Driving Test Centres in Angus

Angus offers a lovely mix of driving conditions that will prepare you well for life on Britain's roads. This picturesque Scottish county combines bustling market towns like Forfar and Arbroath with quieter coastal areas around Montrose, giving you experience with everything from busy high streets to rural A-roads. The rolling countryside means you'll encounter plenty of hills, narrow country lanes, and the occasional tractor, whilst the larger towns provide good practice with roundabouts, traffic lights, and urban parking. The coastal routes can be particularly scenic, though don't let the views distract you during your test!

Looking at the numbers, Arbroath clearly stands out as your best bet with an impressive 78.9% pass rate, significantly higher than the county average of 68.8%. Forfar sits comfortably in the middle at 68.5%, whilst both Montrose centres hover around the 66-68% mark. Barry brings up the rear at 61.8%, though this doesn't necessarily mean it's a harder test. These differences often reflect the local driving conditions and the types of routes used rather than examiner strictness.

When choosing your test centre, consider more than just pass rates. Arbroath might have the best statistics, but it's also likely to be the busiest, potentially meaning longer waits for test slots. The smaller centres like Barry or the Montrose locations might offer more availability, especially if you need to book at short notice or reschedule. Think about where you've done most of your practice driving too, as familiarity with local roads can be a real advantage.

Expect test routes in Angus to include a good mix of urban and rural driving. You'll likely encounter some hill starts, particularly around the more elevated areas, and possibly some challenging country lanes where meeting oncoming traffic requires careful positioning. Coastal centres might include seafront driving with its unique hazards like pedestrians and cyclists, whilst inland routes often feature more agricultural traffic and varying speed limits. Practice reversing manoeuvres in different settings, as car parks, residential streets, and country lay-bys all feature regularly in local tests.

Notable Centres

Highest pass rate: Arbroath leads Angus with a 78.9% pass rate. This is well above the national average.

Lowest pass rate: Barry has the lowest rate in the county at 61.8%. While lower than its neighbours, this is still within a reasonable range.

Middle ground: Montrose (Broomfield Ind Estate) sits mid-table with a 68.0% pass rate, offering a balanced option for Angus candidates.

Choosing a Test Centre in Angus

With 5 centres in Angus, you have options. Here's how to decide:

• Pass rate isn't everything. While the 17.1 percentage point spread across Angus is significant, pass rates reflect candidate demographics as much as test difficulty. A centre in a more challenging urban area may attract more inexperienced candidates, dragging down its statistics.
• Proximity to practice area matters most. Choose the centre whose test routes you can practice on regularly. Familiarity with roundabouts, junctions, and road layouts in the immediate area is the single biggest confidence booster on test day.
• Check booking availability. Busier centres in Angus may have longer wait times. If your first-choice centre has a long queue, check whether a nearby alternative can get you tested sooner.
• Consider a comparison. Use our comparison pages to see side-by-side data for any two Angus centres, including trends, gender breakdowns, and monthly patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many driving test centres are in Angus?

Angus has 5 DVSA driving test centres. These range from Barry (61.8%) to Arbroath (78.9%).

What is the average pass rate in Angus?

The average pass rate across Angus's centres is 68.8%, above the national average of approximately 47%.

Which is the best driving test centre in Angus?

Arbroath has the highest pass rate in Angus at 78.9%. However, the best centre for you depends on your location, where you've had lessons, and booking availability.

How do I book a driving test in Angus?

Book through GOV.UK at gov.uk/book-driving-test. You'll need your theory test pass certificate number and your provisional driving licence number. The current fee for a weekday car test is £62, or £75 on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

How many tests are conducted in Angus per year?

Approximately 3,514 practical driving tests are conducted across Angus's 5 centres each year.