Ashford (Kent) Driving Test Centre
· Devon
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Key Statistics
Getting to Ashford (Kent)
The Ashford (Kent) DVSA test centre in Devon is located in Barnstaple with the postcode EX31. While the name might seem confusing, this centre serves the North Devon area and is easily accessible from the A361 North Devon Link Road. If you're driving from Exeter, take the A377 towards Barnstaple, then follow signs for the town centre. From Taunton, the A361 provides a direct route through South Molton. The test centre is well signposted once you reach the Barnstaple area, and there's adequate parking available for candidates and accompanying drivers.
Public transport options include regular bus services from Exeter and surrounding towns, with several operators running routes to Barnstaple. The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, which connects to the national rail network via Exeter. If you're using public transport, allow extra time for your journey as services can be less frequent than in urban areas. It's worth checking timetables in advance, particularly for weekend tests, as some services run reduced schedules.
About Ashford (Kent) Test Centre
Ashford (Kent) is a DVSA driving test centre located in Devon. With a current pass rate of 52.0%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,504 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Ashford (Kent), stretching back to 2007-08. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
There are approximately 361 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the EX31 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Ashford (Kent) test centre serves candidates from Devon and the surrounding areas. If you're booking your practical test here, it's worth arriving at least 10 minutes early to familiarise yourself with the car park and check in with the examiner.
Test routes from Ashford (Kent) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Devon area. As with all DVSA centres, your test will last approximately 40 minutes and include an independent driving section, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and potentially an emergency stop.
The centre conducts around 292 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Ashford (Kent) stands at 52.0%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.3 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Ashford (Kent), with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Ashford (Kent) was 55.7% in 2013-14, while the lowest was 44.2% in 2019-20.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 58.0%, while the lowest was in Mar at 47.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Ashford (Kent) Historical Performance
Our records for Ashford (Kent) begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.1% from 3,811 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 49.0%, and it now sits at 52.0%.
Test volumes at Ashford (Kent) have remained broadly stable over this period. The data also captures the impact of COVID-19, with the 2020-21 year showing significantly reduced test volumes across all UK centres.
This long-term perspective is valuable for understanding whether the current pass rate is typical for this centre or part of a broader trend. A centre with a temporarily low pass rate may be recovering, while one with a consistently high rate offers more predictable conditions.
Tips for Passing at Ashford (Kent)
Based on the data we hold for Ashford (Kent), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Ashford (Kent), pass rates in Jul (58.0%) are notably higher than in Mar (47.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Ashford (Kent). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Devon area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Ashford (Kent), compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Ashford (Kent) at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Use the time to settle your nerves and review any tricky manoeuvres mentally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate at Ashford (Kent)?
The current pass rate at Ashford (Kent) is 52.0%, based on 3,504 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Ashford (Kent) conduct per year?
Ashford (Kent) conducted 3,504 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 292 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Ashford (Kent) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 52.0%, Ashford (Kent) is a solid choice. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data.
What's the best month to take my test at Ashford (Kent)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 58.0%. However, monthly variation can change year to year, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Do men or women pass more at Ashford (Kent)?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Ashford (Kent), with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Ashford (Kent) pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 339 | 176 | 51.9% | 51.4% | 52.5% |
| May | 393 | 204 | 51.9% | 50.2% | 54.0% |
| Jun | 244 | 123 | 50.4% | 50.7% | 50.0% |
| Jul | 274 | 159 | 58.0% | 62.8% | 52.4% |
| Aug | 247 | 138 | 55.9% | 57.0% | 55.0% |
| Sep | 234 | 131 | 56.0% | 55.4% | 56.7% |
| Oct | 275 | 133 | 48.4% | 51.6% | 45.6% |
| Nov | 331 | 164 | 49.5% | 47.0% | 52.7% |
| Dec | 275 | 157 | 57.1% | 54.7% | 59.4% |
| Jan | 262 | 139 | 53.1% | 59.0% | 46.9% |
| Feb | 291 | 139 | 47.8% | 50.3% | 45.2% |
| Mar | 339 | 160 | 47.2% | 43.3% | 51.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Ashford (Kent).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Ashford (Kent)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,147 of the tests conducted here.
23-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Ashford (Kent) with 61.9% from 113 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 49.5%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 722 | 58.9% | 58.8% | 58.9% |
| 18 | 479 | 55.3% | 60.8% | 51.1% |
| 19 | 227 | 53.3% | 53.6% | 52.8% |
| 20 | 170 | 51.2% | 53.1% | 48.6% |
| 21 | 128 | 56.3% | 55.4% | 57.1% |
| 22 | 105 | 49.5% | 46.7% | 53.3% |
| 23 | 113 | 61.9% | 56.9% | 68.8% |
| 24 | 112 | 60.7% | 56.4% | 64.9% |
| 25 | 91 | 49.5% | 37.2% | 60.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Ashford (Kent), the automatic test pass rate is 49.8%, which is 2.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 52.0%. With 892 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 51.6% compared to 46.7% for males.