Birmingham (Garretts Green) Driving Test Centre
· West Midlands
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Key Statistics
Getting to Birmingham (Garretts Green)
The Birmingham (Garretts Green) DVSA test centre is conveniently located in the heart of the West Midlands, making it easily accessible by both car and public transport. If you're driving to your test, the centre is well-connected to major road networks including the A4040 Outer Ring Road and sits close to junction 5 of the M6 motorway. From Birmingham city centre, it's roughly a 15-minute drive via the A47 Heartlands Parkway. There's adequate parking available on site, so you won't need to worry about finding a space on the day of your test.
For those travelling by public transport, several bus routes serve the area including the 17, 18, and 97 services from Birmingham city centre. The nearest train station is Lea Hall, which is about a 10-minute walk from the test centre. If you're coming from further afield, Birmingham International station offers good connections and is approximately 20 minutes away by bus or taxi. It's worth doing a practice run before your test day to familiarize yourself with the route and parking arrangements, ensuring you arrive feeling calm and prepared.
About Birmingham (Garretts Green) Test Centre
Birmingham (Garretts Green) is a DVSA driving test centre located in West Midlands. With a current pass rate of 42.0%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 21,871 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the busiest in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Birmingham (Garretts Green), 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 1,703 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the B2 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Birmingham (Garretts Green) test centre serves candidates from West Midlands 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 Birmingham (Garretts Green) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the West Midlands 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 1,823 tests per month on average, so expect a busy waiting room at peak times.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Birmingham (Garretts Green) stands at 42.0%, which is below 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 5.5 percentage point advantage at Birmingham (Garretts Green), passing at 44.3% compared to 38.8% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Birmingham (Garretts Green) was 42.9% in 2022-23, while the lowest was 36.7% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 45.0%, while the lowest was in Jun at 38.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Birmingham (Garretts Green) Historical Performance
Our records for Birmingham (Garretts Green) begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 40.0% from 4,565 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 39.5%, and it now sits at 42.0%.
Test volumes at Birmingham (Garretts Green) have grown over this period, rising from 4,565 to 21,871 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 Birmingham (Garretts Green)
Based on the data we hold for Birmingham (Garretts Green), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Birmingham (Garretts Green), pass rates in Aug (45.0%) are notably higher than in Jun (38.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Book well in advance. Birmingham (Garretts Green) is one of the busier centres, conducting over 21,871 tests per year. Slots fill up fast, particularly during summer months.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Birmingham (Garretts Green). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the West Midlands area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Birmingham (Garretts Green), 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 Birmingham (Garretts Green) 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 Birmingham (Garretts Green)?
The current pass rate at Birmingham (Garretts Green) is 42.0%, based on 21,871 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Birmingham (Garretts Green) conduct per year?
Birmingham (Garretts Green) conducted 21,871 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 1,823 per month. This makes it one of the busiest in the UK.
Is Birmingham (Garretts Green) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 42.0%, Birmingham (Garretts Green) 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. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Birmingham (Garretts Green)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 45.0%. 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 Birmingham (Garretts Green)?
Male candidates have a 5.5 percentage point advantage at Birmingham (Garretts Green), passing at 44.3% compared to 38.8% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Birmingham (Garretts Green) pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,947 | 797 | 40.9% | 42.4% | 38.7% |
| May | 2,036 | 831 | 40.8% | 42.6% | 38.3% |
| Jun | 2,048 | 790 | 38.6% | 41.2% | 34.8% |
| Jul | 2,003 | 847 | 42.3% | 44.8% | 39.0% |
| Aug | 1,434 | 645 | 45.0% | 48.5% | 40.8% |
| Sep | 1,775 | 777 | 43.8% | 47.1% | 38.8% |
| Oct | 1,957 | 832 | 42.5% | 44.3% | 40.1% |
| Nov | 1,645 | 673 | 40.9% | 43.8% | 37.1% |
| Dec | 1,780 | 779 | 43.8% | 46.1% | 40.5% |
| Jan | 1,812 | 756 | 41.7% | 43.4% | 39.1% |
| Feb | 1,818 | 738 | 40.6% | 42.4% | 38.0% |
| Mar | 1,616 | 724 | 44.8% | 47.5% | 41.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 5.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Birmingham (Garretts Green).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Birmingham (Garretts Green)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 11,418 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Birmingham (Garretts Green) with 50.8% from 968 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 42.4%. 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 | 968 | 50.8% | 52.7% | 46.9% |
| 18 | 1,783 | 46.6% | 49.4% | 42.9% |
| 19 | 1,817 | 44.2% | 43.9% | 44.5% |
| 20 | 1,541 | 43.2% | 46.5% | 39.6% |
| 21 | 1,319 | 44.6% | 49.0% | 39.8% |
| 22 | 1,095 | 42.6% | 46.2% | 38.8% |
| 23 | 971 | 44.3% | 46.0% | 41.5% |
| 24 | 987 | 42.4% | 43.7% | 40.2% |
| 25 | 937 | 43.4% | 45.7% | 40.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Birmingham (Garretts Green), the automatic test pass rate is 39.1%, which is 2.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 42.0%. With 6,318 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 43.1% compared to 37.1% for females.