Please be aware that Basildon Test Centre has now closed. Please click here to see other test centres around Essex.

Driving Theory Test Centres in Basildon

<div style="border-radius: 8px; color: #0e6251b0; background: rgb(250, 113, 163, 0.3); width: 100%; padding: 10px; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>This theory driving test centre is now permanently closed. The nearest alternative is <a href="/test-centres/theory/essex/chelmsford</a>Chelmsford</strong></span></div>

Basildon theory test centre is conveniently located right in the middle of this popular Essex town. With a number of transport links available, you should have no problem finding the location of your test. Be warned, though—this is one of the most densely populated areas in the country, so leave yourself plenty of time to get there!

Keep reading for more information on Basildon theory test centre, like pass rates, contact details, local amenities and more!


Address

1st Floor, Southgate House Town Square Basildon Essex SS14 1BN

Phone Number

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

Waiting Times

2-3 weeks Waiting times as recorded at the time of writing. Exact waiting times may vary.

Map


Arriving at Basildon Theory Test Centre

By public transport

Those planning to take public transport will be pleased to hear that Basildon train station is a mere 4-minute walk from the theory test centre. On arrival at the station, just head north towards the main shopping area and follow Town Square road, which takes you behind the actual square.

If buses are more your thing, disembark at one of the bus stops behind the Admiral Casino (simply called Bus Station), which is about 3 minutes from the test centre. Or, if you’re approaching from the opposite direction, the Audley Way bus stop is probably your best option. It’s a slightly longer 9-minute walk to your theory test from here.

More information on Basildon’s transport links can be found on the Essex County Council website.

By car

Catching a lift to your theory test centre instead? Lucky you! Simply ask whoever’s driving you to enter SS14 1BN and follow the given directions. If you’re arriving from out of town it’s likely you’ll end up on the A176 or A1321 at some point. Follow signs to the town centre and keep an eye out for Southgate House.

Parking

If this isn’t the first theory test centre you’ve researched, it probably won’t come as a surprise that the centre does not provide parking. No need to worry, though, as there are a few very affordable options close by.

Your best bet is going to be Basildon Westgate Park car park (SS14 1WP), which is only a 5-minute walk from the test centre. Here you’ll be charged an almost suspiciously cheap 90p for 2 hours of parking. Bargain!

If everyone else has taken advantage of that great deal and you can’t find a space, head over to the Eastgate Shopping Centre car park (SS14 1EB). It’s also only 5 minutes away from the theory test centre and charges a slightly more expensive (but still very reasonable) £1.60 for 2 hours of parking. 

Pass Rates by Year

People tend to take pass rates quite seriously and, as you can see, Basildon’s haven’t exactly been looking great of late…

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
46.1% 45.8% 45.7% 44.7% 45.2%

We urge you not to let this put you off the test centre, though. Theory test pass rates are largely down to the individuals taking the test and have very little to do with the quality of the centre in question. At the end of the day, your result is down to you!

Guides and Tips

While the prospect of a looming theory test shouldn’t keep you up at night, it is something that you need to take seriously. Plenty of people think they can blag their way through and end up having to pay for multiple tests. Don’t be like them! Take a bit of time to study the material and it will definitely pay off. If you need some extra help, check out some of the theory test resources we’ve listed below.

Ready to Go?

Nearby Theory Test Centres

Chelmsford
Cropped Google Map with pin over Chelmsford theory test centre

1st Floor
Grosvenor House
51 New London Road
Chelmsford
CM2 0ND

11.2 miles away

By rail: Chelmsford

2017/18 pass rate: 52.8%

View on Google Maps

Chatham
Cropped Google Map with pin over Chatham theory test centre

14-16 High Street
Chatham
ME4 4EP

13.2 miles away

By rail: Chatham

2017/18 pass rate: 47.5%

View on Google Maps

Hotels

If you’re having to commute to Basildon to take the theory test, it might actually be worth booking yourself into a local hotel the night before. This will give you a chance to get your bearings in the local area and avoid any traffic or transport issues on the big day. Here are some of your closest options:

Hotel Campanile ★★☆☆☆

One of the two cheap and cheerful options in the Basildon area, the Hotel Campanile is perfect for a short stay. In terms of freebies you can expect both tea and coffee making facilities and a flat screen TV in your room. WiFi is available, but it comes with a small charge. There’s also the convenience of an onsite restaurant and bar, so you don’t have to stray too far to find refreshments.

Travelodge Basildon ★★☆☆☆

Those who travel the country a lot will know that Travelodges are basic but reliable. All you really need is a comfy bed, access to a TV and welcoming staff to answer any queries, right? A great place to stay if you just need something efficient and budget-friendly for the night.

Holiday Inn Basildon ★★★☆☆

To step it up a notch you could always plump for the local Holiday Inn. This one is situated a fairly reasonable 23-minute walk away from the test centre. Rooms are bright and clean, WiFi is free and there’s even a little desk where you can squeeze in some last minute revision!

Places to Celebrate

Whether you feel like celebrating or drowning your sorrows once the theory test is over, Basildon can provide a suitable venue to do so. We’ve listed a few places the locals recommend–pick one and pop in!

The Edge Bar & Kitchen

Boasting a bar, restaurant and roof garden, The Edge can provide a range of different settings in which you can enjoy a drink. Entertainment is on the house, too, as there’s usually either a local band or live DJ spinning some tunes to get the atmosphere pumping. Top choice if you like your bars loud and lively!

QBall Sports Bar

Prefer sports over music? Mosey on down to QBall because it’s time to rack ‘em up! Play pool, snooker, darts, or simply watch the professionals strut their stuff on one of the many live sports screens dotted throughout the bar. There’s even a nice outdoor seating area for when you fancy a breather. Well worth a visit!

The Moon on the Square

If you only have a small amount of time to spare and just fancy a quick pint, you can’t go far wrong with a Wetherspoons pub. This one is in walking distance to the train station and has the extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere that you would expect from such a reliable chain. Pull up a stool, select your tipple and relax.

What Happens Next?

The Basildon theory test centre is a great choice for people in and around the Essex area. It’s easily accessible thanks to its close proximity to public transport links and there are plenty of attractive local amenities nearby, to keep you entertained before and after the test. Just be sure to arrive at your destination in good time, as it may take you a while to navigate the crowds in this bustling town!

With the theory test ticked off your to do list, you’re ready for the most exciting stage—the practical test! Use your theory test pass number (it’s on the certificate) to book a test date and start polishing up on those all-important driving skills. Basildon locals will be pleased to learn that there’s a practical test centre in their hometown.

Haven’t managed to earn that theory certificate yet? It’s not the end of the world. Book yourself another test as soon as possible (leaving a gap of 3 working days between tests) and go heavy on the revision. Fingers crossed for a case of second time lucky!

PassMeFast can help you get on the road, no matter how much experience you have behind the wheel. Just check out our courses—there’s something for everyone! Once you’ve picked a crash course package, you can book in online or give us a ring on 0333 123 4949.

Not sure how many hours you need? We get it, the amount of options can be a little overwhelming. Feel free to ask for some advice from our sales team, or have a quick go on our course recommender tool.

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