Boston vs Grantham (Somerby)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston | Grantham (Somerby) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 50.7% | 58.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 51.3% | 58.9% |
| Female Pass Rate | 50.0% | 57.0% |
| Tests Conducted | 4,521 | 5,959 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 10 |
Pass Rate Trends
Boston vs Grantham
Choosing between Boston and Grantham for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 7.4 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Boston has a pass rate of 50.7% from 4,521 tests, while Grantham sits at 58.1% from 5,959 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Grantham leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Grantham is the busier centre with 5,959 tests per year, compared to 4,521 at Boston. Both centres have comparable volumes.
Trends: Boston has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.4 percentage points, while Grantham has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.0 percentage points. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Boston, the male pass rate is 51.3% and female is 50.0%. At Grantham, it's 58.9% male and 57.0% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Grantham has the edge at 58.1% compared to Boston's 50.7%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Boston, the familiarity with local roads may outweigh the statistical difference.
Whichever centre you choose, thorough preparation is the single biggest factor in your result. Practice until you're consistently confident, book when you feel ready, and arrive early on the day.
Booking Tips
When choosing between these centres, consider the following practical factors:
- Availability: Grantham is the busier centre (5,959 vs 4,521 tests/year). Boston may have more available slots.
- Best months: Boston's highest pass rate month is Jun (54.0%). Grantham peaks in Oct (63.7%).
- Practice area: Book at the centre whose surrounding roads you've practised on most. Route familiarity consistently matters more than pass rate statistics.
- Cancellation checking: If your preferred centre has a long wait, consider using a cancellation checking service. Both centres may have short-notice openings that aren't visible when you first book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher pass rate, Boston or Grantham?
Grantham has the higher pass rate at 58.1%, compared to 50.7% at Boston. This is a 7.4 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Grantham conducts more tests (5,959 vs 4,521 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Boston has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.4 percentage points. Grantham has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.0 percentage points. Check each centre's individual page for the full historical chart.
Should I choose a centre based on pass rate alone?
No. Pass rates reflect the overall candidate pool, not test difficulty. A centre with a lower pass rate may have more first-time or nervous candidates. Your own preparation, familiarity with the roads, and comfort level on test day are far more important than a few percentage points of difference.