Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge) Driving Test Centre
· City of Stoke-on-Trent
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Key Statistics
Getting to Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge)
The Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge) test centre is conveniently located in the heart of the Potteries, making it accessible from across North Staffordshire and beyond. If you're driving from the M6, take Junction 15 and follow the A500 towards Stoke-on-Trent city centre. The A34 also provides good access from the south, while the A50 connects well from the east and west. Local roads are generally well-signposted, though it's worth doing a practice run beforehand to familiarize yourself with the one-way systems and pedestrian areas around the city centre.
For those relying on public transport, Stoke-on-Trent railway station offers regular services from major cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester. From the station, local buses or a short taxi ride will get you to the test centre. The city's bus network connects all six towns of Stoke-on-Trent, so you'll have good options whether you're coming from Hanley, Burslem, or the surrounding areas. Remember to allow extra time for your journey, especially during rush hours when traffic around the pottery heritage sites and shopping areas can be heavier than expected.
About Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) Test Centre
Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Stoke-on-Trent. With a current pass rate of 38.8%, it is significantly below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,450 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Stoke On Trent (Cobridge), 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 478 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the ST1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) test centre serves candidates from City of Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Stoke-on-Trent 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 538 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) stands at 38.8%, which is significantly below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.3 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge), with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) was 43.2% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 35.9% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 42.2%, while the lowest was in Jan at 33.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) Historical Performance
Our records for Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 43.2% from 5,949 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 36.4%, and it now sits at 38.8%.
Test volumes at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) have remained broadly stable over this period.
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 Stoke On Trent (Cobridge)
Based on the data we hold for Stoke On Trent (Cobridge), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Stoke On Trent (Cobridge), pass rates in Oct (42.2%) are notably higher than in Jan (33.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Stoke On Trent (Cobridge). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Stoke-on-Trent area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Stoke On Trent (Cobridge), compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) 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 Stoke On Trent (Cobridge)?
The current pass rate at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) is 38.8%, based on 6,450 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is significantly below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) conduct per year?
Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) conducted 6,450 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 538 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 38.8%, Stoke On Trent (Cobridge) 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 Stoke On Trent (Cobridge)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 42.2%. 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 Stoke On Trent (Cobridge)?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Stoke On Trent (Cobridge), with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Looking for an earlier test date at Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge)?
Test waiting times can be weeks or even months at busy centres. Cancellation checking services monitor the DVSA booking system and alert you when an earlier slot opens up, often within days.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge) pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 660 | 270 | 40.9% | 42.3% | 39.4% |
| May | 500 | 194 | 38.8% | 38.7% | 38.9% |
| Jun | 676 | 268 | 39.6% | 38.5% | 41.0% |
| Jul | 624 | 253 | 40.5% | 40.1% | 41.1% |
| Aug | 648 | 245 | 37.8% | 35.2% | 41.5% |
| Sep | 654 | 258 | 39.4% | 39.8% | 38.8% |
| Oct | 576 | 243 | 42.2% | 42.2% | 42.2% |
| Nov | 508 | 207 | 40.7% | 38.4% | 44.2% |
| Dec | 383 | 148 | 38.6% | 38.6% | 38.6% |
| Jan | 333 | 112 | 33.6% | 36.5% | 29.2% |
| Feb | 405 | 138 | 34.1% | 39.2% | 28.5% |
| Mar | 483 | 167 | 34.6% | 38.4% | 30.9% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,384 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge) with 54.8% from 610 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 37.7%. 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 | 610 | 54.8% | 56.8% | 51.8% |
| 18 | 689 | 43.7% | 45.9% | 41.7% |
| 19 | 462 | 42.9% | 43.2% | 42.4% |
| 20 | 375 | 41.6% | 41.5% | 41.8% |
| 21 | 282 | 44.3% | 40.1% | 48.9% |
| 22 | 256 | 41.8% | 44.6% | 38.9% |
| 23 | 253 | 46.2% | 39.6% | 55.0% |
| 24 | 218 | 41.7% | 46.2% | 35.2% |
| 25 | 239 | 37.7% | 36.2% | 39.8% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Stoke-On-Trent (Cobridge), the automatic test pass rate is 34.9%, which is 3.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 38.8%. With 1,798 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 35.0% compared to 34.8% for females.