Grantham (Somerby) Driving Test Centre
· Lincolnshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Grantham (Somerby)
The DVSA practical driving test centre at Grantham (Somerby) is located at Somerby Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9JE. To reach the centre by car, take the A52 towards Grantham and follow signs for Somerby. The test centre is situated on Somerby Hill, which is easily accessible from the main road network around Grantham. If you're coming from further afield, the A1 provides excellent access to the area, with clear signage directing you towards Grantham town centre.
The test centre has its own car park with dedicated bays for candidates and accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces. Grantham railway station is approximately 2 miles away from the test centre, making it reasonably accessible if you're arriving by train, though you'll need to arrange onward transport such as a taxi or bus. Local bus services do serve the area, connecting the test centre with Grantham town centre and the railway station.
When you arrive, you should report to the reception area where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the car park area while you complete your examination. The centre is a modern facility with standard amenities, and the car park is at ground level with easy access to the building, making it straightforward for candidates with mobility considerations.
About Grantham Test Centre
Grantham is a DVSA driving test centre located in Lincolnshire. With a current pass rate of 58.1%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,959 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Grantham, stretching back to 2014-15. 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 804 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NG31 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Grantham test centre serves candidates from Lincolnshire 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 Grantham will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Lincolnshire 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 497 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Grantham stands at 58.1%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 6.0 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 1.9 percentage point advantage at Grantham, passing at 58.9% compared to 57.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Grantham was 58.1% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 47.6% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 63.7%, while the lowest was in Apr at 52.6%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Grantham Historical Performance
Our records for Grantham begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.9% from 601 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had fallen to 48.6%, and it now sits at 58.1%.
Test volumes at Grantham have grown over this period, rising from 601 to 5,959 tests per year.
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 Grantham
Based on the data we hold for Grantham, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Grantham, pass rates in Oct (63.7%) are notably higher than in Apr (52.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Grantham. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Lincolnshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Grantham, 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 Grantham 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 Grantham?
The current pass rate at Grantham is 58.1%, based on 5,959 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Grantham conduct per year?
Grantham conducted 5,959 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 497 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Grantham a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.1%, Grantham 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 Grantham?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 63.7%. 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 Grantham?
Male candidates have a 1.9 percentage point advantage at Grantham, passing at 58.9% compared to 57.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Grantham (Somerby) pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 494 | 260 | 52.6% | 50.9% | 54.8% |
| May | 464 | 284 | 61.2% | 62.7% | 59.2% |
| Jun | 397 | 231 | 58.2% | 59.5% | 56.5% |
| Jul | 468 | 271 | 57.9% | 59.3% | 56.3% |
| Aug | 365 | 213 | 58.4% | 59.6% | 56.6% |
| Sep | 471 | 285 | 60.5% | 62.3% | 58.4% |
| Oct | 532 | 339 | 63.7% | 64.0% | 63.4% |
| Nov | 515 | 303 | 58.8% | 57.5% | 60.9% |
| Dec | 513 | 307 | 59.8% | 59.9% | 59.7% |
| Jan | 582 | 313 | 53.8% | 53.5% | 54.1% |
| Feb | 552 | 315 | 57.1% | 60.0% | 53.4% |
| Mar | 606 | 340 | 56.1% | 58.5% | 52.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.9pp higher rate than female candidates at Grantham (Somerby).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Grantham (Somerby)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,763 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Grantham (Somerby) with 66.3% from 1422 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 56.3%. 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 | 1,422 | 66.3% | 68.3% | 64.1% |
| 18 | 842 | 60.7% | 64.8% | 56.3% |
| 19 | 385 | 58.7% | 55.4% | 62.8% |
| 20 | 238 | 56.3% | 52.5% | 61.9% |
| 21 | 254 | 56.3% | 54.4% | 59.4% |
| 22 | 191 | 60.2% | 61.5% | 58.9% |
| 23 | 160 | 58.8% | 60.0% | 56.9% |
| 24 | 123 | 59.3% | 62.1% | 56.1% |
| 25 | 148 | 58.1% | 56.6% | 60.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Grantham (Somerby), the automatic test pass rate is 52.0%, which is 6.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 58.1%. With 1,236 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 52.5% compared to 51.6% for females.