Sheffield (Middlewood Road) Driving Test Centre
· South Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Sheffield (Middlewood Road)
Sheffield Middlewood Road test centre is conveniently located in the heart of South Yorkshire, making it easily accessible by car from across the region. If you're driving from the M1, take Junction 36 and follow the A61 towards Sheffield city centre. The test centre sits on Middlewood Road in the S6 postcode area, and you'll find plenty of local landmarks to help guide your way. From Sheffield city centre, it's a straightforward journey north via the A61 Penistone Road.
Public transport links are excellent if you're not driving to your test. Sheffield has comprehensive bus services running along Middlewood Road, with several stops within walking distance of the centre. The nearest train station is Sheffield station in the city centre, from where you can catch a bus or taxi. If someone's dropping you off, there's usually space for a quick stop outside the centre, though parking can be limited during busy periods.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in procedures. The area can get busy, particularly during peak testing times, so factor in potential traffic delays when planning your journey to this popular South Yorkshire test centre.
About Sheffield (Middlewood Road) Test Centre
Sheffield (Middlewood Road) is a DVSA driving test centre located in South Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 47.5%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,864 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Sheffield (Middlewood Road), 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 1,050 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the S1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Sheffield (Middlewood Road) test centre serves candidates from South Yorkshire 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 Sheffield (Middlewood Road) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the South Yorkshire 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 822 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Sheffield (Middlewood Road) stands at 47.5%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.8 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 2.1 percentage point advantage at Sheffield (Middlewood Road), passing at 48.4% compared to 46.3% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Sheffield (Middlewood Road) was 53.4% in 2013-14, while the lowest was 42.4% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 53.4%, while the lowest was in May at 40.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Sheffield (Middlewood Road) Historical Performance
Our records for Sheffield (Middlewood Road) begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.5% from 7,498 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 50.8%, and it now sits at 47.5%.
Test volumes at Sheffield (Middlewood Road) have grown over this period, rising from 7,498 to 9,864 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 Sheffield (Middlewood Road)
Based on the data we hold for Sheffield (Middlewood Road), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Sheffield (Middlewood Road), pass rates in Aug (53.4%) are notably higher than in May (40.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Sheffield (Middlewood Road). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the South Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Sheffield (Middlewood Road), 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 Sheffield (Middlewood Road) 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 Sheffield (Middlewood Road)?
The current pass rate at Sheffield (Middlewood Road) is 47.5%, based on 9,864 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Sheffield (Middlewood Road) conduct per year?
Sheffield (Middlewood Road) conducted 9,864 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 822 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Sheffield (Middlewood Road) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.5%, Sheffield (Middlewood Road) 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 Sheffield (Middlewood Road)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 53.4%. 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 Sheffield (Middlewood Road)?
Male candidates have a 2.1 percentage point advantage at Sheffield (Middlewood Road), passing at 48.4% compared to 46.3% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Sheffield (Middlewood Road) pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 947 | 397 | 41.9% | 44.4% | 39.3% |
| May | 767 | 313 | 40.8% | 43.3% | 38.2% |
| Jun | 735 | 335 | 45.6% | 45.8% | 45.3% |
| Jul | 705 | 348 | 49.4% | 47.9% | 50.9% |
| Aug | 787 | 420 | 53.4% | 51.6% | 55.5% |
| Sep | 771 | 356 | 46.2% | 46.4% | 45.8% |
| Oct | 930 | 466 | 50.1% | 51.6% | 48.4% |
| Nov | 764 | 347 | 45.4% | 46.7% | 43.7% |
| Dec | 827 | 397 | 48.0% | 49.0% | 46.6% |
| Jan | 684 | 329 | 48.1% | 47.7% | 48.6% |
| Feb | 897 | 452 | 50.4% | 52.2% | 48.1% |
| Mar | 1,050 | 521 | 49.6% | 51.4% | 47.4% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.1pp higher rate than female candidates at Sheffield (Middlewood Road).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Sheffield (Middlewood Road)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 4,908 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Sheffield (Middlewood Road) with 65.9% from 771 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 46.9%. 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 | 771 | 65.9% | 65.5% | 66.5% |
| 18 | 916 | 54.5% | 56.8% | 51.9% |
| 19 | 715 | 51.5% | 50.3% | 53.0% |
| 20 | 530 | 52.6% | 54.7% | 50.6% |
| 21 | 532 | 52.1% | 57.9% | 46.8% |
| 22 | 414 | 49.5% | 50.3% | 48.8% |
| 23 | 399 | 51.1% | 53.5% | 48.8% |
| 24 | 337 | 46.9% | 50.3% | 42.9% |
| 25 | 294 | 54.8% | 54.1% | 55.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Sheffield (Middlewood Road), the automatic test pass rate is 44.5%, which is 3.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 47.5%. With 3,172 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 46.1% compared to 43.5% for females.