on-Sea — real roads, turn-by-turn navigation. Free to try, 2 routes included.
Download on Google Play →Free during beta — all routes and navigation included.
Waiting times at Southend-on-Sea
As of May 2026, learners booking at Southend-on-Sea faced a typical wait of around 8 weeks for a test slot. About 5.5% of appointments in the DVSA's 24-week booking window were still available (172 open slots against 2,929 already booked).
Availability changes daily as the DVSA releases new dates and cancellations appear. Check the live picture — and compare nearby centres — with our waiting time checker.
Your 3 nearest alternative test centres
If waits at Southend-on-Sea are long — or you would simply rather sit your test somewhere with a friendlier road network — these are the closest alternatives. Pass rates differ meaningfully between neighbouring centres, so it is worth comparing before you book.
Not sure which centre is closest to you? Use the nearest test centre finder to compare all centres around your postcode.
Where is Southend-on-Sea test centre?
Southend-on-Sea Driving Test Centre
The Tickfield Centre
Tickfield Industrial Estate
Tickfield Ave
Southend On Sea
SS2 6LL
Arrive at least ten minutes early. Most centres have limited or no candidate parking, so check where your instructor plans to stop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass rate at Southend-on-Sea driving test centre?
The pass rate at Southend-on-Sea was 48.1% in 2024/25, based on official DVSA statistics. The national average for the same period was 48.7%. At this centre the male pass rate was 51.5% and the female pass rate was 44.7%.
How long is the wait for a driving test at Southend-on-Sea?
As of May 2026, the typical wait for a test slot at Southend-on-Sea was around 8 weeks, with about 5.5% of slots in the 24-week booking window still available.
What routes are used for driving tests at Southend-on-Sea?
The DVSA no longer publishes official test routes, but examiners at Southend-on-Sea draw on the same local road network for every test. DriveSidekick generates mock test routes using the real roads around Southend-on-Sea so you can practise the junctions, roundabouts and road types you are likely to meet on test day.
Where is Southend-on-Sea driving test centre?
Southend-on-Sea driving test centre is at The Tickfield Centre, Tickfield Industrial Estate, Tickfield Ave, Southend On Sea, SS2 6LL.
Pass rate data: DVSA car driving test data by test centre (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence). Waiting time figures are DriveSidekick analysis of DVSA booking availability, last updated May 2026. Distances are road-network estimates between centres.