Lincoln Driving Test Centre
· Lincolnshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Lincoln
Lincoln driving test centre is at Earlsfield Close, off Sadler Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 3RT. The centre is on the south-west side of the city, near the Birchwood area. From the A46, head for the Doddington Road roundabout and follow Sadler Road until you spot the turning for Earlsfield Close. The postcode works well in sat navs, so punch it in to avoid missing the turning.
There is on-site parking for candidates at the centre. Lincoln Central railway station is about three miles to the north-east, so a taxi or bus is the best option if you are not arriving with your instructor. Several Stagecoach bus routes pass along Doddington Road nearby. The roads around the centre are relatively quiet, which makes for a calm start to your test. Arrive about ten minutes ahead of time to check in.
About Lincoln Test Centre
Lincoln is a DVSA driving test centre located in Lincolnshire. With a current pass rate of 49.8%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,345 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Lincoln, stretching back to 2008-09. 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 192 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the LN1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Lincoln test centre serves candidates from Lincolnshire 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 Lincoln will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Lincolnshire 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 529 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Lincoln stands at 49.8%, 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 2.4 percentage point advantage at Lincoln, passing at 50.9% compared to 48.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Lincoln was 53.8% in 2011-12, while the lowest was 45.4% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 56.0%, while the lowest was in Apr at 47.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Lincoln Historical Performance
Our records for Lincoln begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 50.0% from 2,908 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 49.5%, and it now sits at 49.8%.
Test volumes at Lincoln have grown over this period, rising from 2,908 to 6,345 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 Lincoln
Based on the data we hold for Lincoln, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Lincoln, pass rates in Dec (56.0%) are notably higher than in Apr (47.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Lincoln. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Lincolnshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Lincoln, 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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln?
The current pass rate at Lincoln is 49.8%, based on 6,345 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Lincoln conduct per year?
Lincoln conducted 6,345 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 529 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Lincoln a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 49.8%, Lincoln 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 Lincoln?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 56.0%. 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 Lincoln?
Male candidates have a 2.4 percentage point advantage at Lincoln, passing at 50.9% compared to 48.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Lincoln pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 626 | 297 | 47.4% | 47.7% | 47.1% |
| May | 535 | 266 | 49.7% | 49.5% | 50.0% |
| Jun | 630 | 310 | 49.2% | 52.1% | 46.0% |
| Jul | 647 | 319 | 49.3% | 50.5% | 48.1% |
| Aug | 378 | 188 | 49.7% | 51.6% | 47.8% |
| Sep | 473 | 234 | 49.5% | 49.2% | 49.8% |
| Oct | 584 | 280 | 47.9% | 45.2% | 51.4% |
| Nov | 400 | 200 | 50.0% | 52.2% | 47.1% |
| Dec | 505 | 283 | 56.0% | 55.6% | 56.5% |
| Jan | 586 | 299 | 51.0% | 54.7% | 46.3% |
| Feb | 520 | 259 | 49.8% | 55.3% | 43.7% |
| Mar | 461 | 226 | 49.0% | 48.6% | 49.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.4pp higher rate than female candidates at Lincoln.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Lincoln? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,812 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Lincoln with 63.6% from 1164 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 47.0%. 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 | 1,164 | 63.6% | 65.4% | 61.6% |
| 18 | 741 | 51.6% | 55.9% | 48.0% |
| 19 | 445 | 52.8% | 56.2% | 49.6% |
| 20 | 337 | 52.8% | 57.3% | 50.0% |
| 21 | 308 | 52.3% | 56.6% | 49.2% |
| 22 | 252 | 53.6% | 58.1% | 49.6% |
| 23 | 223 | 48.4% | 43.6% | 53.1% |
| 24 | 178 | 48.3% | 49.5% | 46.9% |
| 25 | 164 | 47.0% | 54.5% | 40.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Lincoln, the automatic test pass rate is 41.2%, which is 8.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 49.8%. With 1,332 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 41.7% compared to 40.7% for males.