Driving Theory Test Centres in Southwark

The Southwark theory test centre is conveniently located right in the centre of London, making it an obvious choice for learners all over Greater London and beyond. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know for test day, including wait times, pass rates, local amenities and more!


Address

Manor House 224-236 Walworth Road Walworth London Greater London SE17 1JE

Phone Number

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

Map


Arriving at Southwark Theory Test Centre

By public transport

The city centre location of this theory test centre means there are multiple ways you can get to it. The closest tube station is Elephant & Castle, from which it will be a quick 10-minute walk to your theory test. If you prefer the overground, you can also disembark at Elephant & Castle train station.

Taking the bus instead? You’ll be pleased to hear that the closest bus stop is only 1 minute from the centre. Yes, just hop off at the East Street (Stop U) bus stop and the theory test centre is just a stone’s throw away.

To learn more about Southwark’s transport links, visit the Southwark Council website.

By car

If someone is nice enough to offer you a lift, or you’re willing to pay for a taxi, you could also get to the centre by car. Just get the driver to type SE17 1JE into a sat nav and follow the instructions.

As you can imagine, central London is incredibly busy even outside of peak traffic times. Plan your journey wisely and avoid rush hour if you can.

Parking

There are no parking options at the theory test centre itself, but you do have some options close by. Again, this is central London we’re talking about, so expect to part with quite a bit of cash. The closest option (26 minutes away) is the Burgess Park car park (SE5 7QH), which will set you back £4 for 2 hours of parking. Pretty good, but there are only 27 spaces.

If there are no spaces here, you can also try the London Bridge car park (SE1 3RU). It will take you 42 minutes to get from here to the test centre, and costs £9.90 for 2 hours. However, there are 478 spots here.

Pass Rates by Year

Southwark theory centre’s pass rates sit well above the national average. While this is a positive sign, don’t let it fool you into thinking you have a higher chance of passing your test if you take it here. The same test is provided all over the country. At the end of the day, how you perform is up to you. Don’t rely on the stats; do your revision!

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
52.9% 52.3% 52.8% 51.9% 51.8% 57.5% 59.0%

Guides and Tips

Studying for the theory test is really important. Some people don’t take it very seriously and find themselves having to take multiple tests, which is both demoralising and expensive! Avoid this situation by learning the material and fitting in lots of revision before the big day. Need some extra help? We’ve listed some useful theory test study resources below.

Ready to Go?

Nearby Theory Test Centres

Hotels

You want to wake up on the morning of your theory test feeling fresh and alert, so make sure you get plenty of sleep beforehand. If you’re travelling to Southwark from outside the city, why not book yourself into a hotel close to the test centre the night before? This saves any travel stress in the morning, so you can focus on the task at hand. Here are a few convenient options:

Premier Inn London Tower Bridge ★★★☆☆

This branch of the famous hotel chain is located just a 10-minute drive away from the theory test centre. They’ll provide a nice airy room, comfortable bedding and blackout curtains—everything you need for a great night’s sleep.

St Christopher’s Inn Village London Bridge ★☆☆☆☆

If you’re pinching the pennies and don’t want to fall victim to those sky-high London prices, why not try out a hostel instead? At St Christopher’s you can still enjoy a private room and there are also communal spaces where you can socialise with interesting people. They even throw in a free continental breakfast!

Hilton London Tower Bridge ★★★★☆

At the opposite end of the scale, if you fancy treating yourself, this branch of the Hilton is only a 13-minute drive from the theory test centre. Expect great service, plush bedding and luxury amenities. Plus, given its proximity to your test, the chances that you’re going to show up late are about as slim as possible!

Places to Celebrate

Came here from out of town? You can’t leave without sampling some of the local delights! Celebrate your pass or drown your sorrows in one of these lovely watering holes:

The Hide Bar

This stunning bar focuses on producing drinks that are all sourced from the local area. So, while enjoying a tipple or two you can feel happy about the fact that you’re supporting sustainable and fair practices. If all goes well, hopefully that won’t be the only thing you’re celebrating!

The Draft House, Tower Bridge

The Draft House is a fun and friendly bar frequented by locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy some food and drink. Stick around into the evening and you might even get to enjoy some live entertainment.

The Woolpack

For those who appreciate a simple, laid-back British pub, The Woolpack is a perfect choice. There’s an impressive selection of craft beer, some delightful food on offer and even a pretty garden out back. Pay it a visit—you won’t be disappointed.

What Happens Next?

Southwark theory test centre is a great option for those living in and around central London. It’s also accessible to those from further afield, thanks to its numerous transport links. Those planning to drive might want to plan their journey carefully, though! The traffic in this area is no joke…

When you’re done and dusted with the theory test it’s time to turn your attention to the practical driving test. Book yourself an appointment at your local centre (using the theory pass number on your certificate) and start working on those driving skills. If you’re from the Southwark area your closest test centre will be Hither Green.

Not managed to pass the theory test yet? Don’t give up! In fact, book yourself in for another test as soon as possible. You’ll need to leave a gap of 3 working days from your last test, as per the rules set by the DVSA. Use any interim time to revise the areas you struggled with on previous tests.

PassMeFast can help you earn your licence quickly, no matter where you’re at in your driving journey. As you’ll see from our range of courses, we have something to suit everyone—from complete beginners to competent drivers. If you’d like to discuss your options you can give our friendly team a call on 0333 123 4949.

Picked a course and happy to get it booked now? Great! Just click on the button below to get started. You’ll be hitting that open road as a qualified driver in no time!

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