Stafford Driving Test Centre
· Staffordshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Stafford
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Stafford is located at Beaconside, Stafford ST16 3AD. To reach the centre by car, take the A34 Stone Road from Stafford town centre heading towards Stone. The test centre is situated on this main road, making it straightforward to find. There's on-site parking available with designated bays for test candidates and instructors, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces elsewhere.
The nearest railway station is Stafford, which is approximately 2 miles from the test centre. If you're travelling by public transport, several bus routes serve the Stone Road area, though you'll want to check current timetables with local operators. The centre is well-positioned on this busy route, making it accessible by various means of transport.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building. Your driving examiner will collect you from here at your appointed test time, so make sure you're checked in at least 10 minutes before your slot. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a waiting area where you can sit with your instructor if needed. The car park is easily accessible without any steep approaches or particular challenges for new drivers.
About Stafford Test Centre
Stafford is a DVSA driving test centre located in Staffordshire. With a current pass rate of 46.1%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,783 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Stafford, 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 478 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the ST16 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Stafford test centre serves candidates from Staffordshire 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 Stafford will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Staffordshire 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 315 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Stafford 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 Stafford, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Stafford was 55.1% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 45.7% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 51.7%, while the lowest was in Mar at 40.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Stafford Historical Performance
Our records for Stafford begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.7% from 3,732 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 49.7%, and it now sits at 46.1%.
Test volumes at Stafford have remained broadly stable over this period. 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 Stafford
Based on the data we hold for Stafford, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Stafford, pass rates in Sep (51.7%) are notably higher than in Mar (40.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Stafford. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Staffordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Stafford, 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 Stafford 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 Stafford?
The current pass rate at Stafford is 46.1%, based on 3,783 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Stafford conduct per year?
Stafford conducted 3,783 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 315 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Stafford a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.1%, Stafford 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 Stafford?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 51.7%. 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 Stafford?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Stafford, 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
Stafford pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 288 | 139 | 48.3% | 53.1% | 43.4% |
| May | 262 | 127 | 48.5% | 43.0% | 53.7% |
| Jun | 271 | 127 | 46.9% | 46.5% | 47.3% |
| Jul | 316 | 145 | 45.9% | 50.0% | 41.3% |
| Aug | 275 | 118 | 42.9% | 44.4% | 41.4% |
| Sep | 292 | 151 | 51.7% | 49.7% | 53.8% |
| Oct | 252 | 117 | 46.4% | 41.9% | 51.7% |
| Nov | 284 | 145 | 51.1% | 54.3% | 47.4% |
| Dec | 285 | 139 | 48.8% | 52.4% | 43.6% |
| Jan | 272 | 112 | 41.2% | 41.5% | 40.9% |
| Feb | 462 | 214 | 46.3% | 46.6% | 45.9% |
| Mar | 524 | 211 | 40.3% | 37.7% | 43.9% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Stafford.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Stafford? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,519 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Stafford with 55.7% from 911 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 42.6%. 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 | 911 | 55.7% | 55.1% | 56.4% |
| 18 | 535 | 49.0% | 49.4% | 48.6% |
| 19 | 265 | 43.0% | 41.8% | 44.5% |
| 20 | 207 | 48.3% | 51.4% | 45.0% |
| 21 | 143 | 53.8% | 57.7% | 49.2% |
| 22 | 132 | 47.7% | 48.1% | 47.5% |
| 23 | 114 | 43.9% | 44.6% | 43.1% |
| 24 | 115 | 42.6% | 40.7% | 44.3% |
| 25 | 97 | 44.3% | 35.1% | 57.5% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Stafford, the automatic test pass rate is 39.0%, which is 7.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.1%. With 682 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 39.4% compared to 38.4% for males.