Derby (Alvaston) Driving Test Centre
· City of Derby
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Key Statistics
Getting to Derby (Alvaston)
The Derby (Alvaston) DVSA test centre is conveniently located in the DE1 postcode area, making it easily accessible from various parts of Derby and the surrounding areas. If you're driving to the centre, you'll find it's well-connected to Derby's main road network, with clear signage directing you towards the Alvaston area. The centre has dedicated parking facilities for test candidates and their accompanying drivers, so you won't need to worry about finding a parking space on the day of your test.
For those using public transport, Derby's bus network provides good coverage to the Alvaston area, with several routes stopping within walking distance of the test centre. If you're travelling from further afield, Derby railway station offers excellent connections from across the Midlands and beyond, and from there you can catch a local bus or taxi to reach the centre. It's worth planning your journey in advance and allowing extra time on test day to ensure you arrive feeling relaxed and prepared.
About Derby (Alvaston) Test Centre
Derby (Alvaston) is a DVSA driving test centre located in City of Derby. With a current pass rate of 51.3%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,260 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 10 years of historical data for Derby (Alvaston), stretching back to 2014-15. 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 570 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DE1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Derby (Alvaston) test centre serves candidates from City of Derby 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 Derby (Alvaston) will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the City of Derby 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 772 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Derby (Alvaston) stands at 51.3%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.6 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 3.1 percentage point advantage at Derby (Alvaston), passing at 52.7% compared to 49.6% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Derby (Alvaston) was 51.3% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 44.5% in 2015-16.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 54.8%, while the lowest was in Jun at 46.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Derby (Alvaston) Historical Performance
Our records for Derby (Alvaston) begin in the 2014-15 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 45.5% from 1,150 tests. By 2019-20, the rate had risen to 48.0%, and it now sits at 51.3%.
Test volumes at Derby (Alvaston) have grown over this period, rising from 1,150 to 9,260 tests per year.
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 Derby (Alvaston)
Based on the data we hold for Derby (Alvaston), here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Derby (Alvaston), pass rates in Oct (54.8%) are notably higher than in Jun (46.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Derby (Alvaston). Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the City of Derby area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Derby (Alvaston), 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 Derby (Alvaston) 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 Derby (Alvaston)?
The current pass rate at Derby (Alvaston) is 51.3%, based on 9,260 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Derby (Alvaston) conduct per year?
Derby (Alvaston) conducted 9,260 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 772 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Derby (Alvaston) a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 51.3%, Derby (Alvaston) 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 Derby (Alvaston)?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 54.8%. 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 Derby (Alvaston)?
Male candidates have a 3.1 percentage point advantage at Derby (Alvaston), passing at 52.7% compared to 49.6% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Looking for an earlier test date at Derby (Alvaston)?
Test waiting times can be weeks or even months at busy centres. Cancellation checking services monitor the DVSA booking system and alert you when an earlier slot opens up, often within days.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Derby (Alvaston) pass rate over 10 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 1,004 | 495 | 49.3% | 49.7% | 48.7% |
| May | 980 | 502 | 51.2% | 53.5% | 48.4% |
| Jun | 827 | 386 | 46.7% | 50.7% | 41.3% |
| Jul | 872 | 436 | 50.0% | 53.6% | 46.0% |
| Aug | 778 | 400 | 51.4% | 52.1% | 50.7% |
| Sep | 840 | 432 | 51.4% | 51.1% | 51.8% |
| Oct | 755 | 414 | 54.8% | 56.4% | 52.9% |
| Nov | 651 | 348 | 53.5% | 54.1% | 52.8% |
| Dec | 631 | 330 | 52.3% | 54.5% | 49.7% |
| Jan | 688 | 365 | 53.1% | 56.2% | 49.9% |
| Feb | 586 | 312 | 53.2% | 51.9% | 54.9% |
| Mar | 648 | 331 | 51.1% | 50.6% | 51.5% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 3.1pp higher rate than female candidates at Derby (Alvaston).
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Derby (Alvaston)? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,089 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Derby (Alvaston) with 63.1% from 1088 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 49.8%. 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 | 1,088 | 63.1% | 63.5% | 62.5% |
| 18 | 1,176 | 57.7% | 58.0% | 57.3% |
| 19 | 705 | 55.6% | 57.3% | 53.6% |
| 20 | 490 | 51.0% | 52.8% | 49.2% |
| 21 | 404 | 57.7% | 58.7% | 56.5% |
| 22 | 363 | 56.7% | 56.4% | 57.1% |
| 23 | 337 | 55.2% | 58.8% | 51.7% |
| 24 | 291 | 59.1% | 58.6% | 59.8% |
| 25 | 235 | 49.8% | 49.1% | 51.3% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Derby (Alvaston), the automatic test pass rate is 46.5%, which is 4.8 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 51.3%. With 2,486 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 48.7% compared to 45.3% for females.