Barnsley Driving Test Centre
· South Yorkshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Barnsley
The Barnsley DVSA practical driving test centre is located at Lundwood Court, Lundwood, Barnsley S71 5HD in South Yorkshire. To reach the centre by car, take the A61 from either Wakefield or Sheffield direction, then follow signs for Lundwood. The test centre sits just off the main road and is well signposted once you're in the local area. From the M1, exit at Junction 38 and follow the A637 towards Barnsley, then pick up the A61. The centre provides on-site parking with dedicated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Barnsley Interchange, which is approximately 3 miles from the test centre. From the station, you can catch local bus services, though having your own transport or arranging a lift is generally more convenient given the location. Several bus routes serve the Lundwood area, connecting it to Barnsley town centre and surrounding villages.
When you arrive at the test centre, you'll find a modern building with clear signage. Report to the reception desk inside to confirm your arrival for your practical test. The waiting area is comfortable, and there are toilet facilities available on-site. The centre has good accessibility, with level access and no steep steps to navigate. Your driving examiner will collect you from the reception area when it's time for your test to begin.
About Barnsley Test Centre
Barnsley is a DVSA driving test centre located in South Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 52.2%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 7,765 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Barnsley, stretching back to 2007-08. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
There are approximately 1,050 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the S70 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Barnsley test centre serves candidates from South Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. If you're booking your practical test here, it's worth arriving at least 10 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the car park and check in with the examiner.
Test routes from Barnsley will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the South Yorkshire area. As with all DVSA centres, your test will last approximately 40 minutes and include an independent driving section, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and potentially an emergency stop.
The centre conducts around 647 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Barnsley stands at 52.2%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Barnsley, passing at 53.1% compared to 51.1% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Barnsley was 55.7% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 34.7% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 55.1%, while the lowest was in Jul at 48.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Barnsley Historical Performance
Our records for Barnsley begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 34.7% from 7,452 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 43.6%, and it now sits at 52.2%.
Test volumes at Barnsley have remained broadly stable over this period. The data also captures the impact of COVID-19, with the 2020-21 year showing significantly reduced test volumes across all UK centres.
This long-term perspective is valuable for understanding whether the current pass rate is typical for this centre or part of a broader trend. A centre with a temporarily low pass rate may be recovering, while one with a consistently high rate offers more predictable conditions.
Tips for Passing at Barnsley
Based on the data we hold for Barnsley, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Barnsley, pass rates in Feb (55.1%) are notably higher than in Jul (48.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Barnsley. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the South Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Barnsley, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Barnsley at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Use the time to settle your nerves and review any tricky manoeuvres mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate at Barnsley?
The current pass rate at Barnsley is 52.2%, based on 7,765 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Barnsley conduct per year?
Barnsley conducted 7,765 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 647 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Barnsley a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 52.2%, Barnsley is a solid choice. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data.
What's the best month to take my test at Barnsley?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 55.1%. However, monthly variation can change year to year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Do men or women pass more at Barnsley?
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Barnsley, passing at 53.1% compared to 51.1% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Barnsley pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 699 | 380 | 54.4% | 54.8% | 53.7% |
| May | 671 | 337 | 50.2% | 52.7% | 46.9% |
| Jun | 738 | 387 | 52.4% | 50.0% | 55.7% |
| Jul | 746 | 363 | 48.7% | 48.7% | 48.7% |
| Aug | 583 | 305 | 52.3% | 51.1% | 53.8% |
| Sep | 596 | 297 | 49.8% | 52.1% | 47.0% |
| Oct | 625 | 328 | 52.5% | 54.0% | 50.4% |
| Nov | 714 | 368 | 51.5% | 53.1% | 49.3% |
| Dec | 558 | 297 | 53.2% | 52.3% | 54.5% |
| Jan | 425 | 230 | 54.1% | 56.1% | 51.6% |
| Feb | 766 | 422 | 55.1% | 57.7% | 51.5% |
| Mar | 644 | 343 | 53.3% | 55.0% | 50.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2pp higher rate than female candidates at Barnsley.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Barnsley? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,553 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Barnsley with 64.3% from 1439 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 49.8%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,439 | 64.3% | 66.6% | 61.6% |
| 18 | 1,080 | 54.7% | 57.1% | 52.4% |
| 19 | 494 | 54.5% | 54.2% | 54.8% |
| 20 | 353 | 51.8% | 59.2% | 44.3% |
| 21 | 319 | 54.9% | 55.2% | 54.4% |
| 22 | 234 | 54.3% | 59.3% | 48.6% |
| 23 | 212 | 50.9% | 48.9% | 54.3% |
| 24 | 209 | 49.8% | 50.0% | 49.3% |
| 25 | 213 | 50.2% | 50.0% | 50.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Barnsley, the automatic test pass rate is 49.1%, which is 3.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 52.2%. With 1,415 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 49.4% compared to 48.8% for males.