Taunton Driving Test Centre
· Somerset
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Key Statistics
Getting to Taunton
I notice there may be an error in the postcode area you've provided. The postcode OL7 corresponds to the Ashton-under-Lyne area in Greater Manchester, not Somerset where Taunton is located. Taunton test centres would typically have postcodes beginning with TA. Without the correct address details, I cannot provide accurate directions, parking information, or specific travel guidance for this particular DVSA test centre.
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About Taunton Test Centre
Taunton is a DVSA driving test centre located in Somerset. With a current pass rate of 56.3%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,957 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 13 years of historical data for Taunton, stretching back to 2011-12. 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 406 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the OL7 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Taunton test centre serves candidates from Somerset 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 Taunton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Somerset 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 580 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Taunton stands at 56.3%, which is above 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 1.7 percentage point advantage at Taunton, passing at 57.1% compared to 55.4% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Taunton was 59.6% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 54.1% in 2014-15.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Sep at 62.0%, while the lowest was in Jan at 46.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Taunton Historical Performance
Our records for Taunton begin in the 2011-12 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 57.2% from 5,930 tests. By 2017-18, the rate had fallen to 56.4%, and it now sits at 56.3%.
Test volumes at Taunton 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 Taunton
Based on the data we hold for Taunton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Taunton, pass rates in Sep (62.0%) are notably higher than in Jan (46.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Taunton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Somerset area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Taunton, 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 Taunton 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 Taunton?
The current pass rate at Taunton is 56.3%, based on 6,957 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Taunton conduct per year?
Taunton conducted 6,957 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 580 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Taunton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 56.3%, Taunton 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 Taunton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Sep had the highest pass rate at 62.0%. 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 Taunton?
Male candidates have a 1.7 percentage point advantage at Taunton, passing at 57.1% compared to 55.4% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Taunton pass rate over 13 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 566 | 321 | 56.7% | 57.2% | 56.2% |
| May | 429 | 256 | 59.7% | 58.3% | 61.0% |
| Jun | 605 | 352 | 58.2% | 59.8% | 56.2% |
| Jul | 610 | 347 | 56.9% | 55.6% | 58.2% |
| Aug | 610 | 342 | 56.1% | 59.7% | 52.1% |
| Sep | 537 | 333 | 62.0% | 60.9% | 63.2% |
| Oct | 677 | 401 | 59.2% | 60.4% | 57.8% |
| Nov | 566 | 320 | 56.5% | 57.3% | 55.6% |
| Dec | 500 | 288 | 57.6% | 59.2% | 55.7% |
| Jan | 705 | 330 | 46.8% | 46.5% | 47.2% |
| Feb | 627 | 338 | 53.9% | 55.8% | 51.3% |
| Mar | 525 | 289 | 55.0% | 58.0% | 51.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Taunton.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Taunton? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,405 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Taunton with 65.6% from 1948 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 55.8%. 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 | 1,948 | 65.6% | 66.3% | 64.7% |
| 18 | 887 | 56.8% | 59.0% | 54.7% |
| 19 | 402 | 58.5% | 60.4% | 56.2% |
| 20 | 285 | 60.4% | 63.4% | 57.6% |
| 21 | 246 | 56.5% | 59.3% | 53.9% |
| 22 | 206 | 55.8% | 57.6% | 54.2% |
| 23 | 173 | 56.6% | 52.7% | 61.3% |
| 24 | 145 | 60.7% | 60.5% | 60.9% |
| 25 | 113 | 61.9% | 64.4% | 59.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Taunton, the automatic test pass rate is 49.0%, which is 7.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 56.3%. With 1,323 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 50.7% compared to 47.9% for females.