Berwick-On-Tweed Driving Test Centre
· Northumberland
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Key Statistics
Getting to Berwick-On-Tweed
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Berwick-Upon-Tweed is located at Berwick Business Park, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1JN. To reach the centre by car, take the A1 north from Newcastle or south from Edinburgh, then follow signs for Berwick town centre. The test centre is situated within the business park on the outskirts of town, clearly signposted once you're in the local area. There's free on-site parking available in the business park, with designated bays for driving test candidates and instructors.
Berwick-Upon-Tweed railway station is approximately 2 miles from the test centre, making it accessible by taxi if you're arriving by train. The station has regular services on the East Coast Main Line connecting Edinburgh and London. Local bus services operate in the area, though you'll want to check current timetables with the local transport authority as routes can change seasonally.
When you arrive, report to the test centre reception where you'll check in with your driving licence and theory test certificate. Your driving examiner will collect you from the waiting area when it's time for your test. The centre has toilet facilities and a comfortable waiting area. As it's located in a business park setting, the roads around the centre are relatively quiet, which can help ease pre-test nerves.
About Berwick-On-Tweed Test Centre
Berwick-On-Tweed is a DVSA driving test centre located in Northumberland. With a current pass rate of 54.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 667 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Berwick-On-Tweed, 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.
Location & What to Expect
Berwick-On-Tweed test centre serves candidates from Northumberland 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 Berwick-On-Tweed will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Northumberland 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 56 tests per month on average. Being a quieter centre, you may find it easier to get a booking here than at larger urban centres.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Berwick-On-Tweed stands at 54.3%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has remained relatively stable over the last three years.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Berwick-On-Tweed, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Berwick-On-Tweed was 67.2% in 2018-19, while the lowest was 52.6% in 2022-23.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Nov at 60.6%, while the lowest was in Oct at 46.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Berwick-On-Tweed Historical Performance
Our records for Berwick-On-Tweed begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 55.8% from 547 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 59.9%, and it now sits at 54.3%.
Test volumes at Berwick-On-Tweed have grown over this period, rising from 547 to 667 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 Berwick-On-Tweed
Based on the data we hold for Berwick-On-Tweed, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Berwick-On-Tweed, pass rates in Nov (60.6%) are notably higher than in Oct (46.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Berwick-On-Tweed is a quieter centre, meaning you may find more flexible booking slots and a less hectic test-day experience.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Berwick-On-Tweed. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Northumberland area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Berwick-On-Tweed, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Berwick-On-Tweed 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 Berwick-On-Tweed?
The current pass rate at Berwick-On-Tweed is 54.3%, based on 667 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Berwick-On-Tweed conduct per year?
Berwick-On-Tweed conducted 667 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 56 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Berwick-On-Tweed a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.3%, Berwick-On-Tweed is a solid choice. Consider factors like your familiarity with local roads, commute time, and booking availability alongside pass rate data.
What's the best month to take my test at Berwick-On-Tweed?
Based on 2024-25 data, Nov had the highest pass rate at 60.6%. 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 Berwick-On-Tweed?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Berwick-On-Tweed, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Berwick-On-Tweed pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 63 | 32 | 50.8% | 46.9% | 54.8% |
| May | 63 | 37 | 58.7% | 71.0% | 46.9% |
| Jun | 45 | 25 | 55.6% | 52.4% | 58.3% |
| Jul | 49 | 25 | 51.0% | 54.2% | 48.0% |
| Aug | 45 | 21 | 46.7% | 31.8% | 60.9% |
| Sep | 52 | 31 | 59.6% | 58.1% | 61.9% |
| Oct | 67 | 31 | 46.3% | 52.5% | 37.0% |
| Nov | 71 | 43 | 60.6% | 61.1% | 60.0% |
| Dec | 36 | 17 | 47.2% | 42.1% | 52.9% |
| Jan | 55 | 28 | 50.9% | 51.6% | 50.0% |
| Feb | 54 | 32 | 59.3% | 56.5% | 61.3% |
| Mar | 67 | 40 | 59.7% | 57.5% | 63.0% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 0.6pp higher rate than male candidates at Berwick-On-Tweed.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Berwick-On-Tweed? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 412 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Berwick-On-Tweed with 60.2% from 186 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 54.3%. 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 | 186 | 60.2% | 59.6% | 60.8% |
| 18 | 115 | 58.3% | 63.5% | 54.0% |
| 19 | 43 | 55.8% | 62.5% | 47.4% |
| 20 | 35 | 54.3% | 57.1% | 52.4% |
| 21 | 33 | 57.6% | 59.1% | 54.5% |
| 22 | 0 | 50.0% | 43.8% | 62.5% |
| 23 | 0 | 53.3% | 45.5% | 75.0% |
| 24 | 0 | 63.2% | 58.3% | 71.4% |
| 25 | 0 | 45.8% | 35.3% | 71.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Berwick-On-Tweed, the automatic test pass rate is 32.8%, which is 21.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 54.3%. 61 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
The lower automatic pass rate compared to overall is unusual. This could reflect a smaller sample size or a particular candidate demographic. Check the trend over time to see if this is consistent.
Male automatic candidates pass at 36.4% compared to 28.6% for females.