Leicester (Wigston) Driving Test Centre
· City of Leicester
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Key Statistics
Getting to Leicester (Wigston)
The Leicester (Wigston) driving test centre is conveniently situated in the City of Leicester with excellent transport links from across Leicestershire and beyond. If you're travelling by car, the centre is easily accessible from the M1 motorway via Junction 21, then following the A5460 towards Leicester city centre. From the A47 ring road, take the appropriate exit towards Wigston and follow the brown tourist signs for DVSA services. The postcode LE1 area puts you right in the heart of Leicester, so sat nav systems should guide you directly to the facility.
For those using public transport, Leicester's comprehensive bus network serves the area well, with regular services from Leicester city centre and surrounding towns like Market Harborough, Loughborough, and Hinckley. Leicester railway station is approximately 2-3 miles away and connects to major cities including London, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Local buses run frequently between the station and the test centre area. If you're being dropped off by a driving instructor or family member, make sure they know the exact location well in advance of your test day, as you'll want to arrive feeling calm and prepared rather than rushing to find the centre.
About Leicester (Wigston) Test Centre
Leicester (Wigston) is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Leicester. With a current pass rate of 43.9%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 16,361 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the busiest in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Leicester (Wigston), 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 880 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LE1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Leicester (Wigston) test centre serves candidates from City of Leicester 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 Leicester (Wigston) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Leicester 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 1,363 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Leicester (Wigston) stands at 43.9%, 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.
Male candidates have a 1.2 percentage point advantage at Leicester (Wigston), passing at 44.4% compared to 43.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Leicester (Wigston) was 45.6% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 41.2% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 51.5%, while the lowest was in Apr at 37.6%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Leicester (Wigston) Historical Performance
Our records for Leicester (Wigston) begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 41.6% from 7,007 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 44.9%, and it now sits at 43.9%.
Test volumes at Leicester (Wigston) have grown over this period, rising from 7,007 to 16,361 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 Leicester (Wigston)
Based on the data we hold for Leicester (Wigston), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Leicester (Wigston), pass rates in Feb (51.5%) are notably higher than in Apr (37.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Leicester (Wigston) is one of the busier centres, conducting over 16,361 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Leicester (Wigston). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Leicester area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Leicester (Wigston), 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 Leicester (Wigston) 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 Leicester (Wigston)?
The current pass rate at Leicester (Wigston) is 43.9%, based on 16,361 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Leicester (Wigston) conduct per year?
Leicester (Wigston) conducted 16,361 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,363 per month. This makes it one of the busiest in the UK.
Is Leicester (Wigston) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 43.9%, Leicester (Wigston) 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 Leicester (Wigston)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 51.5%. 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 Leicester (Wigston)?
Male candidates have a 1.2 percentage point advantage at Leicester (Wigston), passing at 44.4% compared to 43.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Leicester (Wigston) pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,352 | 508 | 37.6% | 38.3% | 36.6% |
| May | 1,423 | 547 | 38.4% | 39.9% | 36.5% |
| Jun | 1,222 | 526 | 43.0% | 44.5% | 41.1% |
| Jul | 1,128 | 442 | 39.2% | 40.0% | 37.9% |
| Aug | 995 | 455 | 45.7% | 44.9% | 46.8% |
| Sep | 1,336 | 605 | 45.3% | 45.8% | 44.5% |
| Oct | 1,416 | 596 | 42.1% | 43.4% | 40.1% |
| Nov | 1,581 | 671 | 42.4% | 41.7% | 43.7% |
| Dec | 1,284 | 589 | 45.9% | 45.0% | 47.2% |
| Jan | 1,606 | 773 | 48.1% | 47.7% | 48.8% |
| Feb | 1,467 | 755 | 51.5% | 52.5% | 49.7% |
| Mar | 1,551 | 715 | 46.1% | 47.0% | 45.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Leicester (Wigston).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Leicester (Wigston)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 8,925 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Leicester (Wigston) with 56.2% from 1462 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 41.8%. 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 | 1,462 | 56.2% | 56.5% | 55.9% |
| 18 | 1,640 | 48.6% | 48.6% | 48.7% |
| 19 | 1,360 | 44.8% | 44.8% | 44.7% |
| 20 | 974 | 45.7% | 47.0% | 43.9% |
| 21 | 863 | 44.8% | 46.0% | 43.5% |
| 22 | 727 | 46.8% | 45.8% | 48.1% |
| 23 | 628 | 44.1% | 46.4% | 41.0% |
| 24 | 623 | 42.4% | 40.5% | 45.5% |
| 25 | 648 | 41.8% | 43.8% | 38.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Leicester (Wigston), the automatic test pass rate is 40.2%, which is 3.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 43.9%. With 4,406 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 43.0% compared to 38.6% for females.