Find Driving Test Centre
Driving Test Centre Map (UK)
Find a Driving Test Centre. Using the map below find your nearest driving test centre. Select a Test Centre to view available test routes and download our Driving Test Routes App.
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The UK's driving test centres, overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), are vital for learner drivers seeking their driving licences. Currently, there are significant waiting times for tests, with the backlog worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Test centres across the UK have varying pass rates, with some centres like Norwich and Cambridge showing higher success rates of around 50-54%.
Find Driving Test Centre Routes
Finding the right driving test centre and familiarizing yourself with its test routes is a crucial step in preparing for your driving test. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:
1. Search for Driving Test Centres: Begin by looking up driving test centres in your area. You can do this online through official driving test centre websites or by using dedicated apps and services that provide this information.
2. Select a Driving Test Centre: Once you have a list of available centres, select the one that is most convenient for you. Factors to consider include proximity to your home, availability of test dates, and personal preferences.
3. View Available Test Routes: After selecting a test centre, you will be able to access the test routes associated with that centre. These routes are typically used during the driving test and can include a variety of road types and driving conditions.
4. Familiarize Yourself with the Routes: Reviewing the test routes can help you understand the types of roads, intersections, and manoeuvres you might encounter during your test. This can include residential streets, main roads, roundabouts, and specific areas where certain driving skills will be tested.
5. Practice on Test Routes: Once you have a good understanding of the routes, practice driving on them as much as possible. This will help you gain confidence and improve your familiarity with the specific challenges of each route.
6. Prepare for Different Scenarios: While practising, make sure to simulate various driving conditions such as different times of the day, weather conditions, and traffic situations. This comprehensive preparation will help you be better prepared for whatever circumstances you may face on the actual test day.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare for your driving test, increasing your chances of success by becoming more comfortable with the test routes and the specific requirements of the driving test centre you choose.
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As of 2024, the UK has approximately 380 driving test centres that conduct practical driving tests. These centres are operated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The number of centres may fluctuate slightly depending on local demand and operational adjustments, but the approximate figure remains around this level.
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In the UK, you can change your driving test date up to six times without losing your test fee. After the sixth change, if you need to alter the date again, you'll have to cancel your current booking and make a new one, which may require paying the test fee again.
Make sure to change the test at least three full working days before your scheduled date to avoid any penalties or losing the fee.
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The Kendal driving test centre in Cumbria is considered one of the easiest in England, with a pass rate of 68.3%. Other English test centres with high pass rates include:
- Barrow-in-Furness – 64.8%
- Chichester – 64.7%
- Bridlington – 63.3%
These centres are typically located in less congested areas with simpler road systems, which may contribute to the higher success rates.
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The UK driving test typically lasts around 40 to 45 minutes. This includes several elements:
1. Eyesight check: At the start, you will need to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters.
2. Vehicle safety questions: These are the "show me, tell me" questions, where you're asked about basic car maintenance and operations.
3. General driving: The examiner assesses your ability to drive safely in various traffic situations, including town driving, rural roads, and possibly dual carriageways.
4. Reversing manoeuvres: You'll be asked to complete one of several possible manoeuvres, such as parallel parking or reversing into a parking bay.
5. Independent driving: You will drive for about 20 minutes, either following a sat-nav or traffic signs.
The entire process is aimed at assessing your ability to drive safely and independently under varied conditions.