Burton on Trent Driving Test Centre
· Staffordshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Burton on Trent
The Burton on Trent DVSA test centre is conveniently located on Shobnall Road, making it easily accessible from the A38 and surrounding areas. If you're travelling from the south, take the A38 northbound and exit at the Burton upon Trent junction, following signs for the town centre. From the north, the A38 southbound provides equally straightforward access. The test centre sits close to Burton's industrial area, so you'll find plenty of clear road signage to guide you once you're in the vicinity.
For those using public transport, Burton upon Trent railway station is approximately two miles from the test centre, with regular services connecting to Derby, Birmingham, and other major cities. Local bus routes also serve the Shobnall Road area, though you'll want to check current timetables and allow plenty of time for your journey. If someone's dropping you off, there's adequate parking available at the centre for a quick stop.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow for any unexpected delays and to help settle your nerves before your test. The surrounding roads offer good practice opportunities if your instructor wants to do some final preparation nearby.
About Burton on Trent Test Centre
Burton on Trent is a DVSA driving test centre located in Staffordshire. With a current pass rate of 54.1%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,682 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Burton on Trent, 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.
Location & What to Expect
Burton on Trent test centre serves candidates from Staffordshire 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 Burton on Trent will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Staffordshire 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 557 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Burton on Trent stands at 54.1%, 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 2.4 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 3.8 percentage point advantage at Burton on Trent, passing at 55.7% compared to 51.9% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Burton on Trent was 55.9% in 2017-18, while the lowest was 38.5% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 58.7%, while the lowest was in Feb at 52.1%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Burton on Trent Historical Performance
Our records for Burton on Trent begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 38.5% from 3,867 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 50.9%, and it now sits at 54.1%.
Test volumes at Burton on Trent have grown over this period, rising from 3,867 to 6,682 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 Burton on Trent
Based on the data we hold for Burton on Trent, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Burton on Trent, pass rates in Jul (58.7%) are notably higher than in Feb (52.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Burton on Trent. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Staffordshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Burton on Trent, 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 Burton on Trent 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 Burton on Trent?
The current pass rate at Burton on Trent is 54.1%, based on 6,682 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Burton on Trent conduct per year?
Burton on Trent conducted 6,682 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 557 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Burton on Trent a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.1%, Burton on Trent 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 Burton on Trent?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 58.7%. 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 Burton on Trent?
Male candidates have a 3.8 percentage point advantage at Burton on Trent, passing at 55.7% compared to 51.9% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Burton on Trent pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 441 | 236 | 53.5% | 57.7% | 48.2% |
| May | 510 | 266 | 52.2% | 55.6% | 48.1% |
| Jun | 681 | 369 | 54.2% | 57.1% | 50.8% |
| Jul | 653 | 383 | 58.7% | 60.8% | 55.9% |
| Aug | 441 | 230 | 52.2% | 53.1% | 51.0% |
| Sep | 518 | 278 | 53.7% | 56.8% | 49.3% |
| Oct | 677 | 364 | 53.8% | 53.5% | 54.2% |
| Nov | 582 | 327 | 56.2% | 55.8% | 56.7% |
| Dec | 468 | 254 | 54.3% | 57.9% | 49.2% |
| Jan | 600 | 328 | 54.7% | 54.5% | 54.9% |
| Feb | 520 | 271 | 52.1% | 52.6% | 51.4% |
| Mar | 591 | 309 | 52.3% | 53.6% | 50.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Burton on Trent.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Burton on Trent? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,014 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Burton on Trent with 66.6% from 1254 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 45.9%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 20.7 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,254 | 66.6% | 69.1% | 63.0% |
| 18 | 919 | 57.3% | 58.7% | 56.0% |
| 19 | 476 | 56.3% | 59.5% | 53.4% |
| 20 | 297 | 55.6% | 57.6% | 53.0% |
| 21 | 255 | 52.2% | 50.3% | 55.0% |
| 22 | 227 | 53.3% | 56.3% | 49.5% |
| 23 | 195 | 60.5% | 63.6% | 56.5% |
| 24 | 206 | 63.6% | 65.0% | 62.3% |
| 25 | 185 | 45.9% | 44.8% | 47.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Burton on Trent, the automatic test pass rate is 44.8%, which is 9.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 54.1%. With 1,238 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.
Male automatic candidates pass at 46.1% compared to 44.0% for females.