Cheltenham Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Cheltenham with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Cheltenham Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Cheltenham | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 46.7% | 51.8% | -5.1% |
| Male | 47.2% | 51.8% | -4.6% |
| Female | 46.2% | 51.8% | -5.6% |
| First Attempt | 46.9% | 51.8% | -4.9% |
| Automatic | 40.3% | 51.8% | -11.5% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
46.9%
2021/22
50.1%
2022/23
44.8%
2023/24
46.3%
2024/25
46.7%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
6,545
Total
3,493
Male
3,051
Female
29 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Cheltenham Test Routes
We have mapped 31 real driving test routes used at Cheltenham (GL52 2HQ). Routes range from 8.3 km (23 mins) to 16.5 km (37 mins), with an average distance of 13.1 km taking around 31 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
31
Total Routes
31 min
Avg Duration
13.1 km
Avg Distance
4
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 9.5 km | 23 min |
| #2 | 14.6 km | 38 min |
| #3 | 13.4 km | 30 min |
| #4 | 15 km | 31 min |
| #5 | 15.9 km | 37 min |
| #7 | 14.4 km | 33 min |
| #8 | 11.4 km | 25 min |
| #9 | 16.5 km | 37 min |
| #11 | 16 km | 35 min |
| #12 | 15.3 km | 37 min |
+ 21 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Cheltenham Test Routes
Across all 31 routes, examiners at Cheltenham use 181 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 31 Routes with Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Get the full route details with voice-guided navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and lane change before test day.
What Makes Cheltenham Challenging
Key Challenges
- Navigating extremely narrow lanes where reversing may be necessary to let vehicles pass
- Navigating through historic market towns with narrow streets and tight corners
- Managing blind bends on lanes where hedgerows grow close to the road edge
- Judging speed on rolling terrain where gradients change frequently
Difficulty Analysis
At 46.7%, Cheltenham falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 84 out of 322 centres for difficulty. Pass rates have remained relatively stable over the recorded period, fluctuating between 44.8% and 50.1%, a range of just 5.3 percentage points. The automatic pass rate of 40.3% trails the overall 46.7% by 6.4 points, a gap automatic candidates should factor into their preparation.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Cheltenham
Expert Tips
- 1
Build clutch control for the steep coastal and inland hills found around south-west centres.
- 2
Practise judging the width of your vehicle in narrow lanes where hedgerows brush both sides.
- 3
Get used to sharing the road with horse riders, agricultural vehicles, and seasonal tourist traffic.
- 4
Build confidence with T-junctions on busy roads where gaps in traffic may be brief.
- 5
Get comfortable with mini-roundabouts, common in suburban areas and testing your observation and timing.
Best Time to Test
Avoiding school run times (8:15-9:15am and 2:45-3:30pm) near Cheltenham can make a noticeable difference to traffic levels in the surrounding residential areas. With 6,545 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Cheltenham
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester | 7.8 miles | 49.6% | Below Average |
| Worcester | 21.1 miles | 50.6% | Below Average |
| Swindon | 26.4 miles | 49.3% | Below Average |
| Swindon LGV | 26.4 miles | 24.7% | Hard |
| Monmouth | 28.2 miles | 61.2% | Easy |
Looking for a higher pass rate? Some nearby centres have better statistics. Compare options above to find the best fit for you.
View all centres in South WestFrequently Asked Questions About Cheltenham
What is the pass rate at Cheltenham?+
The current pass rate at Cheltenham is 46.7%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 6,545 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 47.2% and the female pass rate is 46.2%.
Is Cheltenham a hard driving test centre?+
Cheltenham is ranked 84 out of 322 UK test centres for difficulty and is classified as "Below Average". The pass rate is below the national average, which may indicate a more challenging test experience.
How many test routes does Cheltenham have?+
The exact number of routes at Cheltenham varies and is updated regularly. You can practise real test routes used at this centre with turn-by-turn navigation in the Test Routes Expert app.
What roads are commonly used at Cheltenham?+
Test routes at Cheltenham commonly include A-roads, residential, narrow lanes, harbour roads, roundabouts. Being comfortable on these road types is essential for passing. The Test Routes Expert app lets you practise on the exact roads used in the test.
What's the best time to take a driving test at Cheltenham?+
Avoiding school run times (8:15-9:15am and 2:45-3:30pm) near Cheltenham can make a noticeable difference to traffic levels in the surrounding residential areas. With 6,545 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Cheltenham compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Gloucester (49.6%, 7.8 miles away); Worcester (50.6%, 21.1 miles away); Swindon (49.3%, 26.4 miles away). Comparing pass rates and distances can help you choose the best centre for your test.
Know Every Route Before Test Day
Test Routes Expert gives you turn-by-turn navigation for real driving test routes at every UK test centre. No surprises on test day.
- Turn-by-turn navigation on real test routes
- Track your progress route by route
- Pass First Time Guarantee
