Driving Test Centres Near Derby

City of Derby · 12 test centres within reach

Driving Tests Near Derby

If you're looking to take your practical driving test near Derby, City of Derby, you have 12 DVSA test centres within a 20-mile radius. Between them, these centres conduct approximately 81,913 tests per year.

The closest centre to Derby is Derby at 0 miles, with a pass rate of 47.9%. The highest pass rate among your options is Derby (Alvaston) at 51.3%, which is 0 miles away.

Your Options Compared

Here's a summary of each centre available to Derby candidates:

  • Derby: 0 miles away, 47.9% pass rate, 9,112 tests/year. Close to the national average.
  • Derby (Alvaston): 0 miles away, 51.3% pass rate, 9,260 tests/year. Close to the national average.
  • Derby (Sinfin Lane): 0 miles away, 50.9% pass rate, 9,469 tests/year. Close to the national average.
  • Watnall: 10.9 miles away, 48.9% pass rate, 702 tests/year. Close to the national average.
  • Nottingham (Beeston): 13.8 miles away, 49.9% pass rate, 5,367 tests/year. Close to the national average.
  • Nottingham (Chalfont Drive): 13.8 miles away, 48.2% pass rate, 9,489 tests/year. Close to the national average.

Which Centre Should You Choose?

Your closest centre, Derby, also happens to have the highest pass rate of your options at 47.9%. This makes it the obvious choice for most Derby candidates.

Beyond pass rates, consider practical factors: how familiar are you with the roads around each centre? Is parking straightforward? Can you do a few practice sessions on the likely test routes? These factors often matter more than a few percentage points of pass rate difference.

Driving in the Derby Area

Candidates from Derby should ensure they're comfortable with the road types typical of City of Derby. Test routes will vary by centre but generally include a mix of residential streets, A-roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways.

Practise in the specific area around your chosen test centre, ideally at similar times of day to your test slot. Rush hour conditions can be significantly different from mid-morning, and familiarity with local traffic patterns will boost your confidence on the day.

Tips for Derby Test Candidates

If you're taking your driving test from Derby, here are some practical tips to help you prepare:

  • Compare your options. With 12 centres to choose from, don't automatically pick the closest. Your closest centre also has the best pass rate, which is a good combination.
  • Practice on test routes. Drive around your chosen centre multiple times at different times of day. Many instructors in City of Derby will know the common routes and can focus your lessons accordingly.
  • Book strategically. Derby is a busy area for driving tests with 81,913 tests across all centres. Book as early as possible and consider checking cancellation services for earlier slots.
  • Know the local hazards. Every area has its quirks: particular roundabouts, tricky junctions, or road layouts that catch candidates out. Ask your instructor about the common fail points near your chosen centre.
  • Check your centre's monthly data. Each centre page on DrivingData UK shows monthly pass rate breakdowns. Some months consistently perform better than others, so it's worth checking before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many driving test centres are near Derby?

There are 12 DVSA driving test centres within 20 miles of Derby. The closest is Derby at 0 miles.

Which is the best test centre near Derby?

Derby (Alvaston) has the highest pass rate of your options at 51.3%, located 0 miles from Derby. However, "best" depends on your situation, since familiarity with the area matters as much as statistics.

What is the average pass rate near Derby?

The average pass rate across centres near Derby is 46.9%. This is close to the national average of approximately 47%.

How do I book a driving test near Derby?

Book your practical driving test through the official GOV.UK service at gov.uk/book-driving-test. You'll need your theory test pass certificate number, driving licence number, and your instructor's personal reference number if you want to use their car.

Test Centres

Centre Distance Pass Rate Tests/Year
Derby 0 miles 47.9% 9,112
Derby (Alvaston) 0 miles 51.3% 9,260
Derby (Sinfin Lane) 0 miles 50.9% 9,469
Watnall 10.9 miles 48.9% 702
Nottingham (Beeston) 13.8 miles 49.9% 5,367
Nottingham (Chalfont Drive) 13.8 miles 48.2% 9,489
Nottingham (Chilwell) 13.8 miles 43.9% 10,561
Nottingham (Clarendon Street) 13.8 miles 42.5% 508
Nottingham (Clifton) 13.8 miles 45.3% 1,009
Nottingham (Colwick MPTC) 13.8 miles 45.0% 8,818
Nottingham (Colwick) 13.8 miles 45.5% 11,849
Loughborough 15.5 miles 43.7% 5,769