Buckie Driving Test Centre
· Moray
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Key Statistics
Getting to Buckie
The Buckie DVSA test centre is conveniently located in the heart of Moray, making it easily accessible whether you're travelling from Aberdeen, Inverness, or the surrounding coastal towns. If you're driving from Aberdeen, take the A96 northwest for about 45 miles until you reach the A98 junction near Keith, then follow signs for Buckie. From Inverness, head east on the A96 for approximately 60 miles before joining the A98 towards the coast. The test centre sits just off the main road through town, so you won't need to navigate through complicated residential streets.
For those relying on public transport, Buckie is well served by Stagecoach bus services connecting to major towns across the region. The number 10 service runs regularly between Aberdeen and Inverness via Buckie, while local routes link smaller villages along the Moray coast. The nearest train station is at Keith, about 12 miles inland, from where you can catch a connecting bus service. If someone's dropping you off, there's adequate parking near the test centre, though it's worth arriving a few minutes early to account for any last-minute nerves and to familiarise yourself with the area before your test begins.
About Buckie Test Centre
Buckie is a DVSA driving test centre located in Moray. With a current pass rate of 52.6%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 274 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Buckie, 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 259 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the AB56 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Buckie test centre serves candidates from Moray 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 Buckie will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Moray 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 23 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 Buckie stands at 52.6%, 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.
Female candidates outperform males at Buckie, passing at 54.1% compared to 51.5% for male candidates, a 2.6 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Buckie was 62.7% in 2008-09, while the lowest was 44.7% in 2023-24.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 60.9%, while the lowest was in Mar at 55.6%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Buckie Historical Performance
Our records for Buckie begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 53.5% from 310 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 52.3%, and it now sits at 52.6%.
Test volumes at Buckie have remained broadly stable over this period. 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 Buckie
Based on the data we hold for Buckie, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Buckie, pass rates in Jun (60.9%) are notably higher than in Mar (55.6%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Buckie 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 Buckie. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Moray area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Buckie, 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 Buckie 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 Buckie?
The current pass rate at Buckie is 52.6%, based on 274 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Buckie conduct per year?
Buckie conducted 274 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 23 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Buckie a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 52.6%, Buckie 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 Buckie?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 60.9%. 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 Buckie?
Female candidates outperform males at Buckie, passing at 54.1% compared to 51.5% for male candidates, a 2.6 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Buckie pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 48 | 28 | 58.3% | 50.0% | 70.0% |
| Jun | 23 | 14 | 60.9% | 58.3% | 63.6% |
| Mar | 27 | 15 | 55.6% | 53.8% | 57.1% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 2.6pp higher rate than male candidates at Buckie.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Buckie? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 137 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Buckie with 55.3% from 94 tests, while 18-year-olds have the lowest at 51.2%. 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 | 94 | 55.3% | 51.8% | 60.5% |
| 18 | 43 | 51.2% | 45.8% | 57.9% |
| 19 | 0 | 53.3% | 60.0% | 40.0% |
| 20 | 0 | 61.1% | 66.7% | 50.0% |
| 21 | 0 | 36.4% | 60.0% | 16.7% |
| 22 | 0 | 42.9% | 41.7% | 50.0% |
| 23 | 0 | 42.9% | 50.0% | 0.0% |
| 24 | 0 | 57.1% | 50.0% | 66.7% |
| 25 | 0 | 85.7% | 80.0% | 0.0% |