Sheffield (Handsworth) Driving Test Centre
· South Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Sheffield (Handsworth)
Sheffield (Handsworth) DVSA test centre is conveniently located in South Yorkshire with good transport links from across the region. If you're travelling by car, the centre is easily accessible via the M1 motorway - take Junction 34 and follow the A6109 towards Handsworth. From Sheffield city centre, you can reach the test centre by taking the A57 westbound and then following local signs. There's parking available at the centre, which is particularly handy if your instructor is driving you to your test.
Public transport options are also available, though you'll want to plan your journey carefully to arrive on time. Local bus services connect Handsworth with Sheffield city centre and surrounding areas. The nearest train station is Sheffield, from where you can catch a bus or taxi to the test centre. If you're staying locally the night before your test, there are several budget-friendly accommodation options in Sheffield city centre.
Remember to factor in extra travel time on your test day, especially during rush hour periods. It's worth doing a practice run to the centre beforehand so you know exactly where you're going and how long the journey takes.
About Sheffield (Handsworth) Test Centre
Sheffield (Handsworth) is a DVSA driving test centre located in South Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 45.3%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,283 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Sheffield (Handsworth), 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 1,050 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the S1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Sheffield (Handsworth) test centre serves candidates from South Yorkshire 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 Sheffield (Handsworth) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the South Yorkshire 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 774 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Sheffield (Handsworth) stands at 45.3%, 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 2.2 percentage point advantage at Sheffield (Handsworth), passing at 46.2% compared to 44.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Sheffield (Handsworth) was 49.0% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 40.2% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 49.1%, while the lowest was in Jun at 42.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Sheffield (Handsworth) Historical Performance
Our records for Sheffield (Handsworth) begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.0% from 7,260 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 40.2%, and it now sits at 45.3%.
Test volumes at Sheffield (Handsworth) have grown over this period, rising from 7,260 to 9,283 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 Sheffield (Handsworth)
Based on the data we hold for Sheffield (Handsworth), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Sheffield (Handsworth), pass rates in May (49.1%) are notably higher than in Jun (42.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Sheffield (Handsworth). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the South Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Sheffield (Handsworth), 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 Sheffield (Handsworth) 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 Sheffield (Handsworth)?
The current pass rate at Sheffield (Handsworth) is 45.3%, based on 9,283 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Sheffield (Handsworth) conduct per year?
Sheffield (Handsworth) conducted 9,283 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 774 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Sheffield (Handsworth) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 45.3%, Sheffield (Handsworth) 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 Sheffield (Handsworth)?
Based on 2024-25 data, May 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 Sheffield (Handsworth)?
Male candidates have a 2.2 percentage point advantage at Sheffield (Handsworth), passing at 46.2% compared to 44.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Sheffield (Handsworth) pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 814 | 375 | 46.1% | 47.1% | 44.7% |
| May | 861 | 423 | 49.1% | 48.4% | 50.1% |
| Jun | 749 | 319 | 42.6% | 42.1% | 43.2% |
| Jul | 918 | 414 | 45.1% | 48.1% | 41.7% |
| Aug | 903 | 426 | 47.2% | 46.6% | 47.8% |
| Sep | 826 | 379 | 45.9% | 44.5% | 47.6% |
| Oct | 921 | 408 | 44.3% | 44.8% | 43.7% |
| Nov | 672 | 304 | 45.2% | 49.1% | 40.3% |
| Dec | 531 | 238 | 44.8% | 46.9% | 42.2% |
| Jan | 627 | 280 | 44.7% | 46.7% | 42.1% |
| Feb | 707 | 308 | 43.6% | 45.7% | 40.7% |
| Mar | 754 | 327 | 43.4% | 44.9% | 41.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Sheffield (Handsworth).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Sheffield (Handsworth)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,190 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Sheffield (Handsworth) with 59.9% from 1045 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 44.3%. 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 | 1,045 | 59.9% | 61.9% | 57.2% |
| 18 | 1,042 | 50.4% | 52.0% | 48.7% |
| 19 | 660 | 46.8% | 48.3% | 45.1% |
| 20 | 518 | 46.7% | 47.6% | 45.8% |
| 21 | 476 | 47.3% | 49.8% | 45.0% |
| 22 | 433 | 47.1% | 50.4% | 43.3% |
| 23 | 325 | 47.1% | 48.8% | 45.5% |
| 24 | 366 | 45.4% | 45.1% | 45.6% |
| 25 | 325 | 44.3% | 42.5% | 46.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Sheffield (Handsworth), the automatic test pass rate is 43.1%, which is 2.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 45.3%. With 2,546 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 44.3% compared to 42.3% for females.