Fraserburgh Driving Test Centre
· Aberdeenshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Fraserburgh
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Fraserburgh is located at Watermill Road, Fraserburgh AB43 9DN. To reach the centre by car, take the A90 north from Aberdeen, then follow the A952 east towards Fraserburgh. Once in the town centre, follow signs for the industrial estate where you'll find Watermill Road. The test centre has its own car park with designated spaces for learner drivers and instructors, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is actually quite far away, as Fraserburgh's rail service ended decades ago. The closest working station would be Aberdeen, approximately 40 miles south, making the car the most practical option for getting to this test centre. Local bus services do operate in Fraserburgh, with Stagecoach running routes from Aberdeen and other nearby towns, though you'll need to check current timetables as services can be limited.
When you arrive at the test centre, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building. Your driving instructor will typically accompany you inside to sign you in, after which you'll return to wait in your practice vehicle until your examiner calls you. The centre is a modern, single-storey building with level access, and facilities include toilets and a waiting area for any accompanying adults.
About Fraserburgh Test Centre
Fraserburgh is a DVSA driving test centre located in Aberdeenshire. With a current pass rate of 60.7%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 496 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Fraserburgh, 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 259 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the AB43 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Fraserburgh test centre serves candidates from Aberdeenshire 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 Fraserburgh will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Aberdeenshire 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 41 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 Fraserburgh stands at 60.7%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.2 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Fraserburgh, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Fraserburgh was 82.5% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 54.8% in 2011-12.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 68.2%, while the lowest was in Aug at 44.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Fraserburgh Historical Performance
Our records for Fraserburgh begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 60.1% from 469 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 58.7%, and it now sits at 60.7%.
Test volumes at Fraserburgh 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 Fraserburgh
Based on the data we hold for Fraserburgh, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Fraserburgh, pass rates in Mar (68.2%) are notably higher than in Aug (44.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Fraserburgh 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 Fraserburgh. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Aberdeenshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Fraserburgh, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Fraserburgh have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Fraserburgh 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 Fraserburgh?
The current pass rate at Fraserburgh is 60.7%, based on 496 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Fraserburgh conduct per year?
Fraserburgh conducted 496 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 41 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Fraserburgh a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 60.7%, Fraserburgh 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 Fraserburgh?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 68.2%. 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 Fraserburgh?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Fraserburgh, 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
Fraserburgh pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 45 | 27 | 60.0% | 66.7% | 54.2% |
| May | 49 | 33 | 67.3% | 70.0% | 65.5% |
| Jun | 38 | 23 | 60.5% | 63.6% | 56.3% |
| Aug | 38 | 17 | 44.7% | 40.9% | 50.0% |
| Sep | 46 | 26 | 56.5% | 52.0% | 61.9% |
| Oct | 44 | 28 | 63.6% | 56.0% | 73.7% |
| Nov | 55 | 32 | 58.2% | 61.1% | 52.6% |
| Dec | 33 | 17 | 51.5% | 47.4% | 57.1% |
| Feb | 52 | 35 | 67.3% | 74.1% | 60.0% |
| Mar | 44 | 30 | 68.2% | 77.3% | 59.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.2pp higher rate than female candidates at Fraserburgh.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Fraserburgh? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 316 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Fraserburgh with 69.0% from 210 tests, while 18-year-olds have the lowest at 50.7%. 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 | 210 | 69.0% | 71.7% | 66.7% |
| 18 | 69 | 50.7% | 48.8% | 53.8% |
| 19 | 37 | 59.5% | 52.6% | 66.7% |
| 20 | 0 | 35.7% | 42.9% | 28.6% |
| 21 | 0 | 50.0% | 46.2% | 66.7% |
| 22 | 0 | 63.6% | 62.5% | 66.7% |
| 23 | 0 | 52.6% | 50.0% | 55.6% |
| 24 | 0 | 66.7% | 75.0% | 60.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 58.3% | 0.0% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Fraserburgh, the automatic test pass rate is 70.0%, which is 9.3 percentage points higher than the overall pass rate of 60.7%. 30 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
The notably higher automatic pass rate may suggest that candidates choosing automatic transmission are better prepared or that the local test routes are more suited to automatic driving. If you're deciding between automatic and manual, this data suggests automatic candidates do well at Fraserburgh.
Male automatic candidates pass at 77.8% compared to 66.7% for females.