DVSA driving test centre

Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)

Find driving instructors near the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre in Sutton Coldfield. Browse local instructors, view test centre statistics, and prepare for your driving test with qualified professionals who know the area.

Official DVSA figures

44.06%

Pass rate

DVSA figures, 2023-24

15.1 weeks

Average wait

DVSA figures for May 2023

2,712

Tests

Conducted over the period reported

1,195

Passes

Candidates who passed here

About Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)

The Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre serves the Sutton Coldfield area as a key location for practical driving tests. With a pass rate of 44.06% based on 2,712 tests conducted, this test centre provides valuable insights for learner drivers preparing for their practical examination. Understanding the local area and practicing with an instructor familiar with the test centre can make a significant difference in your preparation and confidence on test day.

Success at any test centre comes down to thorough preparation. Working with a local driving instructor who knows the Sutton Coldfield area means you'll practice on roads similar to those used during your test, become familiar with local traffic patterns, and build the skills and confidence needed to pass. We've listed qualified instructors near this test centre to help you prepare effectively.

Location & Directions

Address

110 - 116 Boldmere Road
Sutton Coldfield
B73 5UB

View on Google Maps

Book Your Test

Visit gov.uk/book-driving-test to book your driving test.

Waiting times

How long is the wait at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)?

Official DVSA figures for May 2023

Average wait for a test

15.1 weeks

The median time between booking a test here and taking it.

Until appointments free up

12.6 weeks

How far ahead you have to look before this centre has a reasonable choice of slots.

Tests DVSA cancelled here

64

Over 2023-24, mostly examiner medical absence. These are cancellations by DVSA - examiner absence, weather, industrial action - not by candidates. A cancelled test is rebooked at no charge.

The numbers

Test Centre Statistics

Official DVSA figures for 2023-24

Overall Pass Rate

44.06%

Based on 2,712 tests

Tests Conducted

2,712

In the year reported

Total Passes

1,195

Successful candidates in the year reported

Trends

Pass Rate in Context

DVSA publish a year total for Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) but no month-by-month breakdown, so there is no monthly trend to show. Your result depends far more on your preparation than on when you book - an instructor who knows the local roads is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances.

Overall Pass Rate

2023-24

1,195 passes from 2,712 tests
Source: DVSA, 2023-24 release
The breakdown

Who passes at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)

The headline rate mixes first tests with retakes. DVSA break it down further (2023-24).

First-time candidates

41.56%

Across 1,066 first attempts, of which 14 passed with no faults at all. If this is your first test, this is the closer comparison.

Automatic car tests

39.23%

Across 729 automatic tests. An automatic licence only lets you drive automatics.

Pass rate by age

Younger candidates tend to pass more often - worth knowing before comparing yourself to the headline number. The number on the right is how many tests that age group took.

Age 17
48.57%105
Age 18
54.67%225
Age 19
42.13%235
Age 20
47.09%223
Age 21
45.51%178
Age 22
42.41%158
Age 23
36.59%123
Age 24
46.39%97
Age 25
41.51%106
Since 2007

Pass rate year by year

Every year DVSA have published for Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield), from 2007-08 to 2023-24

2007-082008-092009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-172017-182018-192019-202020-212021-222022-232023-24

Financial years 2007-08 to 2023-24, ranging between 35.11% and 47.63%

On the day

Test Centre Facilities & Services

Important information about the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre

Available Test Types

This test centre provides these types of tests: car.

Accessibility Information

DVSA will make arrangements for you at this test centre if you have a disability.

What to Expect on Test Day

Your driving test at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) will follow the standard DVSA practical test format. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in procedures.

  • Bring your provisional driving licence and theory test pass certificate
  • Your test will begin with an eyesight check (reading a number plate)
  • You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions ('show me, tell me')
  • The driving portion lasts approximately 40 minutes
  • You'll be asked to perform one manoeuvre and may be required to follow sat-nav directions
Local instructors

Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) Driving Instructors

Find qualified driving instructors within 10 miles of the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre. Working with a local instructor who knows the test routes and area can significantly improve your preparation and confidence.

