Folkestone Driving Test Centre
· Kent
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Key Statistics
Getting to Folkestone
The DVSA Folkestone test centre is located at Cheriton Road, Cheriton, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4QJ. To get there by car, take the M20 to Junction 12 and follow signs for Cheriton and the Channel Tunnel Terminal. The test centre is situated on Cheriton Road (A20), which is the main route through the area. If you're coming from Folkestone town centre, head west along the A20 towards Dover and you'll find the centre on your left. The building is clearly marked and easy to spot from the main road.
There's a small car park at the test centre with limited spaces available free of charge. However, these can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods, so arriving early is advisable. If the car park is full, you can find some street parking on nearby residential roads, though be mindful of any parking restrictions. The nearest railway station is Folkestone West, which is approximately 1.5 miles away. Local bus services run along Cheriton Road, making the centre 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 can wait with you, and there's a small waiting area available. The test centre is a straightforward, single-storey building with step-free access. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointed time with all the required documents, as late arrivals may result in your test being cancelled.
About Folkestone Test Centre
Folkestone is a DVSA driving test centre located in Kent. With a current pass rate of 45.4%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,370 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Folkestone, 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 395 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CT20 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Folkestone test centre serves candidates from Kent 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 Folkestone will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Kent 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 364 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Folkestone stands at 45.4%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.1 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Folkestone, passing at 46.1% compared to 44.8% for male candidates, a 1.3 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Folkestone was 50.6% in 2011-12, while the lowest was 41.0% in 2016-17.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Aug at 52.8%, while the lowest was in Apr at 38.9%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Folkestone Historical Performance
Our records for Folkestone begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 43.1% from 4,389 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 44.4%, and it now sits at 45.4%.
Test volumes at Folkestone 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 Folkestone
Based on the data we hold for Folkestone, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Folkestone, pass rates in Aug (52.8%) are notably higher than in Apr (38.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Folkestone. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Kent area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Folkestone, 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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone?
The current pass rate at Folkestone is 45.4%, based on 4,370 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Folkestone conduct per year?
Folkestone conducted 4,370 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 364 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Folkestone a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 45.4%, Folkestone 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 Folkestone?
Based on 2024-25 data, Aug had the highest pass rate at 52.8%. 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 Folkestone?
Female candidates outperform males at Folkestone, passing at 46.1% compared to 44.8% for male candidates, a 1.3 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Folkestone pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 329 | 128 | 38.9% | 37.4% | 40.2% |
| May | 278 | 114 | 41.0% | 38.2% | 43.7% |
| Jun | 302 | 129 | 42.7% | 40.4% | 45.8% |
| Jul | 311 | 156 | 50.2% | 45.8% | 55.2% |
| Aug | 271 | 143 | 52.8% | 55.2% | 49.6% |
| Sep | 279 | 145 | 52.0% | 51.8% | 52.1% |
| Oct | 434 | 204 | 47.0% | 44.6% | 49.8% |
| Nov | 384 | 183 | 47.7% | 52.9% | 40.3% |
| Dec | 322 | 145 | 45.0% | 42.7% | 47.5% |
| Jan | 451 | 208 | 46.1% | 49.6% | 41.1% |
| Feb | 441 | 192 | 43.5% | 43.2% | 44.0% |
| Mar | 568 | 237 | 41.7% | 37.8% | 46.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.3pp higher rate than male candidates at Folkestone.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Folkestone? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,676 of the tests conducted here.
21-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Folkestone with 53.5% from 155 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 43.3%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 802 | 52.9% | 52.4% | 53.4% |
| 18 | 577 | 52.0% | 52.7% | 51.2% |
| 19 | 309 | 48.5% | 45.1% | 52.4% |
| 20 | 197 | 45.7% | 43.4% | 50.0% |
| 21 | 155 | 53.5% | 50.6% | 56.6% |
| 22 | 162 | 46.9% | 46.3% | 47.8% |
| 23 | 171 | 46.2% | 45.5% | 47.2% |
| 24 | 157 | 43.3% | 47.9% | 39.5% |
| 25 | 146 | 47.9% | 45.9% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Folkestone, the automatic test pass rate is 36.0%, which is 9.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 45.4%. With 896 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
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 36.6% compared to 35.1% for males.