DVSA driving test centre

Rothesay

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

Official DVSA figures

52.00%

Pass rate

DVSA figures, 2025-26

13.4 weeks

Average wait

DVSA figures for June 2026

125

Tests

Conducted over the period reported

65

Passes

Candidates who passed here

#159 of 316 in Britain

About Rothesay

The Rothesay test centre serves the Rothesay area as a key location for practical driving tests. With a pass rate of 52.00% based on 125 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 Rothesay 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.

Location & Directions

Address

C/O Dept. of Employment, 9 King Street
Rothesay
PA20 0DG

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 Rothesay?

Official DVSA figures for June 2026

Average wait for a test

13.4 weeks

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

Until appointments free up

24 weeks

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

Tests DVSA cancelled here

28

Over 2025-26, mostly weather. 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 2025-26

Overall Pass Rate

52.00%

159 of 316 centres in Britain

Tests Conducted

125

In the year reported

Total Passes

65

Successful candidates in the year reported

Trends

Pass Rate in Context

DVSA publish a year total for Rothesay 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

2025-26

65 passes from 125 tests
Source: DVSA, 2025-26 release
The breakdown

Who passes at Rothesay

The headline rate mixes first tests with retakes. DVSA break it down further (2025-26).

First-time candidates

52.70%

Across 74 first attempts. If this is your first test, this is the closer comparison.

Automatic car tests

51.52%

Across 33 automatic tests. An automatic licence only lets you drive automatics.

Since 2007

Pass rate year by year

Every year DVSA have published for Rothesay, from 2007-08 to 2025-26

2007-082008-092009-102011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-172017-182018-192019-202021-222022-232023-242025-26

Financial years 2007-08 to 2025-26, ranging between 45.54% and 80.77%

On the day

Test Centre Facilities & Services

Important information about the Rothesay test centre

Available Test Types

This test centre provides these types of tests: car.

Accessibility Information

You can access this test centre if you use a wheelchair.

What to Expect on Test Day

Your driving test at Rothesay 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

We don't have any instructors near Rothesay yet

No driving instructors are listed within 10 miles of Rothesay 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.

Preparation

Preparing for Your Driving Test at Rothesay

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 Rothesay 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 Rothesay area well. Local instructors understand the roads commonly used for tests from Rothesay, 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 Rothesay 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 52.00% pass rate at Rothesay 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 Rothesay

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

52.70% of candidates taking their first driving test at Rothesay passed it, across 74 first attempts in 2025-26. The centre's overall pass rate of 52.00% includes retakes, so first-time candidates should compare against this figure instead.

51.52% of automatic car tests taken at Rothesay were passed, across 33 tests in 2025-26. Passing in an automatic gives you an automatic-only licence.

According to DVSA figures for June 2026, the average (median) wait between booking a test at Rothesay and taking it is 13.4 weeks. Appointments generally start to free up around 24 weeks ahead. Waiting times change every month, and this page updates when DVSA publish new figures. For pass rates it ranks 159 of 316 centres in Britain.

Based on recent data, the Rothesay test centre has a pass rate of 52.00%. This is considered average compared to the national average. Out of 125 tests conducted, 65 candidates passed their driving test.

This test centre provides these types of tests: car.

You can access this test centre if you use a wheelchair.

To prepare for your driving test at the Rothesay test centre, we recommend: practicing in the local area with a qualified local instructor, 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 52.00% pass rate when planning your preparation timeline.

The Rothesay test centre is located at C/O Dept. of Employment, 9 King Street, Rothesay, PA20 0DG. You can find detailed directions using the Google Maps link on this page.

On your test day at the Rothesay 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, 52.00% of candidates pass at this test centre. Remember to stay calm and drive as you've been taught.