Kettering Driving Test Centre
· North Northamptonshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Kettering
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Kettering is located at Pytchley Lodge Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6JQ. To reach the centre by car, take the A14 to Junction 7 and follow signs for Kettering town centre via the A6003. From the town centre, head north on London Road (A508) and turn right onto Pytchley Lodge Road. The test centre is situated on an industrial estate and is clearly signposted once you're in the area.
The centre provides on-site parking with dedicated bays for driving test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces. The nearest railway station is Kettering, which is approximately 2 miles away from the test centre. Local bus services run from the town centre, though having your own transport or arranging a lift is typically more convenient given the industrial location.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where DVSA staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor can wait in the car park during your examination. The centre is a modern, purpose-built facility with accessible parking spaces available. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time to allow for the check-in process and any final preparations with your instructor.
About Kettering Test Centre
Kettering is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Northamptonshire. With a current pass rate of 46.0%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,489 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Kettering, 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 528 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the NN16 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Kettering 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 Kettering 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 707 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Kettering stands at 46.0%, 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 and female candidates perform almost identically at Kettering, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Kettering was 50.9% in 2018-19, while the lowest was 40.5% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 49.2%, while the lowest was in Nov at 40.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Kettering Historical Performance
Our records for Kettering begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.5% from 3,977 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 49.6%, and it now sits at 46.0%.
Test volumes at Kettering have grown over this period, rising from 3,977 to 8,489 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 Kettering
Based on the data we hold for Kettering, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Kettering, pass rates in Jul (49.2%) are notably higher than in Nov (40.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Kettering. 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 Kettering, 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 Kettering 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 Kettering?
The current pass rate at Kettering is 46.0%, based on 8,489 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Kettering conduct per year?
Kettering conducted 8,489 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 707 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Kettering a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.0%, Kettering 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.
What's the best month to take my test at Kettering?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 49.2%. 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 Kettering?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Kettering, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Kettering pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 755 | 359 | 47.5% | 45.7% | 49.6% |
| May | 757 | 341 | 45.0% | 46.3% | 43.5% |
| Jun | 604 | 286 | 47.4% | 42.9% | 52.5% |
| Jul | 531 | 261 | 49.2% | 50.3% | 47.6% |
| Aug | 625 | 284 | 45.4% | 44.9% | 46.0% |
| Sep | 675 | 316 | 46.8% | 47.6% | 46.0% |
| Oct | 597 | 263 | 44.1% | 45.9% | 41.9% |
| Nov | 665 | 268 | 40.3% | 40.7% | 39.8% |
| Dec | 630 | 282 | 44.8% | 44.0% | 45.6% |
| Jan | 894 | 402 | 45.0% | 43.1% | 47.3% |
| Feb | 911 | 426 | 46.8% | 48.0% | 45.3% |
| Mar | 845 | 415 | 49.1% | 48.8% | 49.6% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.6pp higher rate than male candidates at Kettering.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Kettering? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,335 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Kettering with 57.4% from 1663 tests, while 22-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 | 1,663 | 57.4% | 56.0% | 58.9% |
| 18 | 1,287 | 47.2% | 47.0% | 47.3% |
| 19 | 597 | 44.7% | 43.7% | 46.1% |
| 20 | 436 | 44.3% | 43.3% | 45.5% |
| 21 | 351 | 45.9% | 44.4% | 47.7% |
| 22 | 321 | 42.4% | 39.9% | 44.9% |
| 23 | 239 | 53.6% | 52.4% | 54.9% |
| 24 | 249 | 43.0% | 41.6% | 44.6% |
| 25 | 192 | 50.5% | 51.5% | 49.5% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Kettering, the automatic test pass rate is 40.8%, which is 5.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.0%. With 2,096 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 42.3% compared to 39.9% for females.