Stirling Driving Test Centre
· Stirling
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Key Statistics
Getting to Stirling
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Stirling is located at Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling FK7 7SW. To reach the centre by car, follow the A91 from the town centre towards the industrial estate, or approach via the A9 if travelling from further afield. The test centre is clearly signposted within the industrial estate complex. Free on-site parking is available in designated bays directly outside the test centre building, making it convenient for both candidates and accompanying drivers.
Stirling railway station is approximately 2 miles from the test centre, with regular services connecting to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other major Scottish cities. Local bus services run between the town centre and the industrial estate, though you should check current timetables with Stagecoach or First Bus as routes can vary. If travelling by public transport, allow extra time as services to industrial areas can be less frequent than city centre routes.
When you arrive at the test centre, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. You'll typically wait inside until your driving examiner calls your name, rather than waiting in your vehicle. The building is single-storey with step-free access, and facilities include toilets and a waiting area with seating. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled test time to complete the check-in process without rushing.
About Stirling Test Centre
Stirling is a DVSA driving test centre located in Stirling. With a current pass rate of 38.7%, it is significantly below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 4,111 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Stirling, 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 202 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the FK8 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Stirling test centre serves candidates from Stirling 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 Stirling will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Stirling 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 343 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Stirling stands at 38.7%, which is significantly below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 7.8 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Stirling, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Stirling was 50.5% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 38.7% in 2024-25.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 43.8%, while the lowest was in Mar at 35.1%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Stirling Historical Performance
Our records for Stirling begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 42.6% from 3,768 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 47.2%, and it now sits at 38.7%.
Test volumes at Stirling 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 Stirling
Based on the data we hold for Stirling, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Stirling, pass rates in Feb (43.8%) are notably higher than in Mar (35.1%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Stirling. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Stirling area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Stirling, 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 Stirling 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 Stirling 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 Stirling?
The current pass rate at Stirling is 38.7%, based on 4,111 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is significantly below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Stirling conduct per year?
Stirling conducted 4,111 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 343 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Stirling a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 38.7%, Stirling 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 Stirling?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 43.8%. 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 Stirling?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Stirling, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Stirling pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 390 | 160 | 41.0% | 38.3% | 43.8% |
| May | 482 | 194 | 40.2% | 39.5% | 41.2% |
| Jun | 357 | 137 | 38.4% | 34.7% | 42.5% |
| Jul | 339 | 136 | 40.1% | 36.2% | 43.8% |
| Aug | 279 | 100 | 35.8% | 37.5% | 34.1% |
| Sep | 331 | 122 | 36.9% | 38.0% | 35.8% |
| Oct | 394 | 143 | 36.3% | 36.6% | 36.0% |
| Nov | 372 | 138 | 37.1% | 40.7% | 33.3% |
| Dec | 194 | 70 | 36.1% | 34.0% | 38.3% |
| Jan | 220 | 94 | 42.7% | 40.4% | 44.8% |
| Feb | 349 | 153 | 43.8% | 47.8% | 39.4% |
| Mar | 404 | 142 | 35.1% | 33.0% | 37.1% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.9pp higher rate than male candidates at Stirling.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Stirling? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,819 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Stirling with 51.1% from 984 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 33.3%. 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 | 984 | 51.1% | 54.9% | 47.5% |
| 18 | 582 | 38.8% | 38.5% | 39.2% |
| 19 | 301 | 36.5% | 35.9% | 37.3% |
| 20 | 224 | 38.8% | 33.1% | 45.3% |
| 21 | 207 | 42.0% | 38.7% | 45.8% |
| 22 | 178 | 39.9% | 37.8% | 42.0% |
| 23 | 137 | 43.1% | 45.5% | 40.8% |
| 24 | 113 | 34.5% | 26.6% | 44.9% |
| 25 | 93 | 33.3% | 30.4% | 36.2% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Stirling, the automatic test pass rate is 28.1%, which is 10.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 38.7%. With 508 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 29.0% compared to 26.7% for males.