Southport (Liverpool) Driving Test Centre
· Merseyside
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Southport (Liverpool)
The Southport DVSA test centre is conveniently located in Merseyside with postcode PR8, making it easily accessible whether you're travelling from Liverpool, Preston, or other nearby areas. If you're driving from Liverpool, take the A565 coast road northwards, which offers a straightforward route that takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. From Preston and other inland areas, the A59 provides good access, connecting with local roads to bring you into Southport centre.
Public transport links are excellent, with regular train services running from Liverpool Central and other Merseyside stations directly to Southport station. The journey from Liverpool takes approximately 45 minutes, and the test centre is within reasonable walking distance or a short bus ride from the station. Local bus services also connect Southport with surrounding towns and villages throughout the day. If you're planning to arrive by car, be sure to allow extra time for parking and familiarising yourself with the local area, particularly the one-way systems around the town centre that you might encounter during your test.
About Southport (Liverpool) Test Centre
Southport (Liverpool) is a DVSA driving test centre located in Merseyside. With a current pass rate of 59.2%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 7,231 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 12 years of historical data for Southport (Liverpool), stretching back to 2013-14. 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 397 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PR8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Southport (Liverpool) test centre serves candidates from Merseyside 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 Southport (Liverpool) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Merseyside 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 603 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Southport (Liverpool) stands at 59.2%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.9 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Southport (Liverpool), with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Southport (Liverpool) was 59.2% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 48.5% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jan at 62.9%, while the lowest was in Dec at 56.1%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Southport (Liverpool) Historical Performance
Our records for Southport (Liverpool) begin in the 2013-14 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 50.2% from 4,803 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had risen to 50.7%, and it now sits at 59.2%.
Test volumes at Southport (Liverpool) have grown over this period, rising from 4,803 to 7,231 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 Southport (Liverpool)
Based on the data we hold for Southport (Liverpool), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Southport (Liverpool), pass rates in Jan (62.9%) are notably higher than in Dec (56.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Southport (Liverpool). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Merseyside area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Southport (Liverpool), 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 Southport (Liverpool) 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 Southport (Liverpool)?
The current pass rate at Southport (Liverpool) is 59.2%, based on 7,231 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Southport (Liverpool) conduct per year?
Southport (Liverpool) conducted 7,231 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 603 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Southport (Liverpool) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 59.2%, Southport (Liverpool) is a solid choice. 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 Southport (Liverpool)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jan had the highest pass rate at 62.9%. 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 Southport (Liverpool)?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Southport (Liverpool), 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
Southport (Liverpool) pass rate over 12 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 620 | 349 | 56.3% | 56.3% | 56.2% |
| May | 672 | 403 | 60.0% | 64.5% | 54.7% |
| Jun | 652 | 388 | 59.5% | 58.5% | 60.7% |
| Jul | 609 | 373 | 61.2% | 61.0% | 61.5% |
| Aug | 579 | 339 | 58.5% | 61.2% | 55.3% |
| Sep | 567 | 327 | 57.7% | 60.2% | 54.3% |
| Oct | 604 | 359 | 59.4% | 58.9% | 60.1% |
| Nov | 610 | 351 | 57.5% | 57.3% | 57.8% |
| Dec | 481 | 270 | 56.1% | 53.3% | 59.1% |
| Jan | 595 | 374 | 62.9% | 62.2% | 63.7% |
| Feb | 609 | 377 | 61.9% | 59.4% | 65.2% |
| Mar | 633 | 374 | 59.1% | 60.5% | 57.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Southport (Liverpool).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Southport (Liverpool)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,714 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Southport (Liverpool) with 67.8% from 1360 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 53.6%. 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 | 1,360 | 67.8% | 70.5% | 64.8% |
| 18 | 940 | 63.7% | 63.8% | 63.7% |
| 19 | 596 | 58.4% | 58.5% | 58.3% |
| 20 | 419 | 59.7% | 60.4% | 58.9% |
| 21 | 390 | 53.6% | 57.6% | 50.7% |
| 22 | 329 | 56.2% | 59.5% | 53.0% |
| 23 | 263 | 56.3% | 55.0% | 57.7% |
| 24 | 231 | 61.9% | 61.0% | 63.2% |
| 25 | 186 | 57.0% | 56.5% | 57.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Southport (Liverpool), the automatic test pass rate is 58.5%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 59.2%. With 1,230 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 60.4% compared to 55.6% for males.