Driving Test Centres in Staffordshire
Taking your driving test in Staffordshire offers a fascinating mix of driving conditions, from bustling market towns to quieter rural roads that wind through the Staffordshire Moorlands. The county's varied landscape means you'll encounter everything from the industrial heritage areas around Burton on Trent and Cannock to the more genteel countryside near Lichfield and Cheadle. With seven test centres across the county and an average pass rate of 50.9%, Staffordshire sits right around the national average, though there are some notable differences between individual centres that could influence your choice.
If you're looking for the best odds of success, Cheadle Fire Station tops the league table with a 54.6% pass rate, closely followed by Chesterfield at 54.5% and Burton on Trent at 54.1%. These centres tend to offer a good balance of town and country driving without being overwhelmingly busy. At the other end of the scale, Stafford has the lowest pass rate at 46.1%, which might reflect its position as the county town with more complex traffic systems and busier roads. Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Lichfield fall somewhere in the middle, though both can get quite busy due to their popularity with learners from surrounding areas.
When choosing your test centre, consider not just the pass rates but also the typical routes and local driving conditions. Burton on Trent often includes industrial areas and railway crossings, while Cheadle routes might take you through more rural settings with narrow country lanes. Cannock and Lichfield tests frequently feature dual carriageways and more varied speed limits. The busiest centres tend to be Stafford and Newcastle-Under-Lyme, so booking well in advance is essential if you're set on these locations.
Whichever centre you choose, expect to encounter Staffordshire's characteristic mix of roundabouts, hill starts, and both urban and semi-rural environments. Many test routes include sections of A-roads, so practicing dual carriageway driving is crucial. The county's numerous roundabouts mean you'll almost certainly face several during your test, so make sure you're confident with lane positioning and signalling well before test day.
Test Centres
| Centre | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Burton on Trent | 54.1% |
| Burton on Trent (MPTC) | 41.9% |
| Cannock | 50.9% |
| Cheadle(Fire Station) | 54.6% |
| Chesterfield | 54.5% |
| Lichfield | 48.6% |
| Newcastle-Under-Lyme | 47.7% |
| Stafford | 46.1% |
Notable Centres
Highest pass rate: Cheadle(Fire Station) leads Staffordshire with a 54.6% pass rate. This is close to the national average.
Lowest pass rate: Stafford has the lowest rate in the county at 46.1%. While lower than its neighbours, this is still within a reasonable range.
Middle ground: Cannock sits mid-table with a 50.9% pass rate, offering a balanced option for Staffordshire candidates.
Choosing a Test Centre in Staffordshire
With 7 centres in Staffordshire, you have options. Here's how to decide:
- Pass rate isn't everything. Pass rates across the county are fairly consistent, so focus on other factors.
- Proximity to practice area matters most. Choose the centre whose test routes you can practice on regularly. Familiarity with roundabouts, junctions, and road layouts in the immediate area is the single biggest confidence booster on test day.
- Check booking availability. Busier centres in Staffordshire may have longer wait times. If your first-choice centre has a long queue, check whether a nearby alternative can get you tested sooner.
- Consider a comparison. Use our comparison pages to see side-by-side data for any two Staffordshire centres, including trends, gender breakdowns, and monthly patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many driving test centres are in Staffordshire?
Staffordshire has 7 DVSA driving test centres. These range from Stafford (46.1%) to Cheadle(Fire Station) (54.6%).
What is the average pass rate in Staffordshire?
The average pass rate across Staffordshire's centres is 50.9%, above the national average of approximately 47%.
Which is the best driving test centre in Staffordshire?
Cheadle(Fire Station) has the highest pass rate in Staffordshire at 54.6%. However, the best centre for you depends on your location, where you've had lessons, and booking availability.
How do I book a driving test in Staffordshire?
Book through GOV.UK at gov.uk/book-driving-test. You'll need your theory test pass certificate number and your provisional driving licence number. The current fee for a weekday car test is £62, or £75 on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
How many tests are conducted in Staffordshire per year?
Approximately 32,689 practical driving tests are conducted across Staffordshire's 7 centres each year.