DVSA driving test centre

Thurso

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The Thurso driving test centre has a 62.96% pass rate across 162 tests (DVSA figures, 2025-26).

Official DVSA figures

62.96%

Pass rate

DVSA figures, 2025-26

162

Tests

Conducted over the period reported

102

Passes

Candidates who passed here

#38 of 316 in Britain

We don't have any instructors near Thurso yet

No driving instructors are listed within 10 miles of Thurso 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 Thurso

The Thurso test centre serves the Thurso area as a key location for practical driving tests. With a pass rate of 62.96% based on 162 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 Thurso 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

Naver House, Naver Road, Naver Business Park
Thurso
KW14 7QA

View on Google Maps

Book Your Test

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

The numbers

Test Centre Statistics

Official DVSA figures for September 2025 (2025-26)

Overall Pass Rate

62.96%

38 of 316 centres in Britain

Tests Conducted

162

In the month reported

Total Passes

102

Successful candidates over 1 month

Trends

Pass Rate in Context

DVSA have published a limited run of figures for Thurso so far, so there isn't yet enough history to show a monthly trend. More arrives with each DVSA release. In the meantime, 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

September 2025

102 passes from 162 tests
Source: DVSA, 2025-26 release
The breakdown

Who passes at Thurso

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

First-time candidates

64.36%

Across 101 first attempts, of which 13 passed with no faults at all. If this is your first test, this is the closer comparison.

Automatic car tests

64.71%

Across 17 automatic tests. An automatic licence only lets you drive automatics.

Since 2007

Pass rate year by year

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

2007-082008-092009-102010-112011-122013-142014-152015-162016-172017-182018-192019-202021-222022-232023-242024-252025-26

Financial years 2007-08 to 2025-26, ranging between 51.12% and 71.61%

Pass rate at Thurso by financial year
Financial yearPass rateTests conducted
2007-0851.12%223
2008-0955.36%289
2009-1057.62%210
2010-1154.44%338
2011-1253.08%260
2013-1458.7%230
2014-1557.96%226
2015-1665.58%276
2016-1771.61%236
2017-1864.49%214
2018-1961.58%203
2019-2065.8%193
2021-2257.6%125
2022-2351.72%203
2023-2462.62%206
2024-2558.1%167
2025-2662.96%162
From the archive

Thurso 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).

On the day

Test Centre Facilities & Services

Important information about the Thurso test centre

Available Test Types

This test centre provides these types of tests: car.

Accessibility Information

You cannot access this test centre if you use a wheelchair.

What to Expect on Test Day

Your driving test at Thurso 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
Preparation

Preparing for Your Driving Test at Thurso

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 Thurso 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 Thurso area well. Local instructors understand the roads commonly used for tests from Thurso, 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 Thurso 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 62.96% pass rate at Thurso 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.

FAQ

Common Questions About Thurso

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

64.36% of candidates taking their first driving test at Thurso passed it, across 101 first attempts in 2025-26. 13 of those passed with no driving faults at all. The centre's overall pass rate of 62.96% includes retakes, so first-time candidates should compare against this figure instead.

64.71% of automatic car tests taken at Thurso were passed, across 17 tests in 2025-26. Passing in an automatic gives you an automatic-only licence.

Based on recent data, the Thurso test centre has a pass rate of 62.96%. This is considered high compared to the national average. Out of 162 tests conducted, 102 candidates passed their driving test.

This test centre provides these types of tests: car.

You cannot access this test centre if you use a wheelchair.

To prepare for your driving test at the Thurso test centre, we recommend: practicing in the local area with a 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 62.96% pass rate when planning your preparation timeline.

According to recent data, September 2025 had the highest pass rate at the Thurso test centre with 84.62% (22 passes from 26 tests). However, the best time to take your test is when you feel fully prepared and confident in your driving abilities.

The Thurso test centre is located at Naver House, Naver Road, Naver Business Park, Thurso, KW14 7QA. You can find detailed directions using the Google Maps link on this page.

On your test day at the Thurso 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, 62.96% of candidates pass at this test centre. Remember to stay calm and drive as you've been taught.

Officially no - DVSA stopped publishing test routes in October 2010 when independent driving was introduced, and today's routes are unpublished. However, the official DSA route documents used at Thurso until then are preserved by The National Archives, and you can view them on this page. Use them to get familiar with the roads around the test centre rather than to memorise a route.
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