Driving test centres

This page features a list of all driving test centres in the UK, offering access to their detailed guides.

If you are looking to pass your practical test close to home, our guides provide all the essential information you need, including:

• Contact info & address

• Directions & map

• Pass rates

• Test structure 

• Driving lesson and test booking options

Let’s get started with some basics!

What to look for in a driving test centre?

Whether you’re planning to take your test at one of the practical driving test centres in England or Scotland, you have plenty of options.

There are over 350 driving test centres across the UK you can choose to take your final step toward earning your licence. 

You can consider some key points when it comes to selecting your centre. Clearly, most learner drivers tend to pick a test centre in their local area.

In addition, pass rates of driving test centres play a significant role in deciding. Through our guides, you can also browse practical centres’ locations, test routes, parking availability, disabled access, and more to make the best decision for your needs.

Check our detailed guides to learn more about practical test centres near you!

Pass rates for practical driving test centres in the UK

Pass rates stand out as a crucial part when choosing a practical driving test centre for biting the bullet.

Put another way, pass rates from previous years give a clear look at how learner drivers performed on their tests at specific centres.

Because of this, we took care to add pass rates for each UK driving test centre. For instance, the pass rate for the national average in the UK stands at 48%.

This rate naturally fluctuates quite a bit across different parts of the country. As a general trend, test centres located in rural areas dominate the lists. 

Here are the practical driving test centres with the highest pass rate in Great Britain:

1. Benbecula Island (Scotland) - 88.8%

2. Barra (Scotland) - 88.2%

3. Mallaig (Scotland) - 83.3%

4. Inveraray (Scotland) - 76.5%

5. Arbroath (Scotland) - 73.1%

When we focus on England, Barrow in Furness in Cumbria stands out as the most successful centre.

1. Burrow in Furness - 66.5%

2. Kendal (Oxenholme Road) - 65.8%

3. Dorchester - 64.6%

4. Chichester - 64.4%

5. Lancing - 61.4%

Keep in mind that these rates also fluctuate over years, meaning they obviously are not certain proof of passing or failing for learners. 

Most importantly, remember that your test success goes hand-in-hand with solid preparation and your performance on test day.

Book driving lessons at the nearest test centres

If you are planning to take driving lessons at driving test centres near you, you’re at the right place.

At Drivings.com, you can book driving lessons at the nearest test centres and learn from our experienced instructors.

During your lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to practice all local roads, improve your weaker points by receiving real-time feedback.

Additionally, you can get access to driving test routes for each test centre in the UK and use our route maps to navigate through your local centre. 

What is involved in a practical driving test?

After a long journey, you’ve finally arrived on test day. Before heading over to your practical test centre, make sure you have your provisional license with you.

Also, try to get there at least 10 minutes before your test is due to start.

Your driving test will follow this basic format:

• An eyesight test to check your ability to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres
• Two “show me, tell me” questions on vehicle safety and maintenance
• A 20-minute general driving under the guidance of your examiner. Plus, you'll need to perform one of the manoeuvres like parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right.
• A 20-minute independent driving, during which you’ll either follow sat nav directions or sign posts to reach a clear destination.

If you pass, you’ll be handed a test pass certificate and  a chance to send off for your new licence straight away.

Note: Check our Theory Test Centres page to find information about all centres in the UK. 

Book a driving test at your local test centre

Looking to book a driving test at the nearest practical driving test centres?

This is where Drivings.com comes into play.

We find driving test cancellations across the UK and secure an earlier test date at your local driving test centre.

Provide your availability by selecting preferred centre and time range, and we do the hard work for the rest.

We keep you constantly updated about cancellations that suit your schedule, or even better, snap up your test slot as soon as it becomes available.

Our test cancellation finder is designed to save you time, money and all hassles of booking.

Take advantage of our system to book your driving test at any UK centre with reduced waiting times!

Faq

How many practical driving test centres are there in the UK?

There are over 350 practical test centres across the UK. You can check our detailed centre guides to view your local centre’s facilities and conditions.

Can I take my practical driving test anywhere in the UK?

Yes, you can take your practical test at any UK centre you’d like. However, we’d advise you to take your test at the centres near your home. You can also consider the pass rates for making the best decision.

Where is the best place to take your driving test in the UK?

Burrow in Furness, Kendal (Oxenholme Road), Dorchester, Chichester, and Lancing test centres have the highest test pass rates in the UK.

How long is the waiting time for practical driving tests in the UK?

The waiting times for a car practical driving test are 13 weeks in Wales, over 15 weeks in Scotland and nearly 21 weeks in England.