Buxton Driving Test Centre
· Derbyshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Buxton
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Buxton is located at Tongue Lane, Fairfield, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 7AL. To reach the centre by car, take the A6 into Buxton and follow signs for Fairfield. From the town centre, head towards the A5004 (Fairfield Road) and turn onto Tongue Lane. The test centre is clearly signposted and sits in a quiet residential area. If you're coming from the M1, take junction 29 and follow the A617 westbound, then join the A619 through Chesterfield before connecting to the A6 north towards Buxton.
The centre provides on-site parking for candidates and instructors, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces. Buxton railway station is approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre, making it accessible by foot in about 20-25 minutes, though most candidates prefer to drive or arrange transport. Several local bus routes serve the Fairfield area, connecting it to Buxton town centre and the railway station.
When you arrive, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building where staff will check you in for your test. The centre has modern facilities including a comfortable waiting area and toilets. Your driving examiner will collect you from the waiting room when it's time for your test, so there's no need to wait in your car unless specifically instructed to do so.
About Buxton Test Centre
Buxton is a DVSA driving test centre located in Derbyshire. With a current pass rate of 57.0%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,449 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Buxton, 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 337 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SK17 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Buxton test centre serves candidates from Derbyshire 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 Buxton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Derbyshire 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 287 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Buxton stands at 57.0%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 8.5 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 3.6 percentage point advantage at Buxton, passing at 58.7% compared to 55.1% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Buxton was 62.2% in 2013-14, while the lowest was 46.4% in 2021-22.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 60.0%, while the lowest was in Jun at 51.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Buxton Historical Performance
Our records for Buxton begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.6% from 5,567 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 57.9%, and it now sits at 57.0%.
Test volumes at Buxton have decreased 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 Buxton
Based on the data we hold for Buxton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Buxton, pass rates in Oct (60.0%) are notably higher than in Jun (51.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Buxton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Derbyshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Buxton, 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 Buxton 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 Buxton?
The current pass rate at Buxton is 57.0%, based on 3,449 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Buxton conduct per year?
Buxton conducted 3,449 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 287 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Buxton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 57.0%, Buxton 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 Buxton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 60.0%. 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 Buxton?
Male candidates have a 3.6 percentage point advantage at Buxton, passing at 58.7% compared to 55.1% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Buxton pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 365 | 208 | 57.0% | 60.9% | 53.4% |
| May | 358 | 201 | 56.1% | 57.2% | 55.2% |
| Jun | 273 | 140 | 51.3% | 50.0% | 52.8% |
| Jul | 240 | 137 | 57.1% | 62.2% | 52.7% |
| Aug | 356 | 201 | 56.5% | 61.9% | 51.6% |
| Sep | 222 | 130 | 58.6% | 56.3% | 60.5% |
| Oct | 320 | 192 | 60.0% | 61.7% | 58.2% |
| Nov | 322 | 185 | 57.5% | 59.7% | 54.2% |
| Dec | 267 | 157 | 58.8% | 61.1% | 55.9% |
| Jan | 161 | 84 | 52.2% | 56.6% | 47.4% |
| Feb | 277 | 159 | 57.4% | 53.4% | 63.2% |
| Mar | 288 | 171 | 59.4% | 61.8% | 55.9% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Buxton.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Buxton? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,530 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Buxton with 68.4% from 952 tests, while 23-year-olds have the lowest at 48.5%. 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 | 952 | 68.4% | 72.2% | 64.8% |
| 18 | 603 | 57.0% | 57.0% | 57.1% |
| 19 | 255 | 54.9% | 50.4% | 59.7% |
| 20 | 178 | 53.9% | 51.0% | 57.9% |
| 21 | 135 | 51.9% | 55.7% | 47.7% |
| 22 | 140 | 56.4% | 56.8% | 55.9% |
| 23 | 101 | 48.5% | 48.6% | 48.4% |
| 24 | 91 | 56.0% | 54.5% | 57.4% |
| 25 | 75 | 49.3% | 48.8% | 50.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Buxton, the automatic test pass rate is 50.3%, which is 6.7 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 57.0%. 388 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 57.4% compared to 46.4% for females.