Barnstaple
Find driving instructors near the Barnstaple test centre in Barnstaple. Browse local instructors, view test centre statistics, and prepare for your driving test with local instructors who know the area.
The Barnstaple driving test centre has a 51.40% pass rate across 5,562 tests (DVSA figures, 2025-26). The median wait between booking and taking a test here is 8 weeks as of August 2026.
Official DVSA figures
51.40%
Pass rate
DVSA figures, 2025-26
8 weeks
Average wait
DVSA figures for August 2026
5,562
Tests
Conducted over the period reported
2,859
Passes
Candidates who passed here
#176 of 316 in Britain
We don't have any instructors near Barnstaple yet
No driving instructors are listed within 10 miles of Barnstaple at the moment. You can search the directory with your own postcode, or use the DVSA's official service to find approved instructors near you.
About Barnstaple
The Barnstaple test centre serves the Barnstaple area as a key location for practical driving tests. With a pass rate of 51.40% based on 5,562 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 Barnstaple 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.
Address
Unit 1A, Benning Court (off Riverside Road), Pottington Industrial Estate
Barnstaple
EX31 1AB
Theory test first
Barnstaple theory test centre - 45.00% pass rateBook Your Test
Visit gov.uk/book-driving-test to book your driving test.
How long is the wait at Barnstaple?
Official DVSA figures for August 2026
Average wait for a test
8 weeks
The median time between booking a test here and taking it.
Until appointments free up
11 weeks
How far ahead you have to look before this centre has a reasonable choice of slots.
Tests DVSA cancelled here
73
Over 2025-26, 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.
See how Barnstaple compares: waiting times at every UK test centre
Test Centre Statistics
Official DVSA figures from April 2025 to March 2026 (2025-26)
Overall Pass Rate
51.40%
176 of 316 centres in Britain
Best Performing Month
April 2025
55.45% pass rate (229 passes)
Average Monthly Tests
464
Conducted per month on average
Total Passes
2,859
Successful candidates over 12 months
Pass Rate Trends & Analysis
Pass rates at Barnstaple move month to month, influenced by weather, time of year and how well prepared candidates are. While April 2025 showed the highest pass rate at 55.45%, your result depends far more on your own preparation than on the month you book. An instructor who knows the local roads and traffic patterns is one of the most effective ways to improve your chances.
Pass Rate Trend
Monthly pass rates at Barnstaple (April 2025 - March 2026)
Overall Pass Rate
April 2025 - March 2026
Who passes at Barnstaple
The headline rate mixes first tests with retakes. DVSA break it down further (2025-26).
First-time candidates
53.82%
Across 2,540 first attempts, of which 97 passed with no faults at all. If this is your first test, this is the closer comparison.
Automatic car tests
41.81%
Across 1,081 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.
Pass rate year by year
Every year DVSA have published for Barnstaple, from 2007-08 to 2025-26
Financial years 2007-08 to 2025-26, ranging between 46.5% and 59.93%
| Financial year | Pass rate | Tests conducted |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | 46.81% | 3,356 |
| 2008-09 | 51.64% | 3,333 |
| 2009-10 | 53.03% | 2,785 |
| 2010-11 | 52.69% | 2,716 |
| 2011-12 | 53.59% | 2,799 |
| 2012-13 | 56.37% | 2,560 |
| 2013-14 | 55.21% | 2,666 |
| 2014-15 | 56.24% | 2,740 |
| 2015-16 | 52.57% | 2,629 |
| 2016-17 | 46.5% | 3,731 |
| 2017-18 | 46.57% | 3,524 |
| 2018-19 | 53.95% | 2,686 |
| 2019-20 | 54.27% | 2,930 |
| 2020-21 | 59.93% | 851 |
| 2021-22 | 55.26% | 3,044 |
| 2022-23 | 54.3% | 3,221 |
| 2023-24 | 54.87% | 3,842 |
| 2024-25 | 54.7% | 3,583 |
| 2025-26 | 51.4% | 5,562 |
ADI qualifying tests at Barnstaple
Trainee driving instructors sit their qualifying tests at ordinary test centres - these are the figures for this one.
ADI Part 3 pass rate (2025-26)
25%
The instructional-ability test - nationally the hardest step. Every centre's Part 3 rate
Barnstaple driving test routes (2008–2010)
These are the official DSA route documents, last reviewed 2008–2010. DVSA stopped publishing test routes in October 2010 when independent driving was introduced; today's routes are different and unpublished, and the test centre itself may have moved site since these were written. Use these to get familiar with the general area - not to memorise a route.
Source: Driving Standards Agency, via The National Archives (OGL v3.0).
Test Centre Facilities & Services
Important information about the Barnstaple test centre
Available Test Types
This test centre provides these types of tests: car, motorcycle module 2 (on-road).
Accessibility Information
You can access this test centre if you use a wheelchair.
What to Expect on Test Day
Your driving test at Barnstaple 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
Preparing for Your Driving Test at Barnstaple
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 Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple area well. Local instructors understand the roads commonly used for tests from Barnstaple, 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 Barnstaple 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 51.40% pass rate at Barnstaple 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.
Common Questions About Barnstaple
Find answers to frequently asked questions about this test centre, pass rates, and preparing for your driving test.
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