Scunthorpe Driving Test Centre
· North Lincolnshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Scunthorpe
The Scunthorpe DVSA driving test centre is located at Cottage Beck Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 8QJ. To reach the centre by car, take the M180 to Junction 3 and follow the A18 towards Scunthorpe. Continue on the A18 (Mortal Ash Hill) and turn left onto Cottage Beck Road. The test centre is clearly signposted and sits on the left-hand side. The centre provides free on-site parking in marked bays directly outside the building, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Scunthorpe, which is approximately 2 miles from the test centre. From the station, you can catch local bus services or arrange a taxi for the short journey. Several bus routes serve the area, including services that run along the A18, though you'll need to check current timetables with North Lincolnshire Council or local operators for the most up-to-date information.
When you arrive, 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 designated waiting area, and there are toilet facilities available on-site. The building is at ground level with step-free access, making it accessible for all candidates. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time to allow for the check-in process.
About Scunthorpe Test Centre
Scunthorpe is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Lincolnshire. With a current pass rate of 44.4%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,837 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Scunthorpe, 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 500 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DN15 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Scunthorpe test centre serves candidates from North 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 Scunthorpe will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North 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 486 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Scunthorpe stands at 44.4%, 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 Scunthorpe, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Scunthorpe was 49.5% in 2007-08, while the lowest was 40.5% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 50.5%, while the lowest was in Mar at 40.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Scunthorpe Historical Performance
Our records for Scunthorpe begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.5% from 1,162 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 43.5%, and it now sits at 44.4%.
Test volumes at Scunthorpe have grown over this period, rising from 1,162 to 5,837 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 Scunthorpe
Based on the data we hold for Scunthorpe, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Scunthorpe, pass rates in Oct (50.5%) are notably higher than in Mar (40.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Scunthorpe. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North Lincolnshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Scunthorpe, 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 Scunthorpe 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 Scunthorpe?
The current pass rate at Scunthorpe is 44.4%, based on 5,837 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Scunthorpe conduct per year?
Scunthorpe conducted 5,837 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 486 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Scunthorpe a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 44.4%, Scunthorpe 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 Scunthorpe?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 50.5%. 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 Scunthorpe?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Scunthorpe, 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
Scunthorpe pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 429 | 194 | 45.2% | 45.6% | 44.7% |
| May | 613 | 248 | 40.5% | 39.9% | 41.2% |
| Jun | 476 | 205 | 43.1% | 40.6% | 45.8% |
| Jul | 551 | 260 | 47.2% | 48.5% | 45.6% |
| Aug | 533 | 241 | 45.2% | 47.2% | 42.8% |
| Sep | 455 | 197 | 43.3% | 42.0% | 44.9% |
| Oct | 554 | 280 | 50.5% | 51.6% | 49.2% |
| Nov | 488 | 226 | 46.3% | 46.2% | 46.4% |
| Dec | 383 | 180 | 47.0% | 47.1% | 46.8% |
| Jan | 521 | 217 | 41.7% | 37.3% | 47.3% |
| Feb | 501 | 210 | 41.9% | 41.0% | 42.9% |
| Mar | 333 | 134 | 40.2% | 44.1% | 35.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Scunthorpe.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Scunthorpe? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,855 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Scunthorpe with 53.4% from 1373 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 38.1%. 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 | 1,373 | 53.4% | 53.7% | 53.0% |
| 18 | 875 | 47.5% | 47.9% | 47.2% |
| 19 | 447 | 44.1% | 43.5% | 44.7% |
| 20 | 261 | 48.3% | 53.4% | 43.0% |
| 21 | 203 | 49.3% | 54.0% | 43.3% |
| 22 | 206 | 41.3% | 37.8% | 44.4% |
| 23 | 157 | 47.8% | 47.3% | 48.5% |
| 24 | 157 | 43.9% | 41.5% | 46.7% |
| 25 | 176 | 38.1% | 39.0% | 36.8% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Scunthorpe, the automatic test pass rate is 36.4%, which is 8.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 44.4%. With 1,061 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 36.6% compared to 36.0% for males.