Kings Lynn Driving Test Centre
· Norfolk
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Key Statistics
Getting to Kings Lynn
The Kings Lynn DVSA test centre is conveniently located in Norfolk with the postcode PE30, making it easily accessible by car from various directions. If you're driving from Norwich, take the A47 westbound for approximately 45 minutes until you reach Kings Lynn. From Cambridge, head north on the A10 and then join the A47 westbound, which should take around an hour. Those coming from Peterborough can take the A47 eastbound directly into Kings Lynn, a journey of roughly 45 minutes.
The test centre benefits from good public transport links if you're not driving yourself to the test. Kings Lynn railway station connects to London King's Cross, Cambridge, and Norwich, with regular services throughout the day. From the station, local bus services can take you closer to the test centre area, though you may want to allow extra time for connections. If you're staying locally, many driving instructors in the area will be familiar with the exact location and can provide door-to-door service.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time, and remember to bring both parts of your driving licence along with any other required documentation. There's usually parking available nearby for your driving instructor's vehicle.
About Kings Lynn Test Centre
Kings Lynn is a DVSA driving test centre located in Norfolk. With a current pass rate of 46.0%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 7,405 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Kings Lynn, stretching back to 2008-09. 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 594 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PE30 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Kings Lynn test centre serves candidates from Norfolk 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 Kings Lynn will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Norfolk 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 617 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Kings Lynn stands at 46.0%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 5.8 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Kings Lynn, passing at 46.9% compared to 44.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Kings Lynn was 54.8% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 46.0% in 2024-25.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 49.1%, while the lowest was in Sep at 42.8%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Kings Lynn Historical Performance
Our records for Kings Lynn begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.4% from 3,784 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 50.0%, and it now sits at 46.0%.
Test volumes at Kings Lynn have grown over this period, rising from 3,784 to 7,405 tests per year. 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 Kings Lynn
Based on the data we hold for Kings Lynn, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Kings Lynn, pass rates in Jun (49.1%) are notably higher than in Sep (42.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Kings Lynn. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Norfolk area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Kings Lynn, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Kings Lynn have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Kings Lynn 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 Kings Lynn?
The current pass rate at Kings Lynn is 46.0%, based on 7,405 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Kings Lynn conduct per year?
Kings Lynn conducted 7,405 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 617 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Kings Lynn a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.0%, Kings Lynn 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.
What's the best month to take my test at Kings Lynn?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 49.1%. 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 Kings Lynn?
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Kings Lynn, passing at 46.9% compared to 44.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Kings Lynn pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 534 | 244 | 45.7% | 45.0% | 46.4% |
| May | 622 | 289 | 46.5% | 46.6% | 46.4% |
| Jun | 466 | 229 | 49.1% | 50.2% | 48.0% |
| Jul | 539 | 241 | 44.7% | 44.0% | 45.5% |
| Aug | 624 | 290 | 46.5% | 47.7% | 45.1% |
| Sep | 666 | 285 | 42.8% | 41.5% | 44.4% |
| Oct | 714 | 325 | 45.5% | 47.9% | 42.5% |
| Nov | 634 | 290 | 45.7% | 46.0% | 45.5% |
| Dec | 582 | 261 | 44.8% | 46.3% | 43.2% |
| Jan | 764 | 355 | 46.5% | 46.7% | 46.2% |
| Feb | 639 | 314 | 49.1% | 52.5% | 45.3% |
| Mar | 621 | 281 | 45.2% | 48.5% | 41.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2pp higher rate than female candidates at Kings Lynn.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Kings Lynn? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,905 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Kings Lynn with 53.5% from 1891 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 42.2%. 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 | 1,891 | 53.5% | 56.3% | 50.3% |
| 18 | 1,038 | 49.6% | 48.9% | 50.3% |
| 19 | 490 | 48.2% | 49.2% | 47.1% |
| 20 | 361 | 50.1% | 50.5% | 49.7% |
| 21 | 286 | 46.2% | 43.9% | 48.9% |
| 22 | 264 | 46.6% | 46.8% | 46.3% |
| 23 | 225 | 46.2% | 46.5% | 45.9% |
| 24 | 187 | 42.2% | 42.6% | 41.8% |
| 25 | 163 | 46.0% | 51.2% | 40.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Kings Lynn, the automatic test pass rate is 36.6%, which is 9.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.0%. With 1,354 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 36.7% compared to 36.4% for males.