Chesterfield Driving Test Centre
· Staffordshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Chesterfield
The DVSA Chesterfield practical driving test centre is located at Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9SH. To reach the centre by car, take the A38 towards Lichfield and follow signs for the city centre. From the A38, turn onto Eastern Avenue and the test centre will be clearly signposted on your left. The centre provides free on-site parking with dedicated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying fees.
The nearest railway station is Lichfield City, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre. From the station, you can take a taxi or local bus services, though walking would take around 25-30 minutes. Several bus routes serve the Eastern Avenue area, including services that connect to Lichfield city centre and surrounding areas. Check with Arriva Midlands for current timetables and routes.
When you arrive at the centre, report to the reception desk inside the main building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor can wait in the car park during your test, and there's a small waiting area inside if needed. The centre has standard facilities including toilets, and the car park is accessed via a simple entrance without barriers. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time to allow for the check-in process.
About Chesterfield Test Centre
Chesterfield is a DVSA driving test centre located in Staffordshire. With a current pass rate of 54.5%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,608 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Chesterfield, 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 298 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the WS14 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Chesterfield test centre serves candidates from Staffordshire 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 Chesterfield will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Staffordshire 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 384 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Chesterfield stands at 54.5%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.1 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 3.0 percentage point advantage at Chesterfield, passing at 55.8% compared to 52.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Chesterfield was 54.5% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 37.4% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 59.1%, while the lowest was in Oct at 52.1%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Chesterfield Historical Performance
Our records for Chesterfield begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 37.4% from 4,581 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 48.8%, and it now sits at 54.5%.
Test volumes at Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield
Based on the data we hold for Chesterfield, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Chesterfield, pass rates in Mar (59.1%) are notably higher than in Oct (52.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Chesterfield. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Staffordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield?
The current pass rate at Chesterfield is 54.5%, based on 4,608 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Chesterfield conduct per year?
Chesterfield conducted 4,608 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 384 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Chesterfield a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.5%, Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 59.1%. 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 Chesterfield?
Male candidates have a 3.0 percentage point advantage at Chesterfield, passing at 55.8% compared to 52.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Chesterfield pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 375 | 215 | 57.3% | 56.5% | 58.5% |
| May | 266 | 139 | 52.3% | 52.2% | 52.3% |
| Jun | 388 | 210 | 54.1% | 58.5% | 48.9% |
| Jul | 479 | 259 | 54.1% | 59.5% | 47.5% |
| Aug | 312 | 174 | 55.8% | 55.5% | 56.1% |
| Sep | 344 | 187 | 54.4% | 56.6% | 51.6% |
| Oct | 522 | 272 | 52.1% | 55.6% | 47.6% |
| Nov | 459 | 249 | 54.2% | 52.0% | 56.9% |
| Dec | 402 | 213 | 53.0% | 52.4% | 53.7% |
| Jan | 328 | 183 | 55.8% | 57.2% | 53.9% |
| Feb | 393 | 208 | 52.9% | 52.2% | 53.9% |
| Mar | 340 | 201 | 59.1% | 60.5% | 57.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3pp higher rate than female candidates at Chesterfield.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Chesterfield? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,798 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Chesterfield with 67.4% from 832 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 50.0%. 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 | 832 | 67.4% | 71.3% | 62.9% |
| 18 | 652 | 61.3% | 64.1% | 58.5% |
| 19 | 294 | 55.8% | 60.7% | 50.7% |
| 20 | 248 | 54.0% | 58.0% | 49.6% |
| 21 | 183 | 61.2% | 61.5% | 60.9% |
| 22 | 161 | 63.4% | 60.0% | 67.6% |
| 23 | 153 | 58.2% | 60.7% | 55.1% |
| 24 | 122 | 50.0% | 56.8% | 39.6% |
| 25 | 153 | 52.9% | 43.5% | 67.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Chesterfield, the automatic test pass rate is 43.8%, which is 10.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 54.5%. With 1,024 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
The lower automatic pass rate compared to overall is unusual. This could reflect a smaller sample size or a particular candidate demographic. Check the trend over time to see if this is consistent.
Female automatic candidates pass at 45.0% compared to 42.2% for males.