RC
Rajeev Chadha
No reviews yet

Birmingham · under 1 mile
4479 •••
Male
English
On Avg. 25 to 85 lessons to pass
15+ years experience
Automatic
£40.00 - £40.00 per lesson
Block bookings available
Mock tests available

S
Sukhi
No reviews yet

Birmingham · 1 mile
4475 •••
Male
English
Hindi
Punjabi
On Avg. 20 to 60 lessons to pass
4+ years experience
Manual
£34.00 - £38.00 per lesson
Block bookings available
Mock tests available

D
Dave
No reviews yet

Birmingham · 1 mile
4477 •••
Male
English
On Avg. 25 to 45 lessons to pass
21+ years experience
Manual
£33.00 - £35.00 per lesson
Block bookings available
Mock tests available

DK
Dildhar Khan
No reviews yet

Birmingham · 2 miles
4478 •••
Male
English
Bengali
On Avg. 25 to 45 lessons to pass
17+ years experience
Manual
£40.00 - £45.00 per lesson
No block bookings
Mock tests available

AS
Ahmed Sher
No reviews yet

Birmingham · 2 miles
4479 •••
Male
English
Urdu
Hindi
Punjabi
On Avg. 40 to 45 lessons to pass
8+ years experience
Manual
£36.00 - £38.00 per lesson
Block bookings available
Mock tests available

JF
Jody Finney
No reviews yet

Birmingham · 2 miles
4473 •••
Female
English
On Avg. 20 to 40 lessons to pass
8+ years experience
Both automatic and manual
£42.00 - £100.00 per lesson
Block bookings available
Mock tests available
Preparation

Preparing for Your Driving Test at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)

Expert advice to help you succeed on test day

Preparing for your driving test requires more than just learning to drive - it's about building confidence, understanding the local area, and practicing under test-like conditions. At the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre, success starts with thorough preparation and the right support.

Work With a Local Instructor

One of the most valuable investments you can make is working with a driving instructor who knows the Sutton Coldfield area well. Local instructors understand the roads commonly used for tests from Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield), know the local traffic patterns, and can provide targeted practice on manoeuvres and situations you're likely to encounter. They can also offer mock tests that simulate the real experience, helping you build confidence and identify areas that need more work.

Practice in the Local Area

Familiarity with the roads around Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) can make a significant difference on test day. Spend time practicing in the area with your instructor, paying attention to speed limits, road layouts, and common hazards. This local knowledge helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on demonstrating your driving skills rather than trying to navigate unfamiliar roads.

Understand the Statistics

The 44.06% pass rate at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) provides context but shouldn't define your expectations. Every candidate's journey is different, and with proper preparation, you can exceed these statistics. Focus on mastering the skills, building your confidence, and taking your test only when you and your instructor agree you're ready.

Final Preparation Tips

In the weeks leading up to your test, consider booking a mock test with your instructor to identify any remaining weak areas. Supplement your lessons by watching driving tutorials on YouTube for additional perspectives and techniques. If possible, get extra practice with a family member who holds a full UK licence (they must be over 21 and have held their licence for at least 3 years), ensuring you're properly insured. Practice your manoeuvres until they're second nature, and ensure you're comfortable with all aspects of the test format. On test day, arrive early, stay calm, and remember that your examiner wants to see safe, confident driving - skills you've been building throughout your preparation.

FAQ

Common Questions About Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)

Find answers to frequently asked questions about this test centre, pass rates, and preparing for your driving test.

41.56% of candidates taking their first driving test at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) passed it, across 1,066 first attempts in 2023-24. 14 of those passed with no driving faults at all. The centre's overall pass rate of 44.06% includes retakes, so first-time candidates should compare against this figure instead.

39.23% of automatic car tests taken at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) were passed, across 729 tests in 2023-24. Passing in an automatic gives you an automatic-only licence.

According to DVSA figures for May 2023, the average (median) wait between booking a test at Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) and taking it is 15.1 weeks. Appointments generally start to free up around 12.6 weeks ahead. Waiting times change every month, and this page updates when DVSA publish new figures.

Based on recent data, the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre has a pass rate of 44.06%. This is considered below average compared to the national average. Out of 2,712 tests conducted, 1,195 candidates passed their driving test.

This test centre provides these types of tests: car.

DVSA will make arrangements for you at this test centre if you have a disability.

To prepare for your driving test at the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre, we recommend: practicing in the local area with a qualified local instructor (see our instructors below), getting additional practice with family members between lessons (ensuring they're over 21 and have held a full UK licence for at least 3 years), watching instructional YouTube videos for tips and techniques, and completing mock tests. Consider the centre's 44.06% pass rate when planning your preparation timeline.

The Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre is located at 110 - 116 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5UB. You can find detailed directions using the Google Maps link on this page.

On your test day at the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre, arrive at least 10-15 minutes early with your provisional licence and theory test certificate. Your examiner will ask you to read a number plate, perform 'show me, tell me' questions, and then conduct a driving test lasting approximately 40 minutes. Based on recent data, 44.06% of candidates pass at this test centre. Remember to stay calm and drive as you've been taught.

We've listed qualified driving instructors within 10 miles of the Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) test centre on this page. Working with a local instructor who knows the area and test routes can significantly improve your chances of passing. Browse our instructor listings below to find the right instructor for you.