Learning to drive comes with many challenges, and one of them is deciding where you should take the all-important driving test.
For most people, the answer to this question is simple: the nearest test centre is the obvious choice. However, you may be tempted to ask yourself, “Can you take your driving test in a different city from where you are learning to drive?” If this is you, we have put together some tips and advice below on what to consider when booking a driving test in a different location.
Can you take your driving test in a different city? The basics to know
The short and simple answer to this question is yes, you can take your driving test in a different city. The DVSA booking system will allow you to book your test at any driving test centre across the UK, meaning that you’re not limited to the one nearest to your home or instructor.
However, before you rush off and book your test, there are a few things to keep at the top of your mind.
Why do some learners choose to take their driving test in a different area?
There are several reasons you may want to reconsider the location of your driving test. The most common ones include:
- Waiting times: It is no secret that waiting times for driving tests can be incredibly long. Tests at some test centres can seem like gold dust. Some learners decide to look further afield for a test to try to reduce their wait time so that they can pass sooner.
- Pass rate: First-time pass rates vary between driving test centres, with some test centres having lower first-time pass rates. For example, if you are taking driving lessons in Birmingham, the first time pass rates can vary from around 40% in Garretts Green to above 50% for the test centre in Shirley. If you are worried about passing, you can see why someone might choose a test centre with a higher pass rate, thinking that it would give them a better chance of passing on their first try.
- Off-putting experiences: Failing a driving test can be incredibly upsetting. For some learners, a negative experience at a test centre can put them off taking their test there again.
Every learner will have their own reasons for choosing a particular test centre for their test, and the decision is very important, so it should be considered carefully.
Tips on choosing the best place to take your test
When you are looking at where to book, consider the following to give yourself the best chance of passing first time:
Consult your driving instructor
If you’re keen to get on the road and get that shiny pink licence, you might want to book your test quickly. However, we would always strongly recommend that you consult your driving instructor before doing this. This is because your instructor may not be available for the time and/or place that you’ve booked, and you could end up with a test date but no instructor to take you.
Check you’re familiar with the test area
Another essential thing to consider is: are you familiar with the area you will be taking your test in? We always recommend that our students take their test in the area they’ve been learning in. This is because it is where they are familiar with the roads and have had the majority of their practice.
Consider how your preparation will affect your future driving
Taking your test at your local centre will also help you after you’ve passed. Although our instructors will ensure that you’re completely ready for your test and able to drive safely and efficiently wherever you’re driving, if you take your test in your local area, then you will become familiar with the local roads and any challenging areas. This will set you up with a firm foundation for building your driving confidence after you have earned your licence and no longer have lessons. For example, if you’re currently taking driving lessons in Northampton, practising for your test at Northampton Gladstone Road test centre will increase your experience of the challenges in the town so that once you’ve passed, you feel fully confident to drive there without an instructor.
Ensure your instructor shows you the local test routes
It is also essential that your driving instructor knows the area you’re taking your test in. Our instructors will know the test centres and routes they cover like the back of their hands. They’ll ensure you are well acquainted with the test routes, hot spots and tricky junctions for your test, 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.
Always try to have some lessons with an instructor who knows the local area before your test. 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 for what the real thing will be like on your test, and you’re not delving entirely into the unknown, which will hopefully give 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 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 these below.
The pros of taking your driving test in a different city
- You may be able to 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 areas.
- It can 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.
- You might be 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.
Choosing a test centre is ultimately about giving yourself the best chance of passing, so we would suggest taking time to go through the above before making a decision on where to book.
Deciding on a test centre: final thoughts
Wherever you decide to book your driving test, solid preparation and plenty of local practice are the best ways to set yourself up for success. Before booking, think about where you feel most at ease behind the wheel, how well you know the local roads, and how much support you’ll have from your instructor. It is a big decision, so you want to ensure it is right for you, that you have the right support, and that you don’t rush into it. Take your time, weigh your options, and trust the guidance of your instructor; after all, the end goal isn’t just to pass your test, but to build skills to become a safe, confident driver for life.
At driveJohnson’s, we always advise our learners to take their test in the location where they’ve been learning to drive. Taking your driving test in the area you’ve been learning in gives you a head start and the best possible chance of passing. Our instructors will familiarise you with test routes, tricky junctions and complicated roundabouts so that when it comes to your test, you feel confident and ready.
Written by Anthony Johnson
Grade A - 51/51
ORDIT Registered Trainer
