Blackburn with Darwen Driving Test Centre
· Lancashire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Blackburn with Darwen
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Blackburn with Darwen is located at Roman Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 2LD. If you're driving there, the centre is easily accessible from the M65 motorway - take junction 4 and follow signs towards Blackburn town centre, then head towards the Roman Road area. From the A666 or A679, follow local signage to reach Roman Road. The test centre has its own car park with designated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Blackburn station, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre. Several local bus routes serve the Roman Road area, making it accessible by public transport if needed. When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver should wait in the car park during your test rather than inside the building.
The test centre is a straightforward, modern facility with level access and no particular quirks to be aware of. There are toilet facilities available, and the car park operates on a simple entry and exit system without barriers. Make sure to arrive in good time as the car park can get busy during peak testing hours, particularly in the morning and early afternoon slots.
About Blackburn with Darwen Test Centre
Blackburn with Darwen is a DVSA driving test centre located in Lancashire. With a current pass rate of 47.8%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 8,885 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 14 years of historical data for Blackburn with Darwen, stretching back to 2009-10. This depth of data allows candidates to understand long-term patterns and make informed choices about when and where to take their test.
Location & What to Expect
Blackburn with Darwen test centre serves candidates from Lancashire 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 Blackburn with Darwen will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Lancashire 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 740 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Blackburn with Darwen stands at 47.8%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male candidates have a 4.1 percentage point advantage at Blackburn with Darwen, passing at 49.7% compared to 45.6% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Blackburn with Darwen was 47.8% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 40.3% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 53.0%, while the lowest was in Mar at 44.1%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Blackburn with Darwen Historical Performance
Our records for Blackburn with Darwen begin in the 2009-10 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 44.8% from 6,720 tests. By 2017-18, the rate had fallen to 42.3%, and it now sits at 47.8%.
Test volumes at Blackburn with Darwen have grown over this period, rising from 6,720 to 8,885 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 Blackburn with Darwen
Based on the data we hold for Blackburn with Darwen, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Blackburn with Darwen, pass rates in Dec (53.0%) are notably higher than in Mar (44.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Blackburn with Darwen. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Lancashire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Blackburn with Darwen, 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 Blackburn with Darwen 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 Blackburn with Darwen?
The current pass rate at Blackburn with Darwen is 47.8%, based on 8,885 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Blackburn with Darwen conduct per year?
Blackburn with Darwen conducted 8,885 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 740 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Blackburn with Darwen a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.8%, Blackburn with Darwen is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. 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 Blackburn with Darwen?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 53.0%. 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 Blackburn with Darwen?
Male candidates have a 4.1 percentage point advantage at Blackburn with Darwen, passing at 49.7% compared to 45.6% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Blackburn with Darwen pass rate over 14 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 821 | 407 | 49.6% | 51.3% | 47.7% |
| May | 667 | 317 | 47.5% | 47.0% | 48.1% |
| Jun | 767 | 376 | 49.0% | 48.6% | 49.6% |
| Jul | 804 | 392 | 48.8% | 50.2% | 47.1% |
| Aug | 780 | 361 | 46.3% | 48.4% | 43.8% |
| Sep | 692 | 342 | 49.4% | 54.2% | 43.1% |
| Oct | 858 | 423 | 49.3% | 51.7% | 46.7% |
| Nov | 659 | 311 | 47.2% | 49.4% | 44.5% |
| Dec | 583 | 309 | 53.0% | 56.0% | 49.8% |
| Jan | 663 | 305 | 46.0% | 47.8% | 43.9% |
| Feb | 781 | 347 | 44.4% | 44.8% | 44.0% |
| Mar | 810 | 357 | 44.1% | 48.8% | 39.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4.1pp higher rate than female candidates at Blackburn with Darwen.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Blackburn with Darwen? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,731 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Blackburn with Darwen with 58.1% from 898 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 45.3%. 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 | 898 | 58.1% | 59.8% | 55.7% |
| 18 | 1,203 | 47.5% | 49.4% | 45.3% |
| 19 | 995 | 47.9% | 48.4% | 47.5% |
| 20 | 695 | 46.5% | 45.3% | 47.7% |
| 21 | 537 | 48.2% | 51.5% | 44.9% |
| 22 | 435 | 47.1% | 49.2% | 45.4% |
| 23 | 370 | 50.5% | 52.7% | 48.4% |
| 24 | 300 | 49.7% | 49.4% | 50.0% |
| 25 | 298 | 45.3% | 47.9% | 43.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Blackburn with Darwen, the automatic test pass rate is 47.7%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 47.8%. With 2,319 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 50.9% compared to 46.3% for females.