Driving Theory Test Centres in Southend-on-sea

If you like sea views and access to public transport, Southend-on-Sea theory test centre is a solid option. Situated in the heart of this southeastern Essex town, the test centre boasts short wait times and some attractive local amenities.

Keep reading if you’d like to discover more useful information, like pass rates, directions, contact details and more!


Address

Tylers House 5 Tylers Avenue Southend-on-sea Essex SS1 2BB

Phone Number

0333 200 1122 Please note: no direct phone number is available for this theory test centre.

Waiting Times

2 weeks Waiting times as recorded at the time of writing. Exact waiting times may vary.

Map


Arriving at Southend-on-Sea Theory Test Centre

By public transport

It couldn’t be easier to get to this theory test centre by public transport. Those pulling into Southend Central train station need only take a 3-minute stroll to arrive at the test centre. It’s basically a straight line too—just follow Clifftown Road until it becomes Tylers Avenue.

There is also the option of travelling to Southend theory test centre by bus. The Travel Centre bus stop is just 1 minute away on foot!

For more information on the transport serving the Southend-on-Sea area, visit the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council website.

By car

If someone is giving you a lift to the centre, or you’re willing to fork out for a taxi, ask whoever’s driving to tap SS1 2BB into their sat nav. The test centre is just around the corner from the Southend County Court, so keep an eye out for this if you get lost. And remember—if water starts seeping into the car, you’ve gone too far!

Parking

When it comes to theory test centres, finding somewhere to park requires a bit of forward-thinking. As is often the case, this centre does not offer onsite parking. This isn’t a reason to avoid arriving by car, because you do have some cheap parking options very close by.

If you make your way to the Tylers Avenue and York car park (SS1 2BJ), it’ll only cost you £1.90 for 2 hours of parking. Plus, it’s only 3 minutes away from the test centre—easy!

No luck there? How about the Warrior Square car park (SS1 2JH)? You’ll be charged exactly the same amount and it’ll still only take you around 4 minutes to get to your test.

Pass Rates by Year

Southend-on-Sea’s theory test pass rate has been in decline recently but is now heading back up. Statistics only present the big picture–a low pass rate is not an indication that the test will be harder here than in other locations. In fact, the test is the same wherever you take it! If a test centre’s pass rate was so low that it presented a problem for learners, the DVSA would step in faster than you can say “hazard perception”!

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
47.7% 48.7% 46.5% 46.4% 47.4% 55.1%  52.3% 

Guides and Tips

Once you’ve selected a convenient location and the theory test is booked, it’s time to start studying. It might not be that fun, but it’s definitely important and will build up your confidence around all things driving. Plus, it doesn’t have to be a chore! Have a look at some of the fun guides and apps we’ve listed below.

Ready to Go?

Nearby Theory Test Centres

Hotels

Ever considered staying in a local hotel the night before your theory test? If you’re not from Southend itself, you might find it saves you a lot of hassle on the morning of the big day! Try catching some well-needed zzz’s at one of the following:

Travelodge Southend-on-Sea ★★☆☆☆

For a simple solution that doesn’t empty your wallet, there’s always Travelodge. No, we don’t work for them, we just appreciate their relaxed and reliable approach to hotels. Each room comes with plush bedding, a flat-screen TV and blackout curtains. Opt for an early night and you’ll be thankful in the morning!

Park Inn by Radisson Palace ★★★☆☆

Heading down towards the seafront, the hotels start to multiply and you’re a little spoilt for choice. The Park Inn offers a name you can trust and a bright, airy room that’s pretty hard to beat. Enjoy scenic views, free WiFi, an on-site restaurant and chic decor. Lovely!

Hamiltons Boutique Hotel ★★★★☆

To really push the boat out you could always treat yourself to a night at Hamiltons. This beautiful seafront property once hosted Princess Caroline, so it should certainly meet your civilian standards! There’s even a celebrity guest section on the hotel website, to give you an idea of the type of people you could be rubbing shoulders with in the lobby. As you would expect from such a fine establishment, rooms are tastefully decorated and come with luxury amenities and spectacular views.

Places to Celebrate

With your theory test checked off the list, it’s time to see what the local social scene has to offer! Seriously, after all that preparation and revision, you deserve to let your hair down. Southend-on-Sea has plenty of interesting venues to explore—we’ve listed a few that caught our eye below.

The Pipe of Port

The Pipe of Port is a gorgeous restaurant and bar run by a wine merchant, so you can certainly expect an eclectic mix of vinos! On top of that, there’s a tantalising food menu that you can sample in the atmospheric candlelit dining room—perfect for treating someone special (or just yourself!).

Ravens Bar & Restaurant

Located in what used to be a department store, Ravens consists of 4 different floors of food and drink heaven. Visit each level and decide which setting suits your mood. Will it be the cool basement bar, the casual ground-floor lounge, the smart 3rd-floor restaurant or the trendy rooftop terrace? The choice is yours!

The Alex

If a friendly, laid-back pub is more your cup of tea, head on over to The Alex. Located just off the seafront, this lively pub provides real ales, tasty bar snacks, live sports and occasional musical entertainment. Chilled out and fun, you’ll feel right at home.

What Happens Next?

The Southend-on-Sea theory test centre boasts a desirable location and offers a range of things to see and do once the test is done and dusted. It’s a top choice for all you Essex folk and anyone who fancies a day out at the seaside!

Ready to progress to the next stage in your driving journey? It’s practical test time! For this part, it’s absolutely vital that you get plenty of practice and really know what you’re doing before you try to impress an examiner. Having said that, wait times for tests can be long, so try to secure a date at your local test centre as soon as possible. There’s actually a practical test centre in Southend-on-Sea—ideal if you’re a local.

If you’re unlucky enough to fail the theory test, the most important thing is that you do not give up. Keep your head up, arrange another test and hit the books (or, if you’re not old school, the revision apps). Most people find it’s much easier to get a high score when they know exactly what to expect.

When it comes to learning to drive, PassMeFast can tailor a course that suits your individual needs and can have you hitting the road in no time. Take a look at our courses online and see what tickles your fancy. If you need any advice or would like to discuss your options further, you can always call us on 0333 123 4949. Our friendly, experienced team can point you in the right direction, or even book the entire thing on your behalf!

If you’ve already wasted enough time and just want to get started, click the button below to begin!

Book Now