Wellingborough Driving Test Centre
· North Northamptonshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Wellingborough
Wellingborough driving test centre is at Glamis Hall, Goldsmith Road, Wellingborough NN8 3RU. It is in a residential area east of the town centre, not far from the A509. If you are driving, make your way along Midland Road and turn onto Goldsmith Road. The hall is clearly visible and has some parking available nearby for candidates.
Wellingborough railway station is about a fifteen-minute walk away, and local bus routes serve the surrounding streets. Most learners arrive with their instructor, who will know the area well. Aim to be there around ten minutes before your appointment. Bring your photocard provisional licence or you will not be able to sit the test.
About Wellingborough Test Centre
Wellingborough is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Northamptonshire. With a current pass rate of 55.1%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,477 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 13 years of historical data for Wellingborough, stretching back to 2012-13. 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 528 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NN8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Wellingborough test centre serves candidates from North Northamptonshire 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 Wellingborough will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North Northamptonshire 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 123 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Wellingborough stands at 55.1%, 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.
Male candidates have a 1.7 percentage point advantage at Wellingborough, passing at 56.0% compared to 54.3% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Wellingborough was 65.1% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 47.5% in 2014-15.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Apr at 63.4%, while the lowest was in Jun at 46.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Wellingborough Historical Performance
Our records for Wellingborough begin in the 2012-13 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 50.0% from 186 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 61.0%, and it now sits at 55.1%.
Test volumes at Wellingborough have grown over this period, rising from 186 to 1,477 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 Wellingborough
Based on the data we hold for Wellingborough, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Wellingborough, pass rates in Apr (63.4%) are notably higher than in Jun (46.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Wellingborough is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Wellingborough. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North Northamptonshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Wellingborough, 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 Wellingborough 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 Wellingborough?
The current pass rate at Wellingborough is 55.1%, based on 1,477 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Wellingborough conduct per year?
Wellingborough conducted 1,477 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 123 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Wellingborough a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 55.1%, Wellingborough 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 Wellingborough?
Based on 2024-25 data, Apr had the highest pass rate at 63.4%. 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 Wellingborough?
Male candidates have a 1.7 percentage point advantage at Wellingborough, passing at 56.0% compared to 54.3% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Wellingborough pass rate over 13 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 142 | 90 | 63.4% | 68.9% | 59.3% |
| May | 131 | 70 | 53.4% | 53.0% | 53.8% |
| Jun | 130 | 60 | 46.2% | 43.9% | 47.9% |
| Jul | 122 | 66 | 54.1% | 46.0% | 62.7% |
| Aug | 145 | 86 | 59.3% | 62.5% | 56.2% |
| Sep | 128 | 68 | 53.1% | 53.3% | 52.9% |
| Oct | 152 | 79 | 52.0% | 55.4% | 48.7% |
| Nov | 122 | 73 | 59.8% | 62.1% | 57.8% |
| Dec | 67 | 35 | 52.2% | 63.0% | 45.0% |
| Jan | 105 | 57 | 54.3% | 54.2% | 54.4% |
| Feb | 117 | 70 | 59.8% | 60.0% | 59.7% |
| Mar | 116 | 60 | 51.7% | 53.3% | 50.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Wellingborough.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Wellingborough? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 766 of the tests conducted here.
23-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Wellingborough with 78.1% from 32 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 53.6%. The 24.5 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 177 | 67.8% | 74.4% | 62.1% |
| 18 | 180 | 56.1% | 56.3% | 56.0% |
| 19 | 107 | 54.2% | 51.9% | 56.4% |
| 20 | 67 | 55.2% | 51.6% | 58.3% |
| 21 | 56 | 53.6% | 58.6% | 48.1% |
| 22 | 57 | 54.4% | 58.6% | 50.0% |
| 23 | 32 | 78.1% | 64.7% | 93.3% |
| 24 | 45 | 64.4% | 72.7% | 56.5% |
| 25 | 45 | 60.0% | 65.4% | 52.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Wellingborough, the automatic test pass rate is 55.2%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 55.1%. With 540 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 57.9% compared to 49.7% for males.