Grimsby Coldwater Driving Test Centre
· North East Lincolnshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Grimsby Coldwater
The DVSA Grimsby Coldwater test centre is located at Coldwater Lane, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2FH. To reach the centre by car, take the A180 towards Grimsby and follow signs for the town centre. From the A180, take the A1136 (Peaks Parkway) and continue until you reach the Coldwater Lane junction. The test centre is clearly signposted and sits in an industrial area just off the main road network, making it relatively straightforward to find even for nervous test candidates.
There's a dedicated car park on site with spaces for test candidates and their accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or feeding meters. The nearest railway station is Grimsby Town, which is approximately 2 miles away from the test centre. Local bus services run along the main roads nearby, though you'll want to check current timetables with Stagecoach East Midlands for the most reliable routes to get you close to Coldwater Lane.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check your documents and confirm your test appointment. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park area during your test. The centre has standard facilities including toilets, and the car park is accessible without any particular restrictions or barriers that might catch you off guard.
About Grimsby Coldwater Test Centre
Grimsby Coldwater is a DVSA driving test centre located in North East Lincolnshire. With a current pass rate of 42.7%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,754 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Grimsby Coldwater, stretching back to 2014-15. 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 500 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DN31 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Grimsby Coldwater test centre serves candidates from North East Lincolnshire 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 Grimsby Coldwater will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North East Lincolnshire 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 480 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Grimsby Coldwater stands at 42.7%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Female candidates outperform males at Grimsby Coldwater, passing at 45.0% compared to 41.0% for male candidates, a 4.0 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Grimsby Coldwater was 47.4% in 2016-17, while the lowest was 38.9% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 46.1%, while the lowest was in Sep at 37.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Grimsby Coldwater Historical Performance
Our records for Grimsby Coldwater begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 42.7% from 524 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 39.8%, and it now sits at 42.7%.
Test volumes at Grimsby Coldwater have grown over this period, rising from 524 to 5,754 tests per year.
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 Grimsby Coldwater
Based on the data we hold for Grimsby Coldwater, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Grimsby Coldwater, pass rates in Apr (46.1%) are notably higher than in Sep (37.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- The gender gap favours female candidates here. Women pass at 45.0% compared to 41.0% for men. This is unusual nationally and may reflect the local road conditions.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Grimsby Coldwater. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North East Lincolnshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Grimsby Coldwater, 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 Grimsby Coldwater 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 Grimsby Coldwater?
The current pass rate at Grimsby Coldwater is 42.7%, based on 5,754 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Grimsby Coldwater conduct per year?
Grimsby Coldwater conducted 5,754 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 480 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Grimsby Coldwater a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 42.7%, Grimsby Coldwater is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Grimsby Coldwater?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 46.1%. 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 Grimsby Coldwater?
Female candidates outperform males at Grimsby Coldwater, passing at 45.0% compared to 41.0% for male candidates, a 4.0 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Grimsby Coldwater pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 375 | 173 | 46.1% | 46.5% | 45.6% |
| May | 342 | 145 | 42.4% | 41.5% | 43.5% |
| Jun | 479 | 202 | 42.2% | 39.7% | 45.4% |
| Jul | 545 | 240 | 44.0% | 39.4% | 49.4% |
| Aug | 416 | 180 | 43.3% | 46.0% | 39.7% |
| Sep | 372 | 140 | 37.6% | 36.2% | 39.6% |
| Oct | 468 | 201 | 42.9% | 44.6% | 40.6% |
| Nov | 622 | 262 | 42.1% | 43.6% | 40.0% |
| Dec | 507 | 208 | 41.0% | 36.8% | 47.1% |
| Jan | 579 | 259 | 44.7% | 42.6% | 48.5% |
| Feb | 506 | 221 | 43.7% | 37.5% | 52.4% |
| Mar | 543 | 224 | 41.3% | 38.7% | 45.4% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 4pp higher rate than male candidates at Grimsby Coldwater.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Grimsby Coldwater? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,487 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Grimsby Coldwater with 53.0% from 1003 tests, while 19-year-olds have the lowest at 40.8%. 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 | 1,003 | 53.0% | 53.6% | 52.3% |
| 18 | 877 | 46.0% | 45.8% | 46.1% |
| 19 | 409 | 40.8% | 37.3% | 45.3% |
| 20 | 277 | 46.9% | 47.1% | 46.6% |
| 21 | 236 | 46.2% | 43.8% | 49.1% |
| 22 | 203 | 42.9% | 44.3% | 40.9% |
| 23 | 162 | 49.4% | 51.2% | 47.4% |
| 24 | 157 | 43.9% | 46.3% | 41.6% |
| 25 | 163 | 45.4% | 44.7% | 46.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Grimsby Coldwater, the automatic test pass rate is 37.6%, which is 5.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 42.7%. With 1,056 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 42.7% compared to 32.3% for males.