Yeovil Driving Test Centre
· Somerset
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Key Statistics
Getting to Yeovil
Yeovil driving test centre is at Suite 2, Abbey Manor Business Centre, Preston Road, Yeovil BA20 2EN. The business centre is on the western side of town, close to the A30 Preston Road. If you are driving, follow the A30 towards Crewkerne and the business centre is on the left. There is a car park on site, so parking is straightforward for candidates arriving with their instructor.
Bus services from Yeovil town centre run along Preston Road and stop nearby. Yeovil Junction and Yeovil Pen Mill railway stations are both a short drive or taxi ride away. The surrounding roads include a good mix of town driving and country lanes. Arrive about ten minutes early with your photocard provisional licence.
About Yeovil Test Centre
Yeovil is a DVSA driving test centre located in Somerset. With a current pass rate of 59.7%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,754 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Yeovil, 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 252 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the BA20 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Yeovil test centre serves candidates from Somerset 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 Yeovil will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Somerset 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 480 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Yeovil stands at 59.7%, 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 2.9 percentage point advantage at Yeovil, passing at 61.0% compared to 58.1% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Yeovil was 64.5% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 52.1% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 62.9%, while the lowest was in Oct at 57.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Yeovil Historical Performance
Our records for Yeovil begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 52.1% from 5,190 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 57.8%, and it now sits at 59.7%.
Test volumes at Yeovil 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 Yeovil
Based on the data we hold for Yeovil, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Yeovil, pass rates in May (62.9%) are notably higher than in Oct (57.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Yeovil. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Somerset area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Yeovil, 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 Yeovil 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 Yeovil?
The current pass rate at Yeovil is 59.7%, based on 5,754 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Yeovil conduct per year?
Yeovil conducted 5,754 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 480 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Yeovil a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 59.7%, Yeovil 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 Yeovil?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 62.9%. 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 Yeovil?
Male candidates have a 2.9 percentage point advantage at Yeovil, passing at 61.0% compared to 58.1% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Yeovil pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 539 | 327 | 60.7% | 63.5% | 57.3% |
| May | 523 | 329 | 62.9% | 62.5% | 63.3% |
| Jun | 409 | 239 | 58.4% | 57.9% | 59.0% |
| Jul | 472 | 282 | 59.7% | 58.8% | 60.7% |
| Aug | 444 | 268 | 60.4% | 60.1% | 60.7% |
| Sep | 481 | 296 | 61.5% | 62.5% | 60.4% |
| Oct | 580 | 333 | 57.4% | 59.4% | 55.0% |
| Nov | 499 | 299 | 59.9% | 59.6% | 60.4% |
| Dec | 367 | 211 | 57.5% | 59.9% | 54.4% |
| Jan | 465 | 268 | 57.6% | 61.3% | 53.8% |
| Feb | 480 | 287 | 59.8% | 62.6% | 56.2% |
| Mar | 495 | 294 | 59.4% | 62.3% | 56.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.9pp higher rate than female candidates at Yeovil.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Yeovil? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,929 of the tests conducted here.
22-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Yeovil with 69.9% from 146 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 55.6%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,707 | 66.4% | 68.8% | 64.0% |
| 18 | 885 | 57.3% | 55.9% | 58.6% |
| 19 | 383 | 55.9% | 58.5% | 53.2% |
| 20 | 217 | 59.9% | 62.1% | 57.9% |
| 21 | 194 | 66.0% | 69.3% | 63.2% |
| 22 | 146 | 69.9% | 72.9% | 67.1% |
| 23 | 132 | 63.6% | 65.0% | 61.5% |
| 24 | 133 | 55.6% | 58.5% | 51.0% |
| 25 | 132 | 67.4% | 66.3% | 69.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Yeovil, the automatic test pass rate is 50.2%, which is 9.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 59.7%. With 911 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 47.2% for males.