Sydney Driving Test Centre Comparison: Pass Rates and Tips for Choosing the Right Location

Choosing the right driving test centre in Sydney can significantly affect your chances of passing. With pass rates ranging from 43% to 70% across different Service NSW locations, the centre you pick matters more than you might think. This guide breaks down the data so you can make a well-informed choice.

Sydney Test Centre Pass Rates at a Glance

The following pass rate data is based on an analysis of over 30,450 driving tests conducted between January 2022 and December 2023. The NSW state average sits at 56%, which is below the national average of 62%.

Highest Pass Rate Centres

Lowest Pass Rate Centres

The gap between the highest and lowest pass rate centres is a striking 27 percentage points. Castle Hill, the top performer, sees nearly 7 out of 10 learners pass, while Chatswood and Bondi Junction see fewer than half succeed.

Detailed Centre Analysis

Castle Hill Service Centre (70% Pass Rate)

Castle Hill leads all Sydney test centres with the highest pass rate by a comfortable margin. Located in the Hills District in northwest Sydney, this centre benefits from a test area characterised by wide residential streets, well-maintained roundabouts, and generally predictable traffic flow. The suburban layout with clear lane markings and moderate traffic volumes makes it an appealing option for learners who want a calmer driving environment.

Best for: Drivers who prefer quieter suburban roads with fewer multi-lane intersections.

Marrickville Service Centre (69% Pass Rate)

Marrickville comes in a close second. Despite being an inner-city suburb, the surrounding test routes feature a manageable mix of residential and light commercial streets. Traffic can be busier than at Castle Hill, but the road layout remains straightforward. Learners familiar with inner-west driving patterns often find this centre accessible.

Best for: Drivers comfortable with moderate inner-city traffic and varied road types.

Rockdale Service Centre (68% Pass Rate)

Rockdale offers a balanced test environment in southern Sydney. The test routes include residential streets, a selection of roundabouts, and stretches along main roads. The area has reasonable traffic density outside peak hours, and the road infrastructure is generally well-signed and logical.

Best for: Drivers in southern Sydney looking for a centre with consistently strong pass rates.

St Marys Testing Centre (64% Pass Rate)

St Marys serves western Sydney and features a mix of suburban and semi-rural road environments. Speed transitions are common as you move between residential zones and connector roads. The area is well-suited for learners who have practised in western Sydney suburbs.

Best for: Western Sydney residents who have trained on local roads and are comfortable with speed zone transitions.

Liverpool Testing Centre (63% Pass Rate)

Liverpool is a major hub in southwest Sydney. The test routes include busier main roads, shopping precinct zones, and residential streets. While traffic can be heavier than at some outer-suburban centres, the pass rate remains above the state average, suggesting the routes are fair and well-structured.

Best for: Southwest Sydney residents who are confident handling moderate to heavy traffic conditions.

Chatswood Service Centre (43% Pass Rate)

Chatswood, on the lower north shore, has one of the two lowest pass rates in Sydney. The test area features narrow streets, heavy pedestrian activity, and complex intersections. Multi-lane roads with frequent lane changes, combined with congested traffic near the commercial district, create a challenging test environment.

Why it's harder: Dense traffic, narrow lanes, heavy pedestrian zones, and complex intersections near the shopping area.

Bondi Junction Service Centre (43% Pass Rate)

Bondi Junction matches Chatswood for the lowest pass rate across Sydney. Located in the eastern suburbs, test routes traverse hilly terrain, tight residential streets, and busy commercial zones. Parking pressure from shoppers and commuters adds to the difficulty, and speed management on inclines is a frequent challenge.

Why it's harder: Steep hills, narrow streets, heavy congestion in commercial zones, and demanding parking manoeuvres.

Factors That Affect Pass Rates

Road Environment

The data clearly shows that centres in quieter, suburban areas with wider roads and lower traffic density tend to have higher pass rates. Inner-city centres surrounded by commercial activity and congestion present more challenges.

Traffic Volume

Test centres near major shopping precincts or transport hubs, such as Chatswood and Bondi Junction, naturally expose candidates to heavier traffic. More vehicles and pedestrians mean more potential hazards to manage during the test.

Age

Nationally, younger candidates tend to have higher pass rates. Candidates under 20 pass at around 65%, while those aged 40 and above pass at about 52%. This trend applies across all NSW centres.

Vehicle Type

Candidates using automatic transmission vehicles pass at a rate of approximately 63%, compared to 59% for manual transmission. Only about 14% of test candidates use manual vehicles.

How to Choose the Right Centre

1. Prioritise Familiarity Over Pass Rates

While pass rates are a useful reference, the most important factor is how well you know the roads around a given centre. A candidate who has practised extensively around Chatswood will likely do better there than at an unfamiliar centre with a higher pass rate.

2. Practice in the Test Area

Whichever centre you choose, spend considerable time driving in the surrounding streets. Learn the speed zones, identify tricky intersections, note where school zones are, and understand the typical traffic patterns at the time of day you plan to test.

3. Consider Your Strengths

• If you are confident with roundabouts and residential driving, centres like Castle Hill or St Marys may suit you.
• If you handle busy traffic and pedestrian areas well, inner-city centres should not intimidate you.
• If hill driving is not your strength, avoid Bondi Junction.

4. Book at Quieter Times

Regardless of centre, booking your test during off-peak hours (mid-morning on a weekday, avoiding school drop-off and pick-up times) can reduce the traffic you encounter during your test.

Booking Your Driving Test

You can book your NSW driving test through the following channels:

• Online: service.nsw.gov.au
• Phone: 13 22 13
• In person: Any Service NSW centre

The driving test fee is approximately $70. If you do not pass, you must wait at least 7 days before re-booking, and the full fee applies each time.

Key Reminders for Your NSW Driving Test

• The test lasts approximately 40-45 minutes.
• You must score at least 90% to pass, with zero critical errors.
• Instant fail items include running a red light, speeding (even by 1 km/h), stop sign violations, failing to give way, and not performing head checks when changing lanes.
• Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds and signal at least 5 seconds before any manoeuvre.
• Come to a complete stop at stop signs for a full 3 seconds.
• In NSW, U-turns are NOT allowed at traffic lights unless a sign specifically permits them.

Summary

Sydney's driving test pass rates vary widely by location. The northwest and south of Sydney generally offer more favourable test environments, while inner-city and eastern suburb centres present greater challenges. Use the data in this guide as one input in your decision, but remember that thorough local practice is the single biggest factor in passing your driving test.

Data source: EzLicence analysis of 30,450+ driving tests (January 2022 - December 2023). Pass rates are historical averages and may change over time.

Explore driving test routes near your chosen centre with AUDrive -- our interactive map helps you practise the exact roads you will encounter on test day.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Pass rates are based on third-party data and do not guarantee individual outcomes. Always refer to Service NSW for the latest official test requirements and booking information.