Rotherham Driving Test Centre
· South Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Rotherham
Rotherham driving test centre is at Mangham Way, off Mangham Road, Rotherham S61 4RL. It is on the western side of Rotherham, not far from the M1 and easily reached from the A629 or A6123. The postcode works well in sat nav, and most local instructors will be very familiar with the area. There is parking on site for candidates and their instructors.
The roads around the centre give a good mix of residential streets and busier dual carriageways, which is typical of what you will encounter during the test. Try to arrive about ten minutes before your appointment time so you can check in without feeling rushed. Remember to bring your photocard provisional licence.
About Rotherham Test Centre
Rotherham is a DVSA driving test centre located in South Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 51.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,817 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 16 years of historical data for Rotherham, 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 1,050 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the S65 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Rotherham test centre serves candidates from South Yorkshire 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 Rotherham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the South Yorkshire 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 485 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Rotherham stands at 51.3%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.5 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Rotherham, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Rotherham was 51.4% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 37.1% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jan at 56.4%, while the lowest was in Sep at 47.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Rotherham Historical Performance
Our records for Rotherham begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 37.1% from 6,121 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 48.5%, and it now sits at 51.3%.
Test volumes at Rotherham 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 Rotherham
Based on the data we hold for Rotherham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Rotherham, pass rates in Jan (56.4%) are notably higher than in Sep (47.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Rotherham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the South Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Rotherham, 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 Rotherham 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 Rotherham?
The current pass rate at Rotherham is 51.3%, based on 5,817 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Rotherham conduct per year?
Rotherham conducted 5,817 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 485 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Rotherham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.3%, Rotherham 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 Rotherham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jan had the highest pass rate at 56.4%. 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 Rotherham?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Rotherham, 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
Rotherham pass rate over 16 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 486 | 255 | 52.5% | 53.8% | 50.7% |
| May | 585 | 300 | 51.3% | 52.8% | 49.2% |
| Jun | 526 | 283 | 53.8% | 56.8% | 50.0% |
| Jul | 518 | 252 | 48.6% | 48.8% | 48.5% |
| Aug | 427 | 211 | 49.4% | 48.7% | 50.3% |
| Sep | 431 | 205 | 47.6% | 45.8% | 50.0% |
| Oct | 518 | 261 | 50.4% | 49.4% | 51.4% |
| Nov | 377 | 188 | 49.9% | 50.9% | 48.5% |
| Dec | 434 | 235 | 54.1% | 50.4% | 58.5% |
| Jan | 303 | 171 | 56.4% | 57.5% | 54.8% |
| Feb | 547 | 293 | 53.6% | 51.9% | 55.6% |
| Mar | 665 | 333 | 50.1% | 50.8% | 49.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.3pp higher rate than female candidates at Rotherham.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Rotherham? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,496 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Rotherham with 62.0% from 858 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 42.6%. 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 | 858 | 62.0% | 58.1% | 67.9% |
| 18 | 871 | 51.3% | 54.3% | 48.2% |
| 19 | 406 | 53.4% | 55.3% | 51.5% |
| 20 | 332 | 49.4% | 50.3% | 48.4% |
| 21 | 263 | 54.4% | 53.1% | 55.8% |
| 22 | 224 | 51.3% | 41.7% | 58.6% |
| 23 | 199 | 47.2% | 51.0% | 43.2% |
| 24 | 183 | 42.6% | 44.4% | 40.0% |
| 25 | 160 | 60.6% | 64.0% | 56.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Rotherham, the automatic test pass rate is 49.8%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 51.3%. With 1,272 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 51.8% compared to 48.7% for females.