Ipswich Driving Test Centre
· Suffolk
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Key Statistics
Getting to Ipswich
Ipswich driving test centre is on Wentworth Road, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9SW. The centre is on a modern business park on the southern edge of Ipswich, close to the A14 and A12 interchange. Use the postcode in your sat nav and follow signs for Ransomes Europark once you leave the main road. The estate roads are wide and well laid out, making it easy to find.
There is plenty of parking available for test candidates at the business park. The surrounding roads include a good mix of dual carriageways, roundabouts, and residential streets, all of which feature on the local test routes. Arrive about ten minutes before your slot and bring your provisional photocard licence, as the examiner will need to check it.
About Ipswich Test Centre
Ipswich is a DVSA driving test centre located in Suffolk. With a current pass rate of 63.1%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 10,724 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Ipswich, 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 405 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the IP1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Ipswich test centre serves candidates from Suffolk 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 Ipswich will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Suffolk 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 894 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Ipswich stands at 63.1%, 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.
Female candidates outperform males at Ipswich, passing at 64.5% compared to 62.0% for male candidates, a 2.5 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Ipswich was 63.1% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 47.6% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 68.1%, while the lowest was in Feb at 58.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Ipswich Historical Performance
Our records for Ipswich begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.7% from 7,950 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 61.2%, and it now sits at 63.1%.
Test volumes at Ipswich have grown over this period, rising from 7,950 to 10,724 tests per year. 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 Ipswich
Based on the data we hold for Ipswich, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Ipswich, pass rates in Jul (68.1%) are notably higher than in Feb (58.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Ipswich. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Suffolk area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Ipswich, 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 Ipswich 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 Ipswich?
The current pass rate at Ipswich is 63.1%, based on 10,724 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Ipswich conduct per year?
Ipswich conducted 10,724 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 894 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Ipswich a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 63.1%, Ipswich 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 Ipswich?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 68.1%. 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 Ipswich?
Female candidates outperform males at Ipswich, passing at 64.5% compared to 62.0% for male candidates, a 2.5 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Ipswich pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 726 | 476 | 65.6% | 64.4% | 67.2% |
| May | 772 | 459 | 59.5% | 60.0% | 58.6% |
| Jun | 836 | 547 | 65.4% | 64.8% | 66.4% |
| Jul | 959 | 653 | 68.1% | 68.4% | 67.6% |
| Aug | 799 | 540 | 67.6% | 65.3% | 70.9% |
| Sep | 761 | 503 | 66.1% | 64.5% | 68.4% |
| Oct | 1,122 | 707 | 63.0% | 61.7% | 64.8% |
| Nov | 938 | 609 | 64.9% | 64.5% | 65.6% |
| Dec | 827 | 514 | 62.2% | 60.9% | 64.0% |
| Jan | 1,083 | 633 | 58.4% | 55.7% | 62.7% |
| Feb | 977 | 570 | 58.3% | 57.4% | 59.8% |
| Mar | 924 | 551 | 59.6% | 59.4% | 59.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 2.5pp higher rate than male candidates at Ipswich.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Ipswich? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 6,476 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Ipswich with 74.1% from 2591 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 59.5%. 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 | 2,591 | 74.1% | 75.7% | 72.3% |
| 18 | 1,159 | 66.4% | 65.7% | 67.3% |
| 19 | 611 | 63.2% | 61.5% | 65.5% |
| 20 | 480 | 64.6% | 58.9% | 73.1% |
| 21 | 447 | 62.4% | 62.5% | 62.3% |
| 22 | 320 | 65.0% | 63.0% | 67.9% |
| 23 | 290 | 62.4% | 60.5% | 65.5% |
| 24 | 294 | 67.0% | 64.1% | 71.7% |
| 25 | 284 | 59.5% | 55.1% | 68.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Ipswich, the automatic test pass rate is 54.9%, which is 8.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 63.1%. With 2,192 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 56.6% compared to 52.8% for males.