Elgin Driving Test Centre
· Moray
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Key Statistics
Getting to Elgin
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Elgin is located at Pinefield Industrial Estate, Pinefield Road, Elgin, Moray IV30 6AA. To reach the centre by car, take the A96 into Elgin and follow signs for the industrial estate. From the town centre, head north on Edgar Road which becomes Pinefield Road. The test centre is clearly signposted within the industrial estate. There's free on-site parking available in the car park directly outside the building, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Elgin station, which is approximately 2 miles from the test centre and well connected to Aberdeen and Inverness. Several local bus routes serve the Pinefield area, including Stagecoach services that run regularly from Elgin town centre. If you're travelling by public transport, allow extra time as the industrial estate location means it's not immediately adjacent to main bus stops.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving instructor can wait in the reception area, but you'll need to wait in your test vehicle with your instructor until the examiner comes to collect you. The building has toilet facilities and a small waiting area, making it comfortable for both candidates and accompanying drivers during the test period.
About Elgin Test Centre
Elgin is a DVSA driving test centre located in Moray. With a current pass rate of 44.5%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,184 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Elgin, 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 141 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the IV30 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Elgin test centre serves candidates from Moray 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 Elgin will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Moray 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 182 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 Elgin stands at 44.5%, 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.
Female candidates outperform males at Elgin, passing at 46.3% compared to 42.7% for male candidates, a 3.6 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Elgin was 54.9% in 2014-15, while the lowest was 44.5% in 2024-25.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 50.7%, while the lowest was in Mar at 40.9%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Elgin Historical Performance
Our records for Elgin begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.6% from 1,501 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 54.8%, and it now sits at 44.5%.
Test volumes at Elgin have grown over this period, rising from 1,501 to 2,184 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 Elgin
Based on the data we hold for Elgin, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Elgin, pass rates in Aug (50.7%) are notably higher than in Mar (40.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- The gender gap favours female candidates here. Women pass at 46.3% compared to 42.7% for men. This is unusual nationally and may reflect the local road conditions.
- Take advantage of availability. Elgin 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 Elgin. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Moray area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Elgin, 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 Elgin 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 Elgin?
The current pass rate at Elgin is 44.5%, based on 2,184 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Elgin conduct per year?
Elgin conducted 2,184 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 182 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Elgin a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 44.5%, Elgin 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. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Elgin?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 50.7%. 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 Elgin?
Female candidates outperform males at Elgin, passing at 46.3% compared to 42.7% for male candidates, a 3.6 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Elgin pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 166 | 71 | 42.8% | 39.4% | 45.0% |
| May | 158 | 71 | 44.9% | 48.8% | 40.8% |
| Jun | 172 | 76 | 44.2% | 42.4% | 46.0% |
| Jul | 178 | 88 | 49.4% | 40.2% | 57.3% |
| Aug | 136 | 69 | 50.7% | 45.2% | 57.1% |
| Sep | 212 | 87 | 41.0% | 37.3% | 45.1% |
| Oct | 230 | 101 | 43.9% | 45.7% | 41.7% |
| Nov | 171 | 82 | 48.0% | 41.2% | 54.7% |
| Dec | 185 | 88 | 47.6% | 51.0% | 43.5% |
| Jan | 173 | 71 | 41.0% | 40.4% | 41.9% |
| Feb | 188 | 79 | 42.0% | 41.2% | 42.9% |
| Mar | 215 | 88 | 40.9% | 39.1% | 42.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 3.6pp higher rate than male candidates at Elgin.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Elgin? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,557 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Elgin with 49.3% from 633 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 39.4%. 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 | 633 | 49.3% | 51.3% | 47.4% |
| 18 | 310 | 47.1% | 45.0% | 49.1% |
| 19 | 168 | 43.5% | 37.1% | 50.6% |
| 20 | 99 | 39.4% | 37.8% | 40.7% |
| 21 | 89 | 40.4% | 37.8% | 43.2% |
| 22 | 66 | 43.9% | 47.7% | 36.4% |
| 23 | 85 | 45.9% | 43.4% | 50.0% |
| 24 | 47 | 40.4% | 30.0% | 58.8% |
| 25 | 60 | 40.0% | 38.5% | 41.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Elgin, the automatic test pass rate is 39.3%, which is 5.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 44.5%. 280 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
The lower automatic pass rate compared to overall is unusual. This could reflect a smaller sample size or a particular candidate demographic. Check the trend over time to see if this is consistent.
Female automatic candidates pass at 40.2% compared to 37.5% for males.