Lichfield Driving Test Centre
· Staffordshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Lichfield
Lichfield driving test centre is at Sandford Gate, Lower Sandford Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6RB. The centre is close to the city centre, just off the A5127 Birmingham Road. If you are coming from the A38, exit at the Lichfield South junction and head north towards the city centre. Lower Sandford Street runs parallel to the main shopping area, so it is easy to find.
Parking is available nearby, and the centre is within walking distance of Lichfield City railway station, which is on the Cross City line from Birmingham. Several bus routes also pass through the city centre. The area around the test centre can be busy during the day, so allow extra time if you are arriving during peak hours. Getting there ten minutes early will give you a chance to relax before you are called.
About Lichfield Test Centre
Lichfield is a DVSA driving test centre located in Staffordshire. With a current pass rate of 48.6%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,490 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Lichfield, 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 298 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the WS13 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Lichfield test centre serves candidates from Staffordshire 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 Lichfield will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Staffordshire 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 708 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Lichfield stands at 48.6%, which is close to 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 3.4 percentage point advantage at Lichfield, passing at 50.2% compared to 46.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Lichfield was 55.2% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 44.2% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 53.4%, while the lowest was in Sep at 43.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Lichfield Historical Performance
Our records for Lichfield begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.5% from 7,112 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 53.0%, and it now sits at 48.6%.
Test volumes at Lichfield 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 Lichfield
Based on the data we hold for Lichfield, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Lichfield, pass rates in Mar (53.4%) are notably higher than in Sep (43.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Lichfield. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Staffordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Lichfield, 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 Lichfield 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 Lichfield?
The current pass rate at Lichfield is 48.6%, based on 8,490 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Lichfield conduct per year?
Lichfield conducted 8,490 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 708 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Lichfield a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 48.6%, Lichfield 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.
What's the best month to take my test at Lichfield?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 53.4%. 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 Lichfield?
Male candidates have a 3.4 percentage point advantage at Lichfield, passing at 50.2% compared to 46.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Lichfield pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 743 | 336 | 45.2% | 48.3% | 42.1% |
| May | 804 | 415 | 51.6% | 53.0% | 50.4% |
| Jun | 740 | 339 | 45.8% | 50.7% | 41.3% |
| Jul | 831 | 405 | 48.7% | 52.1% | 45.9% |
| Aug | 657 | 335 | 51.0% | 49.1% | 53.0% |
| Sep | 663 | 290 | 43.7% | 46.5% | 40.7% |
| Oct | 741 | 362 | 48.9% | 48.8% | 48.9% |
| Nov | 740 | 354 | 47.8% | 50.6% | 44.4% |
| Dec | 633 | 316 | 49.9% | 51.2% | 48.2% |
| Jan | 778 | 373 | 47.9% | 46.0% | 50.1% |
| Feb | 536 | 264 | 49.3% | 51.9% | 46.1% |
| Mar | 624 | 333 | 53.4% | 55.0% | 51.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.4pp higher rate than female candidates at Lichfield.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Lichfield? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 6,297 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Lichfield with 57.5% from 1804 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 43.6%. 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 | 1,804 | 57.5% | 58.6% | 56.2% |
| 18 | 1,603 | 50.7% | 52.1% | 49.4% |
| 19 | 774 | 46.9% | 47.3% | 46.4% |
| 20 | 511 | 48.7% | 51.9% | 44.6% |
| 21 | 431 | 49.4% | 52.4% | 46.0% |
| 22 | 340 | 49.4% | 51.1% | 47.6% |
| 23 | 322 | 47.8% | 49.4% | 46.0% |
| 24 | 262 | 44.3% | 45.3% | 43.1% |
| 25 | 250 | 43.6% | 43.9% | 43.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Lichfield, the automatic test pass rate is 44.1%, which is 4.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 48.6%. With 1,220 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 46.9% compared to 42.9% for females.