Airdrie Driving Test Centre
· North Lanarkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Airdrie
The DVSA Airdrie test centre is located at 56 Graham Street, Airdrie, North Lanarkshire ML6 6DE. To reach the centre by car, take the M8 motorway to Junction 6 and follow the A73 towards Airdrie town centre. From the A73, turn onto Graham Street where you'll find the test centre clearly signposted. The centre provides its own car park with designated bays for driving instructors and candidates, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
If you're travelling by public transport, Airdrie railway station is approximately half a mile from the test centre, making it a manageable 10-minute walk. The station has regular services from Glasgow Queen Street and other central belt locations. Several local bus routes also serve the area, including services that stop near Graham Street, though you should check current timetables with First Bus or local operators.
When you arrive for your test, report to the reception area inside the building where DVSA staff will check you in. You'll typically be asked to wait in the reception area rather than in your car. The building is accessible at ground level, and facilities include toilets and a waiting area with seating. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time to complete the necessary paperwork and eyesight check.
About Airdrie Test Centre
Airdrie is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Lanarkshire. With a current pass rate of 41.3%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 6,673 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Airdrie, 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 270 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the ML6 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Airdrie test centre serves candidates from North Lanarkshire 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 Airdrie will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North Lanarkshire 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 556 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Airdrie stands at 41.3%, which is below the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined notably over the last three years, falling 6.8 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Airdrie, passing at 42.7% compared to 40.4% for male candidates, a 2.3 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Airdrie was 52.6% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 41.3% in 2024-25.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 50.4%, while the lowest was in Jan at 38.6%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Airdrie Historical Performance
Our records for Airdrie begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 41.4% from 4,948 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 45.1%, and it now sits at 41.3%.
Test volumes at Airdrie have grown over this period, rising from 4,948 to 6,673 tests per year. 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 Airdrie
Based on the data we hold for Airdrie, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Airdrie, pass rates in Mar (50.4%) are notably higher than in Jan (38.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Airdrie. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North Lanarkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Airdrie, 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 Airdrie 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 Airdrie 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 Airdrie?
The current pass rate at Airdrie is 41.3%, based on 6,673 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Airdrie conduct per year?
Airdrie conducted 6,673 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 556 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Airdrie a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 41.3%, Airdrie 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 Airdrie?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 50.4%. 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 Airdrie?
Female candidates outperform males at Airdrie, passing at 42.7% compared to 40.4% for male candidates, a 2.3 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Airdrie pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 570 | 230 | 40.4% | 42.2% | 37.4% |
| May | 775 | 310 | 40.0% | 38.3% | 43.1% |
| Jun | 619 | 259 | 41.8% | 39.9% | 45.0% |
| Jul | 562 | 244 | 43.4% | 42.4% | 45.1% |
| Aug | 608 | 252 | 41.4% | 40.3% | 43.2% |
| Sep | 562 | 221 | 39.3% | 39.8% | 38.5% |
| Oct | 704 | 273 | 38.8% | 39.0% | 38.4% |
| Nov | 488 | 204 | 41.8% | 42.6% | 40.3% |
| Dec | 484 | 190 | 39.3% | 38.2% | 40.8% |
| Jan | 422 | 163 | 38.6% | 38.3% | 39.2% |
| Feb | 468 | 202 | 43.2% | 40.7% | 46.6% |
| Mar | 411 | 207 | 50.4% | 46.1% | 55.2% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 2.3pp higher rate than male candidates at Airdrie.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Airdrie? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,586 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Airdrie with 53.0% from 954 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 36.5%. 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 | 954 | 53.0% | 55.4% | 50.2% |
| 18 | 779 | 48.1% | 49.1% | 47.2% |
| 19 | 449 | 44.1% | 43.0% | 45.3% |
| 20 | 327 | 45.6% | 46.5% | 44.7% |
| 21 | 229 | 51.1% | 52.2% | 50.0% |
| 22 | 220 | 41.4% | 44.0% | 37.2% |
| 23 | 179 | 48.6% | 49.6% | 47.0% |
| 24 | 208 | 40.9% | 38.4% | 47.4% |
| 25 | 241 | 36.5% | 32.4% | 46.5% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Airdrie, the automatic test pass rate is 40.5%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 41.3%. With 1,268 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 42.9% compared to 38.1% for males.