Peterhead Driving Test Centre
· Aberdeenshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Peterhead
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Peterhead is located at Kirkburn Industrial Estate, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire AB42 2PB. To reach the centre by car, take the A90 north from Aberdeen for approximately 30 miles until you reach Peterhead. Follow signs for the town centre, then head towards the Kirkburn Industrial Estate area. The test centre is clearly signposted once you're in the industrial estate. There's free on-site parking available at the centre, with designated bays for driving test candidates.
The nearest railway station is Aberdeen, which is about 32 miles away, as Peterhead doesn't have its own rail connection. From Aberdeen, you'll need to take a bus or arrange alternative transport. Stagecoach operates regular bus services between Aberdeen and Peterhead, with the journey taking around 90 minutes. Local buses also serve the town centre, though you may need to walk a short distance to reach the test centre from the main bus stops.
When you arrive at the centre, report to the reception desk inside the building. Your driving instructor should accompany you if you're taking lessons, and you'll typically wait inside until your examiner calls your name. The centre has toilet facilities available, and the building is accessible with level access from the car park. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your test time to allow for any paperwork.
About Peterhead Test Centre
Peterhead is a DVSA driving test centre located in Aberdeenshire. With a current pass rate of 57.8%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 1,400 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 Peterhead, 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 AB42 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Peterhead 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 Peterhead 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 117 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 Peterhead stands at 57.8%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Female candidates outperform males at Peterhead, passing at 59.0% compared to 57.0% for male candidates, a 2.0 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Peterhead was 69.6% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 51.1% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 65.6%, while the lowest was in May at 51.4%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Peterhead Historical Performance
Our records for Peterhead begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 51.1% from 1,471 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 64.0%, and it now sits at 57.8%.
Test volumes at Peterhead 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 Peterhead
Based on the data we hold for Peterhead, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Peterhead, pass rates in Jul (65.6%) are notably higher than in May (51.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Peterhead 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 Peterhead. 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 Peterhead, 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 Peterhead 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 Peterhead?
The current pass rate at Peterhead is 57.8%, based on 1,400 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Peterhead conduct per year?
Peterhead conducted 1,400 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 117 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Peterhead a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 57.8%, Peterhead 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 Peterhead?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 65.6%. 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 Peterhead?
Female candidates outperform males at Peterhead, passing at 59.0% compared to 57.0% for male candidates, a 2.0 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Peterhead pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 109 | 67 | 61.5% | 52.6% | 71.2% |
| May | 142 | 73 | 51.4% | 47.7% | 57.1% |
| Jun | 117 | 67 | 57.3% | 58.6% | 55.3% |
| Jul | 93 | 61 | 65.6% | 66.7% | 64.4% |
| Aug | 111 | 63 | 56.8% | 58.8% | 53.5% |
| Sep | 132 | 68 | 51.5% | 53.6% | 47.9% |
| Oct | 129 | 72 | 55.8% | 53.9% | 58.5% |
| Nov | 118 | 73 | 61.9% | 65.1% | 58.2% |
| Dec | 72 | 41 | 56.9% | 52.3% | 64.3% |
| Jan | 102 | 64 | 62.7% | 62.7% | 62.9% |
| Feb | 130 | 77 | 59.2% | 57.1% | 62.3% |
| Mar | 145 | 83 | 57.2% | 58.8% | 55.0% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 2pp higher rate than male candidates at Peterhead.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Peterhead? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 860 of the tests conducted here.
22-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Peterhead with 76.2% from 21 tests, while 18-year-olds have the lowest at 53.3%. The 22.9 percentage point gap between the best and worst age groups is significant.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 521 | 69.5% | 69.4% | 69.5% |
| 18 | 152 | 53.3% | 55.4% | 51.3% |
| 19 | 67 | 56.7% | 64.0% | 52.4% |
| 20 | 46 | 56.5% | 58.8% | 50.0% |
| 21 | 24 | 70.8% | 66.7% | 75.0% |
| 22 | 21 | 76.2% | 71.4% | 85.7% |
| 23 | 29 | 58.6% | 52.6% | 70.0% |
| 24 | 0 | 67.9% | 68.2% | 66.7% |
| 25 | 0 | 45.2% | 47.4% | 41.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Peterhead, the automatic test pass rate is 48.2%, which is 9.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 57.8%. 141 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 52.6% compared to 43.1% for females.