Eastbourne Driving Test Centre
· Darlington
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Eastbourne
The DVSA Eastbourne driving test centre is located at Eastbourne Sports Complex, Eastbourne Road, Darlington DL1 4DE. To reach the centre by car, take the A66 if approaching from the east or west, then join the A167 towards Darlington town centre. From the A167, turn onto Eastbourne Road and follow it for approximately half a mile until you reach the sports complex on your left. The test centre shares the site with the sports facilities, so look out for DVSA signage to guide you to the correct area.
Free parking is available on-site at the sports complex, with designated bays for driving test candidates near the DVSA building. Darlington railway station is approximately 1.5 miles away, making it easily accessible by taxi or bus if you're travelling by train. Several local bus routes serve the Eastbourne Road area, including services that connect to the town centre and railway station, though you should check current timetables with local operators.
When you arrive, report to the DVSA reception inside the building where staff will check your documents and direct you to the waiting area. Your driving instructor can wait with you until your test begins. The centre is generally well-signposted within the sports complex, and facilities include toilets and a comfortable waiting area. Allow extra time to find the specific DVSA entrance, particularly during your first visit, as the sports complex is quite large.
About Eastbourne Test Centre
Eastbourne is a DVSA driving test centre located in Darlington. With a current pass rate of 52.1%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,609 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Eastbourne, 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 228 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DL1 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Eastbourne test centre serves candidates from Darlington 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 Eastbourne will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Darlington 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 467 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Eastbourne stands at 52.1%, 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 2.7 percentage point advantage at Eastbourne, passing at 53.3% compared to 50.6% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Eastbourne was 54.6% in 2021-22, while the lowest was 47.9% in 2017-18.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Dec at 58.7%, while the lowest was in Aug at 47.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Eastbourne Historical Performance
Our records for Eastbourne begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 49.5% from 4,881 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 50.4%, and it now sits at 52.1%.
Test volumes at Eastbourne 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 Eastbourne
Based on the data we hold for Eastbourne, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Eastbourne, pass rates in Dec (58.7%) are notably higher than in Aug (47.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Eastbourne. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Darlington area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Eastbourne, 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 Eastbourne 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 Eastbourne?
The current pass rate at Eastbourne is 52.1%, based on 5,609 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Eastbourne conduct per year?
Eastbourne conducted 5,609 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 467 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Eastbourne a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 52.1%, Eastbourne 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 Eastbourne?
Based on 2024-25 data, Dec had the highest pass rate at 58.7%. 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 Eastbourne?
Male candidates have a 2.7 percentage point advantage at Eastbourne, passing at 53.3% compared to 50.6% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Eastbourne pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 617 | 307 | 49.8% | 50.9% | 48.0% |
| May | 439 | 245 | 55.8% | 57.3% | 54.1% |
| Jun | 468 | 233 | 49.8% | 49.6% | 50.0% |
| Jul | 593 | 303 | 51.1% | 50.7% | 51.6% |
| Aug | 570 | 272 | 47.7% | 48.9% | 46.1% |
| Sep | 391 | 208 | 53.2% | 56.1% | 49.7% |
| Oct | 348 | 175 | 50.3% | 52.5% | 47.3% |
| Nov | 492 | 266 | 54.1% | 55.2% | 52.8% |
| Dec | 397 | 233 | 58.7% | 63.8% | 52.5% |
| Jan | 425 | 228 | 53.6% | 53.6% | 53.8% |
| Feb | 437 | 217 | 49.7% | 49.2% | 50.3% |
| Mar | 432 | 238 | 55.1% | 57.7% | 52.0% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.7pp higher rate than female candidates at Eastbourne.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Eastbourne? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,454 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Eastbourne with 60.0% from 1063 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 50.6%. 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 | 1,063 | 60.0% | 58.7% | 61.9% |
| 18 | 738 | 54.3% | 56.2% | 52.0% |
| 19 | 403 | 53.6% | 56.8% | 50.0% |
| 20 | 274 | 52.6% | 51.7% | 53.6% |
| 21 | 259 | 54.8% | 54.1% | 55.9% |
| 22 | 189 | 50.8% | 49.0% | 52.7% |
| 23 | 187 | 55.6% | 55.8% | 55.4% |
| 24 | 177 | 51.4% | 53.6% | 48.8% |
| 25 | 164 | 50.6% | 55.4% | 44.4% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Eastbourne, the automatic test pass rate is 46.8%, which is 5.3 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 52.1%. With 1,208 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
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 48.6% compared to 45.8% for females.