Grangemouth Driving Test Centre
· Falkirk
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Key Statistics
Getting to Grangemouth
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Grangemouth is located at Abbots Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8UG. To reach the centre by car, take the M9 motorway and exit at Junction 6, following signs for Grangemouth. From the A905, turn onto Abbots Road and you'll find the test centre clearly signposted. The facility provides on-site parking with designated bays for test candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces elsewhere.
The nearest railway station is Falkirk High, approximately 3 miles away from the test centre. If you're travelling by public transport, several bus services run through Grangemouth, including routes connecting to Stirling, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, though you'll want to check current timetables with First Scotland East or Stagecoach for the most convenient connections to Abbots Road.
When you arrive for your test, report directly to the reception area inside the building where DVSA staff will check you in. Your driving instructor can wait in the car park during your test if they're accompanying you. The centre is straightforward to navigate with good facilities, including accessible parking spaces and toilets available for candidates.
About Grangemouth Test Centre
Grangemouth is a DVSA driving test centre located in Falkirk. With a current pass rate of 46.4%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,615 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 13 years of historical data for Grangemouth, stretching back to 2012-13. 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 202 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the FK3 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Grangemouth test centre serves candidates from Falkirk 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 Grangemouth will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Falkirk 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 385 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Grangemouth stands at 46.4%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.0 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Grangemouth, passing at 47.1% compared to 45.8% for male candidates, a 1.3 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Grangemouth was 58.5% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 46.2% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 55.9%, while the lowest was in Dec at 40.8%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Grangemouth Historical Performance
Our records for Grangemouth begin in the 2012-13 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 47.3% from 1,253 tests. By 2018-19, the rate had risen to 54.3%, and it now sits at 46.4%.
Test volumes at Grangemouth have grown over this period, rising from 1,253 to 4,615 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 Grangemouth
Based on the data we hold for Grangemouth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Grangemouth, pass rates in Jul (55.9%) are notably higher than in Dec (40.8%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Grangemouth. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Falkirk area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Grangemouth, 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 Grangemouth 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 Grangemouth 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 Grangemouth?
The current pass rate at Grangemouth is 46.4%, based on 4,615 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Grangemouth conduct per year?
Grangemouth conducted 4,615 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 385 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Grangemouth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.4%, Grangemouth 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 Grangemouth?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 55.9%. 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 Grangemouth?
Female candidates outperform males at Grangemouth, passing at 47.1% compared to 45.8% 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
Grangemouth pass rate over 13 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 370 | 165 | 44.6% | 45.4% | 43.8% |
| May | 388 | 176 | 45.4% | 47.5% | 43.0% |
| Jun | 443 | 218 | 49.2% | 50.8% | 47.3% |
| Jul | 358 | 200 | 55.9% | 54.9% | 57.1% |
| Aug | 456 | 207 | 45.4% | 46.5% | 44.3% |
| Sep | 432 | 212 | 49.1% | 46.2% | 52.6% |
| Oct | 418 | 186 | 44.5% | 45.6% | 43.0% |
| Nov | 421 | 172 | 40.9% | 36.0% | 46.4% |
| Dec | 299 | 122 | 40.8% | 36.5% | 45.5% |
| Jan | 254 | 118 | 46.5% | 46.7% | 46.2% |
| Feb | 384 | 180 | 46.9% | 45.1% | 49.1% |
| Mar | 392 | 184 | 46.9% | 46.8% | 47.1% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.3pp higher rate than male candidates at Grangemouth.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Grangemouth? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,942 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Grangemouth with 58.8% from 1122 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 33.9%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 24.9 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,122 | 58.8% | 59.2% | 58.4% |
| 18 | 642 | 49.1% | 52.0% | 46.6% |
| 19 | 310 | 50.6% | 48.8% | 52.7% |
| 20 | 221 | 47.5% | 50.0% | 45.2% |
| 21 | 178 | 44.9% | 45.7% | 44.2% |
| 22 | 161 | 49.7% | 45.2% | 54.5% |
| 23 | 101 | 54.5% | 55.4% | 53.3% |
| 24 | 98 | 38.8% | 39.7% | 35.0% |
| 25 | 109 | 33.9% | 25.0% | 48.8% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Grangemouth, the automatic test pass rate is 36.3%, which is 10.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.4%. With 655 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 39.7% compared to 30.6% for males.