Heysham Driving Test Centre
· Lancashire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Heysham
Heysham driving test centre is at Lancaster Training Services, 5 Penrod Way, Heysham, Lancashire, LA3 2UZ. The centre is on a small business area in Heysham, just a few minutes from the coast and the main route into Morecambe and Lancaster. Pop the postcode into your sat nav and it will take you straight to Penrod Way without any fuss.
Parking is available for test candidates at the centre. The roads around Heysham include residential streets, busier connecting routes, and the occasional roundabout, all of which feature on the local test routes. Arrive about ten minutes before your appointment time and make sure you bring your provisional photocard licence, as you will need to show it before the test begins.
About Heysham Test Centre
Heysham is a DVSA driving test centre located in Lancashire. With a current pass rate of 55.0%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,735 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Heysham, 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 153 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LA3 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Heysham test centre serves candidates from Lancashire 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 Heysham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Lancashire 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 311 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Heysham stands at 55.0%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Heysham, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Heysham was 56.5% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 49.2% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 61.2%, while the lowest was in Feb at 51.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Heysham Historical Performance
Our records for Heysham begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 50.4% from 3,894 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 51.4%, and it now sits at 55.0%.
Test volumes at Heysham 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 Heysham
Based on the data we hold for Heysham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Heysham, pass rates in Jun (61.2%) are notably higher than in Feb (51.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Heysham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Lancashire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Heysham, 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 Heysham 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 Heysham?
The current pass rate at Heysham is 55.0%, based on 3,735 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Heysham conduct per year?
Heysham conducted 3,735 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 311 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Heysham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 55.0%, Heysham 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 Heysham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 61.2%. 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 Heysham?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Heysham, 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
Heysham pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 323 | 176 | 54.5% | 49.1% | 60.7% |
| May | 340 | 176 | 51.8% | 54.9% | 48.5% |
| Jun | 304 | 186 | 61.2% | 60.8% | 61.7% |
| Jul | 354 | 192 | 54.2% | 56.9% | 50.9% |
| Aug | 282 | 146 | 51.8% | 49.6% | 53.9% |
| Sep | 315 | 170 | 54.0% | 53.8% | 54.1% |
| Oct | 351 | 195 | 55.6% | 54.0% | 58.0% |
| Nov | 265 | 150 | 56.6% | 57.1% | 56.0% |
| Dec | 175 | 98 | 56.0% | 56.4% | 55.6% |
| Jan | 335 | 201 | 60.0% | 62.7% | 55.7% |
| Feb | 333 | 171 | 51.4% | 46.2% | 58.8% |
| Mar | 358 | 193 | 53.9% | 54.1% | 53.6% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.9pp higher rate than male candidates at Heysham.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Heysham? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,385 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Heysham with 66.0% from 709 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 51.0%. 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 | 709 | 66.0% | 68.8% | 62.8% |
| 18 | 405 | 57.5% | 59.8% | 55.2% |
| 19 | 270 | 55.2% | 55.4% | 55.0% |
| 20 | 224 | 55.8% | 57.3% | 54.2% |
| 21 | 247 | 57.1% | 61.9% | 52.7% |
| 22 | 171 | 59.6% | 63.3% | 55.6% |
| 23 | 151 | 51.0% | 47.2% | 56.5% |
| 24 | 106 | 55.7% | 51.5% | 62.5% |
| 25 | 102 | 55.9% | 57.8% | 52.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Heysham, the automatic test pass rate is 45.5%, which is 9.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 55.0%. With 538 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 48.5% compared to 41.9% for males.