Stevenage Driving Test Centre
· Hertfordshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Stevenage
The DVSA Stevenage driving test centre is located at Cavendish Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2QN. If you're driving there, head for the A1(M) junction 7 and follow signs for Stevenage town centre via the A602. The test centre is situated near the town centre, just off the main shopping area. There's free on-site parking available for candidates and their accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
Stevenage railway station is approximately half a mile from the test centre, making it easily walkable in about 8-10 minutes if you're arriving by train. The station has regular services to London King's Cross and other destinations on the East Coast Main Line. Several local bus routes also serve the town centre area near the test centre, including services operated by Arriva and Centrebus.
When you arrive at the test centre, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park during your test. The centre has accessible facilities and toilets available. It's worth arriving about 10-15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for any paperwork and to help settle your nerves before meeting your examiner.
About Stevenage Test Centre
Stevenage is a DVSA driving test centre located in Hertfordshire. With a current pass rate of 44.9%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,208 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Stevenage, 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 278 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SG1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Stevenage test centre serves candidates from Hertfordshire 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 Stevenage will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Hertfordshire 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 351 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Stevenage stands at 44.9%, 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 Stevenage, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Stevenage was 55.5% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 36.8% in 2011-12.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Nov at 49.8%, while the lowest was in May at 31.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Stevenage Historical Performance
Our records for Stevenage begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 39.0% from 5,671 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 53.0%, and it now sits at 44.9%.
Test volumes at Stevenage have decreased 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 Stevenage
Based on the data we hold for Stevenage, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Stevenage, pass rates in Nov (49.8%) are notably higher than in May (31.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Stevenage. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Hertfordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Stevenage, 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 Stevenage 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 Stevenage?
The current pass rate at Stevenage is 44.9%, based on 4,208 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Stevenage conduct per year?
Stevenage conducted 4,208 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 351 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Stevenage a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 44.9%, Stevenage 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 Stevenage?
Based on 2024-25 data, Nov had the highest pass rate at 49.8%. 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 Stevenage?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Stevenage, 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
Stevenage pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 397 | 165 | 41.6% | 43.3% | 39.8% |
| May | 371 | 118 | 31.8% | 30.4% | 33.2% |
| Jun | 301 | 146 | 48.5% | 48.9% | 48.2% |
| Jul | 289 | 134 | 46.4% | 45.0% | 47.9% |
| Aug | 361 | 160 | 44.3% | 44.6% | 44.1% |
| Sep | 421 | 180 | 42.8% | 40.3% | 45.6% |
| Oct | 414 | 205 | 49.5% | 48.2% | 51.1% |
| Nov | 315 | 157 | 49.8% | 50.7% | 49.1% |
| Dec | 311 | 153 | 49.2% | 48.2% | 50.3% |
| Jan | 298 | 135 | 45.3% | 44.5% | 46.3% |
| Feb | 355 | 165 | 46.5% | 44.6% | 48.3% |
| Mar | 375 | 171 | 45.6% | 47.5% | 43.4% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.8pp higher rate than male candidates at Stevenage.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Stevenage? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,636 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Stevenage with 57.7% from 823 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 39.2%. 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 | 823 | 57.7% | 58.6% | 56.7% |
| 18 | 628 | 50.0% | 45.1% | 54.3% |
| 19 | 326 | 50.3% | 45.1% | 56.3% |
| 20 | 198 | 51.5% | 52.8% | 50.0% |
| 21 | 151 | 51.0% | 51.4% | 50.6% |
| 22 | 128 | 52.3% | 53.8% | 50.8% |
| 23 | 137 | 44.5% | 44.3% | 44.8% |
| 24 | 143 | 39.2% | 38.3% | 40.3% |
| 25 | 102 | 43.1% | 33.3% | 52.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Stevenage, the automatic test pass rate is 34.9%, which is 10.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 44.9%. With 1,136 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.
Male automatic candidates pass at 37.0% compared to 33.7% for females.