Norwich (Peachman Way) Driving Test Centre
· Norfolk
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Key Statistics
Getting to Norwich (Peachman Way)
Norwich driving test centre is at Peachman Way, Broadlands Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, NR7 0WE. The centre sits on a business park just east of the city, easily reached from the A47 and A1042. Put the postcode into your sat nav and follow the signs for Broadlands Business Park once you are nearby.
There is parking on the business park, so finding a space should not be a problem. Norwich railway station is a short drive away, and local bus services run to Thorpe St Andrew from the city centre. This is a busy test centre, so arrive with time to spare and expect a few other candidates in the waiting room.
About Norwich Test Centre
Norwich is a DVSA driving test centre located in Norfolk. With a current pass rate of 57.0%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 11,012 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a very busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 8 years of historical data for Norwich, stretching back to 2016-17. 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 536 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NR2 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Norwich test centre serves candidates from Norfolk 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 Norwich will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Norfolk 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 918 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Norwich stands at 57.0%, 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 candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Norwich, passing at 58.0% compared to 56.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Norwich was 59.2% in 2023-24, while the lowest was 51.2% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 59.4%, while the lowest was in Oct at 53.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Norwich Historical Performance
Our records for Norwich begin in the 2016-17 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 52.3% from 12,880 tests. By 2021-22, the rate had risen to 56.9%, and it now sits at 57.0%.
Test volumes at Norwich have remained broadly stable over this period.
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 Norwich
Based on the data we hold for Norwich, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Norwich, pass rates in Jul (59.4%) are notably higher than in Oct (53.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Norwich. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Norfolk area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Norwich, 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 Norwich 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 Norwich?
The current pass rate at Norwich is 57.0%, based on 11,012 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Norwich conduct per year?
Norwich conducted 11,012 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 918 per month. This makes it a very busy centre.
Is Norwich a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 57.0%, Norwich 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 Norwich?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 59.4%. 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 Norwich?
Male candidates have a 2.0 percentage point advantage at Norwich, passing at 58.0% compared to 56.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Norwich (Peachman Way) pass rate over 8 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 792 | 460 | 58.1% | 58.6% | 57.6% |
| May | 784 | 447 | 57.0% | 61.1% | 52.6% |
| Jun | 823 | 462 | 56.1% | 58.9% | 53.4% |
| Jul | 825 | 490 | 59.4% | 59.6% | 59.1% |
| Aug | 756 | 443 | 58.6% | 61.2% | 56.3% |
| Sep | 812 | 480 | 59.1% | 62.4% | 55.7% |
| Oct | 1,044 | 561 | 53.7% | 55.0% | 52.1% |
| Nov | 830 | 451 | 54.3% | 54.7% | 54.0% |
| Dec | 754 | 424 | 56.2% | 55.9% | 56.6% |
| Jan | 1,267 | 727 | 57.4% | 56.4% | 58.7% |
| Feb | 1,107 | 635 | 57.4% | 58.0% | 56.4% |
| Mar | 1,218 | 702 | 57.6% | 57.0% | 58.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2pp higher rate than female candidates at Norwich (Peachman Way).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Norwich (Peachman Way)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 7,279 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Norwich (Peachman Way) with 66.8% from 2630 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 53.9%. 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 | 2,630 | 66.8% | 68.5% | 64.9% |
| 18 | 1,406 | 60.0% | 61.2% | 58.7% |
| 19 | 762 | 57.1% | 57.8% | 56.3% |
| 20 | 547 | 57.2% | 60.8% | 54.2% |
| 21 | 518 | 56.9% | 61.8% | 52.4% |
| 22 | 409 | 60.4% | 60.3% | 60.4% |
| 23 | 397 | 53.9% | 53.6% | 54.3% |
| 24 | 331 | 61.6% | 64.7% | 58.2% |
| 25 | 279 | 61.3% | 59.4% | 63.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Norwich (Peachman Way), the automatic test pass rate is 51.0%, which is 6.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 57.0%. With 2,023 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 52.2% compared to 49.3% for males.