Carlisle Driving Test Centre
· Cumberland
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Key Statistics
Getting to Carlisle
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Carlisle is located at Durranhill Industrial Estate, Carlisle CA1 3NX. To reach the centre by car, take the M74/A74(M) if coming from the south, or the A69 from Newcastle. From Carlisle city centre, follow signs for the industrial estates via Warwick Road (A69), then turn onto Durranhill Road. The test centre has its own car park with spaces for candidates and accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
The nearest railway station is Carlisle, which is approximately 3 miles from the test centre. Several local bus routes serve the industrial estate area, including services that connect to the city centre and railway station. When you arrive at the test centre, report to the reception area where staff will check you in for your test. Your driving examiner will collect you from the waiting area when it's time for your test to begin.
The test centre is modern and purpose-built, with accessible facilities including toilets and a comfortable waiting area. There are no particular quirks to be aware of, though do allow extra time if you're unfamiliar with the industrial estate layout, as the roads can be a bit confusing on your first visit.
About Carlisle Test Centre
Carlisle is a DVSA driving test centre located in Cumberland. With a current pass rate of 54.9%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,684 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Carlisle, stretching back to 2008-09. 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 163 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CA3 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Carlisle test centre serves candidates from Cumberland 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 Carlisle will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Cumberland 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 307 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Carlisle stands at 54.9%, 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 candidates have a 2.8 percentage point advantage at Carlisle, passing at 56.3% compared to 53.5% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Carlisle was 58.3% in 2011-12, while the lowest was 44.0% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in May at 58.5%, while the lowest was in Jun at 51.4%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Carlisle Historical Performance
Our records for Carlisle begin in the 2008-09 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 54.7% from 1,756 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 57.8%, and it now sits at 54.9%.
Test volumes at Carlisle have grown over this period, rising from 1,756 to 3,684 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 Carlisle
Based on the data we hold for Carlisle, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Carlisle, pass rates in May (58.5%) are notably higher than in Jun (51.4%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Carlisle. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Cumberland area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Carlisle, 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle?
The current pass rate at Carlisle is 54.9%, based on 3,684 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Carlisle conduct per year?
Carlisle conducted 3,684 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 307 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Carlisle a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.9%, Carlisle 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 Carlisle?
Based on 2024-25 data, May had the highest pass rate at 58.5%. 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 Carlisle?
Male candidates have a 2.8 percentage point advantage at Carlisle, passing at 56.3% compared to 53.5% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Carlisle pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 412 | 231 | 56.1% | 56.6% | 55.5% |
| May | 424 | 248 | 58.5% | 61.4% | 55.8% |
| Jun | 362 | 186 | 51.4% | 54.5% | 47.5% |
| Jul | 406 | 229 | 56.4% | 61.8% | 51.6% |
| Aug | 308 | 176 | 57.1% | 57.4% | 56.9% |
| Sep | 322 | 177 | 55.0% | 50.3% | 60.8% |
| Oct | 275 | 147 | 53.5% | 52.1% | 54.8% |
| Nov | 199 | 109 | 54.8% | 53.2% | 56.2% |
| Dec | 196 | 102 | 52.0% | 55.9% | 48.5% |
| Jan | 238 | 126 | 52.9% | 57.9% | 45.9% |
| Feb | 254 | 134 | 52.8% | 60.3% | 46.4% |
| Mar | 288 | 158 | 54.9% | 52.0% | 58.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Carlisle.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Carlisle? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,471 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Carlisle with 63.2% from 1134 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 49.2%. 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 | 1,134 | 63.2% | 64.8% | 61.5% |
| 18 | 464 | 53.0% | 54.3% | 51.7% |
| 19 | 202 | 52.5% | 52.0% | 53.0% |
| 20 | 167 | 52.7% | 50.0% | 55.2% |
| 21 | 128 | 49.2% | 55.9% | 43.5% |
| 22 | 107 | 51.4% | 62.5% | 42.4% |
| 23 | 110 | 62.7% | 56.9% | 67.8% |
| 24 | 74 | 51.4% | 52.3% | 50.0% |
| 25 | 85 | 57.6% | 61.8% | 54.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Carlisle, the automatic test pass rate is 47.8%, which is 7.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 54.9%. 450 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 48.2% compared to 47.0% for males.