Girvan Driving Test Centre
· South Ayrshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Girvan
Getting to Girvan DVSA test centre in South Ayrshire is straightforward whether you're travelling from Glasgow, Ayr, or the surrounding areas. The test centre is located in the heart of Girvan town, making it easily accessible by car via the A77, which is the main coastal route through South Ayrshire. If you're coming from Glasgow or further north, take the A77 south through Kilmarnock and Ayr, then continue for about 20 miles until you reach Girvan. The journey from Glasgow takes roughly an hour and a half under normal traffic conditions.
From Ayr, it's a pleasant 30-minute drive south along the coastal A77, passing through Maybole on your way to Girvan. Local roads are well-signposted, and you'll find the town centre clearly marked as you approach. There's usually adequate parking available in the town centre, though it's worth arriving a few minutes early to allow time to find a space and get your bearings. Public transport links include regular bus services from Ayr and Glasgow, though having your own transport gives you more flexibility on test day.
About Girvan Test Centre
Girvan is a DVSA driving test centre located in South Ayrshire. With a current pass rate of 68.7%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 249 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 Girvan, 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 230 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the KA26 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Girvan test centre serves candidates from South Ayrshire 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 Girvan will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the South Ayrshire 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 21 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 Girvan stands at 68.7%, which is above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 2.2 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 1.9 percentage point advantage at Girvan, passing at 69.6% compared to 67.7% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Girvan was 68.7% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 49.4% in 2011-12.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 81.0%, while the lowest was in Aug at 58.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Girvan Historical Performance
Our records for Girvan begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 59.3% from 307 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 64.4%, and it now sits at 68.7%.
Test volumes at Girvan 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 Girvan
Based on the data we hold for Girvan, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Girvan, pass rates in Feb (81.0%) are notably higher than in Aug (58.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Girvan 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 Girvan. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the South Ayrshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Girvan, 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 Girvan 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 Girvan?
The current pass rate at Girvan is 68.7%, based on 249 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Girvan conduct per year?
Girvan conducted 249 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 21 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Girvan a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 68.7%, Girvan 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 Girvan?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 81.0%. 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 Girvan?
Male candidates have a 1.9 percentage point advantage at Girvan, passing at 69.6% compared to 67.7% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Girvan pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul | 23 | 18 | 78.3% | 77.8% | 78.6% |
| Aug | 24 | 14 | 58.3% | 70.0% | 50.0% |
| Sep | 23 | 16 | 69.6% | 77.8% | 64.3% |
| Oct | 30 | 20 | 66.7% | 85.7% | 50.0% |
| Jan | 22 | 14 | 63.6% | 57.1% | 75.0% |
| Feb | 21 | 17 | 81.0% | 77.8% | 83.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.9pp higher rate than female candidates at Girvan.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Girvan? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 80 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Girvan with 78.0% from 50 tests, while 18-year-olds have the lowest at 73.3%. 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 | 50 | 78.0% | 75.0% | 83.3% |
| 18 | 30 | 73.3% | 75.0% | 72.2% |
| 19 | 0 | 63.6% | 60.0% | 66.7% |
| 20 | 0 | 57.9% | 50.0% | 66.7% |
| 21 | 0 | 62.5% | 66.7% | 60.0% |
| 22 | 0 | 66.7% | 0.0% | 50.0% |
| 23 | 0 | 44.4% | 60.0% | 25.0% |
| 24 | 0 | 75.0% | 50.0% | 0.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 71.4% | 66.7% | 75.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Girvan, the automatic test pass rate is 67.3%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 68.7%. 52 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
Male automatic candidates pass at 71.4% compared to 64.5% for females.