Lichfield vs Stafford
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lichfield | Stafford |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 48.6% | 46.1% |
| Male Pass Rate | 50.2% | 46.2% |
| Female Pass Rate | 46.8% | 46.0% |
| Tests Conducted | 8,490 | 3,783 |
| Years of Data | 17 | 17 |
Pass Rate Trends
Lichfield vs Stafford
Choosing between Lichfield and Stafford for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. These two centres have very similar pass rates, so other factors may be more important in your decision.
Lichfield has a pass rate of 48.6% from 8,490 tests, while Stafford sits at 46.1% from 3,783 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Lichfield leads with the higher pass rate. The gap is relatively small and could fluctuate year to year.
Test volume: Lichfield is the busier centre with 8,490 tests per year, compared to 3,783 at Stafford. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Lichfield has remained relatively stable over the last three years, while Stafford has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Gender comparison: At Lichfield, the male pass rate is 50.2% and female is 46.8%. At Stafford, it's 46.2% male and 46.0% female.
Our Verdict
With pass rates this close (48.6% vs 46.1%), your decision should come down to practical factors: which centre is easier to get to? Which area have you practised in? Where can you get a booking sooner? Both are equally viable options.
Whichever centre you choose, thorough preparation is the single biggest factor in your result. Practice until you're consistently confident, book when you feel ready, and arrive early on the day.
Booking Tips
When choosing between these centres, consider the following practical factors:
- Availability: Lichfield is the busier centre (8,490 vs 3,783 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Stafford could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Lichfield's highest pass rate month is Mar (53.4%). Stafford peaks in Sep (51.7%).
- Practice area: Book at the centre whose surrounding roads you've practised on most. Route familiarity consistently matters more than pass rate statistics.
- Cancellation checking: If your preferred centre has a long wait, consider using a cancellation checking service. Both centres may have short-notice openings that aren't visible when you first book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher pass rate, Lichfield or Stafford?
Lichfield has the higher pass rate at 48.6%, compared to 46.1% at Stafford. This is a 2.5 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Lichfield conducts more tests (8,490 vs 3,783 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Lichfield has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Stafford has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Check each centre's individual page for the full historical chart.
Should I choose a centre based on pass rate alone?
No. Pass rates reflect the overall candidate pool, not test difficulty. A centre with a lower pass rate may have more first-time or nervous candidates. Your own preparation, familiarity with the roads, and comfort level on test day are far more important than a few percentage points of difference.