Northallerton Driving Test Centre
· North Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Northallerton
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Northallerton is located at Alverton Lane, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 9DY. To reach the centre by car, take the A167 into Northallerton and follow signs for the town centre. From the A1, exit at Junction 49 and follow the A168 towards Northallerton, then join the A167. The test centre is situated on Alverton Lane, which runs off the main road through town. There's free on-site parking available for candidates and their accompanying drivers, with designated bays clearly marked near the entrance.
Northallerton railway station is approximately one mile from the test centre, making it easily walkable in about 15-20 minutes or a short taxi ride. Regular train services connect Northallerton to major cities including Leeds, York, and Newcastle. Local bus services operate through the town centre, with stops within walking distance of the test centre, though you should check current timetables as routes can vary.
When you arrive at the centre, report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check your documents and provide further instructions. You'll typically wait inside until your examiner is ready, rather than staying in your car. The building has standard facilities including toilets, and the entrance is at ground level with step-free access. Allow extra time for your arrival to account for parking and the check-in process, especially during busy periods.
About Northallerton Test Centre
Northallerton is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 58.6%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,314 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Northallerton, 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 228 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DL7 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Northallerton test centre serves candidates from North Yorkshire 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 Northallerton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North Yorkshire 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 193 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 Northallerton stands at 58.6%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 7.7 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Northallerton, passing at 62.9% compared to 55.0% for male candidates, a 7.9 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Northallerton was 61.8% in 2018-19, while the lowest was 50.9% in 2022-23.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 66.8%, while the lowest was in Jan at 51.1%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Northallerton Historical Performance
Our records for Northallerton begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 52.8% from 3,062 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 57.1%, and it now sits at 58.6%.
Test volumes at Northallerton have decreased 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 Northallerton
Based on the data we hold for Northallerton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Northallerton, pass rates in Jul (66.8%) are notably higher than in Jan (51.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- The gender gap favours female candidates here. Women pass at 62.9% compared to 55.0% for men. This is unusual nationally and may reflect the local road conditions.
- Take advantage of availability. Northallerton 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 Northallerton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Northallerton, 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 Northallerton 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 Northallerton?
The current pass rate at Northallerton is 58.6%, based on 2,314 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Northallerton conduct per year?
Northallerton conducted 2,314 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 193 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Northallerton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.6%, Northallerton 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 Northallerton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 66.8%. 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 Northallerton?
Female candidates outperform males at Northallerton, passing at 62.9% compared to 55.0% for male candidates, a 7.9 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Northallerton pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 171 | 109 | 63.7% | 59.5% | 67.0% |
| May | 183 | 117 | 63.9% | 55.1% | 72.3% |
| Jun | 227 | 138 | 60.8% | 60.3% | 61.3% |
| Jul | 196 | 131 | 66.8% | 59.8% | 73.1% |
| Aug | 226 | 131 | 58.0% | 54.8% | 61.8% |
| Sep | 193 | 110 | 57.0% | 54.5% | 60.2% |
| Oct | 195 | 102 | 52.3% | 50.9% | 54.2% |
| Nov | 171 | 88 | 51.5% | 45.3% | 61.5% |
| Dec | 198 | 117 | 59.1% | 63.1% | 51.5% |
| Jan | 184 | 94 | 51.1% | 45.5% | 59.5% |
| Feb | 206 | 124 | 60.2% | 57.4% | 63.7% |
| Mar | 164 | 94 | 57.3% | 53.7% | 62.3% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 7.9pp higher rate than male candidates at Northallerton.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Northallerton? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,630 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Northallerton with 70.0% from 753 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 48.6%. This is unusual. Nationally, 17-year-olds often have lower pass rates due to less driving experience. The 21.4 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 753 | 70.0% | 69.6% | 70.4% |
| 18 | 350 | 58.0% | 58.5% | 57.5% |
| 19 | 139 | 59.7% | 58.2% | 61.1% |
| 20 | 78 | 61.5% | 61.7% | 61.3% |
| 21 | 75 | 68.0% | 64.3% | 72.7% |
| 22 | 60 | 60.0% | 51.4% | 73.9% |
| 23 | 72 | 48.6% | 43.2% | 57.1% |
| 24 | 48 | 60.4% | 52.4% | 66.7% |
| 25 | 55 | 63.6% | 60.0% | 66.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Northallerton, the automatic test pass rate is 48.6%, which is 10.0 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 58.6%. 214 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 55.9% compared to 35.9% for males.