Learning to drive comes with many challenges; one of those challenges may be deciding where you should take the all-important driving test. For most people, the answer to this question is simple.
However, you may be tempted or asking yourself the question “Can you take your driving test in a different city from where you are learning to drive?”
There are several reasons you may be considering your options when it comes to the location of your driving test. For example, your local test centre may have a long waiting time, or you may have heard that another test centre has a higher pass rate.
Whatever your reasoning, we strongly advise our learners to take their test in the location they’ve been learning in. Taking your driving test in the area you’ve been learning in gives you a head start and gives you the best possible chance of success. Our instructors will ensure you are familiar with test routes, tricky junctions and complicated roundabouts. So when it comes to your test, you are confident and ready.
Can you take your driving test in a different city?
The short and simple answer to this question is yes; you can take your driving test in a different city. However, before you rush off and book your test, there are a few things your should consider first. You might be tempted to take your driving test in a different town or city to where you’ve been learning because you want to pass as soon as possible and your test centre has a long waiting time, or maybe you’ve been doing some research and have seen that another test centre has a higher pass rate. There are many valid reasons but, before you make any decisions, there are a few things you should know.
If you’re keen to get on the road and get that shiny pink licence, you might be wanting to get booked in for your test ASAP! While we admire your ambition, always consult your driving instructor before booking your test – they might not be available as soon as you’d hoped or for when you’ve booked your test for. You could end up with a test date but no instructor available to take you.
Another essential thing to consider is are you familiar with the area you take your test in? We highly recommend that our students take their test in the area they’ve been learning in as this is where they’ve had the majority of their practice and where they’re familiar with. Although our instructors will make sure you’re completely ready for your test and able to drive safely and efficiently no matter where you’re driving, it is useful to take your test in the area you intend to do most of your driving in once you’ve passed.
It is also essential that your driving instructor knows the area you’re looking to take your test in. Our instructors will know the test centres and routes they cover like the back of their hands and will make sure you are familiarised with these roads by the time your test comes around. They’ll ensure you are well acquainted with the test routes, hot spots and tricky junctions, while making sure you gain the skills to be a safe, confident and competent driver. However, if you book a driving test outside of the areas they know, this could work against your driving test preparation.
Taking your driving test in the area you’ve been learning in is almost like getting to see the questions before taking a written exam – you can get a feel what the real thing will be like on the day and you’re not delving entirely into the unknown, hopefully giving you some comfort on the big day.
What are the pros and cons of taking your driving test in a different city?
There are numerous pros and cons when it comes to taking your driving test in a different town or city. We want to arm you with the knowledge you need to make a well informed and confident decision, so we have compiled a list of all the pros and cons.
The pros of taking your driving test in a different city
- You might get an earlier test date at another test centre
- Some test centres have higher pass rates
- It’s easier to drive in quieter areas, e.g. rural areas compared to urban
- Could be beneficial to experience driving in a city you are not used to, as it prepares you for future driving.
The cons of taking your driving test in a different city
- You might not be familiar with the area
- You might have minimal to no practice in the area
- Unfamiliar with the test routes, hotspots and junctions
- An instructor might not be available if the test date is too soon
- You may have problems sourcing an instructor in a different town or city
