Barry Driving Test Centre
· Angus
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Key Statistics
Getting to Barry
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Barry is located at Barry Industrial Estate, Carnoustie Road, Barry, Angus DD7 7RJ. To reach the centre by car, take the A92 coastal route and follow signs for Barry village. The test centre is situated on an industrial estate just off the main Carnoustie Road, making it easily accessible from both Dundee and the surrounding Angus area. The centre provides on-site parking with designated bays for candidates and their accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for parking elsewhere.
The nearest railway station is Barry Links, which is approximately half a mile from the test centre, making it a pleasant 8-10 minute walk if you're arriving by train. Local bus services run along Carnoustie Road, connecting Barry with Dundee and other nearby towns, though you should check current timetables as services can be limited. When you arrive at the centre, you'll need to report to the reception area where staff will check you in for your test appointment.
The test centre is a modern, single-storey building with level access throughout, making it accessible for all candidates. There are toilet facilities available, and a comfortable waiting area where you can sit before your test begins. The industrial estate location means it's generally quiet with good visibility, which helps create a calm environment for your driving test preparation.
About Barry Test Centre
Barry is a DVSA driving test centre located in Angus. With a current pass rate of 61.8%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,621 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 14 years of historical data for Barry, stretching back to 2011-12. 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 162 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DD7 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Barry test centre serves candidates from Angus 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 Barry will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Angus 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 135 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Barry stands at 61.8%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Female candidates outperform males at Barry, passing at 62.5% compared to 61.1% for male candidates, a 1.4 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Barry was 64.2% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 52.9% in 2013-14.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jan at 68.6%, while the lowest was in Jul at 50.9%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Barry Historical Performance
Our records for Barry begin in the 2011-12 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 53.0% from 372 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 58.0%, and it now sits at 61.8%.
Test volumes at Barry have grown over this period, rising from 372 to 1,621 tests per year. 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 Barry
Based on the data we hold for Barry, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Barry, pass rates in Jan (68.6%) are notably higher than in Jul (50.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Barry is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Barry. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Angus area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Barry, 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 Barry 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 Barry?
The current pass rate at Barry is 61.8%, based on 1,621 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Barry conduct per year?
Barry conducted 1,621 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 135 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Barry a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 61.8%, Barry 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 Barry?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jan had the highest pass rate at 68.6%. 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 Barry?
Female candidates outperform males at Barry, passing at 62.5% compared to 61.1% for male candidates, a 1.4 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Barry pass rate over 14 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 188 | 116 | 61.7% | 58.0% | 65.9% |
| May | 136 | 89 | 65.4% | 63.5% | 66.7% |
| Jun | 161 | 101 | 62.7% | 55.6% | 71.8% |
| Jul | 167 | 85 | 50.9% | 54.7% | 46.9% |
| Aug | 113 | 75 | 66.4% | 72.4% | 60.0% |
| Sep | 129 | 76 | 58.9% | 61.9% | 56.1% |
| Oct | 150 | 102 | 68.0% | 66.7% | 69.1% |
| Nov | 134 | 88 | 65.7% | 67.8% | 64.0% |
| Dec | 79 | 53 | 67.1% | 64.9% | 69.0% |
| Jan | 137 | 94 | 68.6% | 70.6% | 66.7% |
| Feb | 105 | 55 | 52.4% | 52.8% | 51.9% |
| Mar | 122 | 68 | 55.7% | 50.9% | 60.0% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Barry.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Barry? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,117 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Barry with 67.9% from 439 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 53.7%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 439 | 67.9% | 66.8% | 68.8% |
| 18 | 222 | 66.2% | 72.5% | 60.8% |
| 19 | 117 | 61.5% | 53.4% | 69.5% |
| 20 | 73 | 61.6% | 58.3% | 64.9% |
| 21 | 61 | 67.2% | 81.3% | 51.7% |
| 22 | 72 | 55.6% | 55.6% | 55.6% |
| 23 | 53 | 58.5% | 56.7% | 60.9% |
| 24 | 41 | 53.7% | 47.1% | 58.3% |
| 25 | 39 | 64.1% | 65.0% | 63.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Barry, the automatic test pass rate is 60.7%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 61.8%. 262 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
Female automatic candidates pass at 64.8% compared to 51.8% for males.