Plymouth Driving Test Centre
· City of Plymouth
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Key Statistics
Getting to Plymouth
The Plymouth DVSA practical driving test centre is located at Millbay Road, Plymouth PL1 3EX. To reach the centre by car, follow the A386 into Plymouth city centre, then take the A374 towards the Barbican and waterfront area. The test centre is situated near the historic Barbican district, so you'll be driving through some of Plymouth's busier central streets. From the A38, take the junction for Plymouth city centre and follow signs towards the Barbican and Mayflower Steps.
There is on-site parking available at the test centre, though spaces can fill up during busy periods, particularly on weekdays. If the car park is full, you'll find pay-and-display street parking on nearby roads, though be mindful of time restrictions. Plymouth railway station is approximately one mile away, making it easily walkable or a short bus journey if you're arriving by train. Several local bus routes serve the area, connecting the test centre to both the railway station and other parts of the city.
When you arrive, you should report to the reception area inside the building rather than waiting in your car. The centre has standard facilities including toilets and a waiting area for accompanying drivers. Make sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare, as the narrow city centre streets around the Barbican can get congested, particularly during peak hours and tourist season.
About Plymouth Test Centre
Plymouth is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Plymouth. With a current pass rate of 40.8%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,867 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 14 years of historical data for Plymouth, stretching back to 2009-10. 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 367 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the PL1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Plymouth test centre serves candidates from City of Plymouth 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 Plymouth will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Plymouth 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 822 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Plymouth stands at 40.8%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.6 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Plymouth, passing at 41.6% compared to 40.0% for male candidates, a 1.6 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Plymouth was 45.5% in 2009-10, while the lowest was 37.2% in 2022-23.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 44.7%, while the lowest was in Jan at 35.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Plymouth Historical Performance
Our records for Plymouth begin in the 2009-10 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.5% from 7,444 tests. By 2017-18, the rate had fallen to 40.5%, and it now sits at 40.8%.
Test volumes at Plymouth have grown over this period, rising from 7,444 to 9,867 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 Plymouth
Based on the data we hold for Plymouth, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Plymouth, pass rates in May (44.7%) are notably higher than in Jan (35.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Plymouth. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Plymouth area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Plymouth, 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
The current pass rate at Plymouth is 40.8%, based on 9,867 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Plymouth conduct per year?
Plymouth conducted 9,867 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 822 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Plymouth a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 40.8%, Plymouth 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. If nearby centres have significantly higher rates, it may be worth comparing your options.
What's the best month to take my test at Plymouth?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 44.7%. 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 Plymouth?
Female candidates outperform males at Plymouth, passing at 41.6% compared to 40.0% for male candidates, a 1.6 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Plymouth pass rate over 14 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 698 | 311 | 44.6% | 44.1% | 45.0% |
| May | 720 | 322 | 44.7% | 44.2% | 45.2% |
| Jun | 840 | 371 | 44.2% | 47.0% | 41.0% |
| Jul | 967 | 390 | 40.3% | 38.4% | 42.3% |
| Aug | 713 | 280 | 39.3% | 38.9% | 39.7% |
| Sep | 686 | 293 | 42.7% | 41.4% | 44.1% |
| Oct | 962 | 381 | 39.6% | 40.3% | 38.7% |
| Nov | 1,025 | 400 | 39.0% | 38.0% | 40.4% |
| Dec | 808 | 344 | 42.6% | 41.2% | 44.2% |
| Jan | 818 | 292 | 35.7% | 35.1% | 36.5% |
| Feb | 716 | 275 | 38.4% | 36.9% | 40.2% |
| Mar | 914 | 364 | 39.8% | 37.5% | 42.9% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.6pp higher rate than male candidates at Plymouth.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Plymouth? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 6,143 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Plymouth with 48.8% from 1606 tests, while 24-year-olds have the lowest at 41.1%. 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 | 1,606 | 48.8% | 48.8% | 48.7% |
| 18 | 1,317 | 43.5% | 43.5% | 43.6% |
| 19 | 756 | 42.2% | 43.5% | 41.0% |
| 20 | 637 | 42.5% | 44.0% | 41.1% |
| 21 | 470 | 46.8% | 47.7% | 46.0% |
| 22 | 464 | 45.0% | 45.9% | 44.1% |
| 23 | 347 | 44.4% | 41.3% | 47.9% |
| 24 | 297 | 41.1% | 39.6% | 42.3% |
| 25 | 249 | 43.0% | 44.4% | 41.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Plymouth, the automatic test pass rate is 32.4%, which is 8.4 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 40.8%. With 1,841 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 34.2% compared to 29.9% for males.