Perth (Arran Road) Driving Test Centre
· Perth and Kinross
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Key Statistics
Getting to Perth (Arran Road)
The DVSA Perth (Arran Road) test centre is located at Arran Road, Perth, PH1 3LP. To reach the centre by car, follow the A9 to Perth and take the A93 (Glasgow Road) exit towards the city centre. Continue on Glasgow Road, then turn onto Arran Road where you'll find the test centre. The centre 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.
If you're travelling by public transport, Perth railway station is approximately one mile from the test centre and offers regular services from major Scottish cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh. Several Stagecoach bus routes serve the area around Arran Road, making it accessible from various parts of Perth and the surrounding areas. The journey from the station to the test centre takes about 15-20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride.
When you arrive at the centre, you'll need to report to the reception area where staff will check your documents and confirm your test appointment. Your driving instructor or accompanying driver can wait in the designated waiting area while you complete your test. The centre is a purpose-built facility with standard access, and you'll find basic facilities including toilets available for candidates and visitors.
About Perth Test Centre
Perth is a DVSA driving test centre located in Perth and Kinross. With a current pass rate of 46.0%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,606 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Perth, stretching back to 2015-16. 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 96 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PH1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Perth test centre serves candidates from Perth and Kinross 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 Perth will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Perth and Kinross 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 217 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 Perth stands at 46.0%, 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 5.5 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 10.5 percentage point advantage at Perth, passing at 51.2% compared to 40.7% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Perth was 61.9% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 44.4% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 55.6%, while the lowest was in Nov at 39.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Perth Historical Performance
Our records for Perth begin in the 2015-16 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.6% from 2,122 tests. By 2020-21, the rate had risen to 61.9%, and it now sits at 46.0%.
Test volumes at Perth have grown over this period, rising from 2,122 to 2,606 tests per year.
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 Perth
Based on the data we hold for Perth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Perth, pass rates in Mar (55.6%) are notably higher than in Nov (39.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Perth 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 Perth. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Perth and Kinross area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Perth, 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 Perth 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 Perth 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 Perth?
The current pass rate at Perth is 46.0%, based on 2,606 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Perth conduct per year?
Perth conducted 2,606 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 217 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Perth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 46.0%, Perth 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 Perth?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 55.6%. 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 Perth?
Male candidates have a 10.5 percentage point advantage at Perth, passing at 51.2% compared to 40.7% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Perth (Arran Road) pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 310 | 133 | 42.9% | 50.9% | 34.2% |
| May | 153 | 66 | 43.1% | 48.4% | 39.3% |
| Jun | 224 | 101 | 45.1% | 50.0% | 41.8% |
| Jul | 241 | 110 | 45.6% | 46.1% | 45.2% |
| Aug | 231 | 114 | 49.4% | 50.9% | 47.9% |
| Sep | 231 | 103 | 44.6% | 51.7% | 37.2% |
| Oct | 264 | 131 | 49.6% | 57.4% | 40.7% |
| Nov | 224 | 89 | 39.7% | 43.0% | 36.8% |
| Dec | 235 | 112 | 47.7% | 52.3% | 41.9% |
| Jan | 186 | 84 | 45.2% | 51.0% | 38.4% |
| Feb | 138 | 61 | 44.2% | 50.7% | 37.7% |
| Mar | 169 | 94 | 55.6% | 60.0% | 50.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 10.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Perth (Arran Road).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Perth (Arran Road)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,719 of the tests conducted here.
22-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Perth (Arran Road) with 58.8% from 51 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 40.3%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 722 | 55.1% | 59.6% | 49.8% |
| 18 | 341 | 46.9% | 53.9% | 42.0% |
| 19 | 171 | 42.1% | 42.4% | 41.8% |
| 20 | 105 | 47.6% | 53.3% | 43.3% |
| 21 | 105 | 55.2% | 64.6% | 47.4% |
| 22 | 51 | 58.8% | 56.5% | 60.7% |
| 23 | 77 | 41.6% | 42.1% | 41.0% |
| 24 | 80 | 43.8% | 52.3% | 33.3% |
| 25 | 67 | 40.3% | 60.9% | 29.5% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Perth (Arran Road), the automatic test pass rate is 35.7%, which is 10.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 46.0%. 322 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.
Male automatic candidates pass at 38.3% compared to 34.2% for females.