Lowestoft(Mobbs Way) Driving Test Centre
· Suffolk
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Key Statistics
Getting to Lowestoft(Mobbs Way)
The DVSA practical driving test centre at Lowestoft (Mobbs Way) is located at Mobbs Way, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2DA. To reach the centre by car, take the A12 to Lowestoft and follow signs for the town centre. From the A47, head towards Lowestoft via the A146. Once in Lowestoft, follow local signs to reach Mobbs Way, which is situated in the industrial area of the town. The centre has on-site parking bays available for candidates and accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Lowestoft station, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre. If you're arriving by train, you'll need to take a taxi or bus to reach the centre as it's not within comfortable walking distance. Local bus services operate in the area, though you should check current timetables with the local bus operator for the most up-to-date route information to Mobbs Way.
When you arrive at the centre, you should report to the reception area where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park during your test. The centre is a modern facility with standard amenities, and you'll typically wait inside until your examiner calls you for the test.
About Lowestoft Test Centre
Lowestoft is a DVSA driving test centre located in Suffolk. With a current pass rate of 46.1%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,921 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 6 years of historical data for Lowestoft, stretching back to 2018-19. 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 536 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NR32 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Lowestoft test centre serves candidates from Suffolk 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 Lowestoft will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Suffolk 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 410 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Lowestoft stands at 46.1%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Lowestoft, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Lowestoft was 48.0% in 2023-24, while the lowest was 43.5% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 51.1%, while the lowest was in Feb at 38.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Lowestoft Historical Performance
Our records for Lowestoft begin in the 2018-19 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.0% from 4,802 tests. By 2022-23, the rate had fallen to 45.3%, and it now sits at 46.1%.
Test volumes at Lowestoft have remained broadly stable over this period.
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 Lowestoft
Based on the data we hold for Lowestoft, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Lowestoft, pass rates in Jun (51.1%) are notably higher than in Feb (38.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Lowestoft. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Suffolk area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Lowestoft, 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 Lowestoft 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 Lowestoft?
The current pass rate at Lowestoft is 46.1%, based on 4,921 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Lowestoft conduct per year?
Lowestoft conducted 4,921 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 410 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Lowestoft a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.1%, Lowestoft 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 Lowestoft?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 51.1%. 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 Lowestoft?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Lowestoft, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Lowestoft(Mobbs Way) pass rate over 6 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 376 | 186 | 49.5% | 51.3% | 47.5% |
| May | 403 | 200 | 49.6% | 53.4% | 45.1% |
| Jun | 427 | 218 | 51.1% | 51.6% | 50.5% |
| Jul | 485 | 245 | 50.5% | 52.6% | 48.3% |
| Aug | 468 | 223 | 47.6% | 44.4% | 51.1% |
| Sep | 207 | 101 | 48.8% | 53.5% | 44.4% |
| Oct | 376 | 177 | 47.1% | 50.5% | 43.4% |
| Nov | 420 | 199 | 47.4% | 43.7% | 51.9% |
| Dec | 267 | 114 | 42.7% | 40.4% | 45.2% |
| Jan | 503 | 218 | 43.3% | 44.3% | 42.1% |
| Feb | 406 | 157 | 38.7% | 36.0% | 42.0% |
| Mar | 583 | 229 | 39.3% | 39.0% | 39.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.1pp higher rate than female candidates at Lowestoft(Mobbs Way).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Lowestoft(Mobbs Way)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,154 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Lowestoft(Mobbs Way) with 54.0% from 1112 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 43.2%. 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 | 1,112 | 54.0% | 56.4% | 51.6% |
| 18 | 678 | 48.5% | 51.6% | 45.8% |
| 19 | 326 | 50.9% | 51.4% | 50.3% |
| 20 | 254 | 51.6% | 51.7% | 51.4% |
| 21 | 191 | 46.6% | 44.9% | 48.0% |
| 22 | 183 | 43.2% | 43.8% | 42.6% |
| 23 | 169 | 49.7% | 43.8% | 59.4% |
| 24 | 120 | 49.2% | 44.2% | 58.1% |
| 25 | 121 | 48.8% | 46.6% | 52.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Lowestoft(Mobbs Way), the automatic test pass rate is 39.6%, which is 6.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.1%. With 883 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 40.3% compared to 38.6% for males.