Knaresborough Driving Test Centre
· North Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Knaresborough
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Knaresborough is located at Grimbald Crag Court, St James Business Park, Knaresborough HG5 8QB. To reach the centre by car, take the A59 towards Knaresborough and follow signs for St James Business Park, which is situated on the western edge of the town. The business park is clearly signposted from the main road, and you'll find Grimbald Crag Court within the complex. There's free on-site parking available in the business park, so you won't need to worry about finding street parking or paying for spaces.
If you're travelling by public transport, Knaresborough railway station is approximately 1.5 miles from the test centre, with regular services from Leeds, York, and Harrogate. Local bus services operate between the town centre and St James Business Park, though you should check current timetables with North Yorkshire County Council or local operators for the most up-to-date information.
When you arrive at the test centre, you'll need to report to the reception area inside the building. Your driving instructor will typically accompany you to check in, and you'll be asked to wait until your examiner calls your name. The building has standard facilities including toilets, and the car park is easily accessible without any steep approaches or barriers that might concern nervous test candidates.
About Knaresborough Test Centre
Knaresborough is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 58.5%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 5,305 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 15 years of historical data for Knaresborough, stretching back to 2009-10. 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 74 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the HG5 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Knaresborough test centre serves candidates from North Yorkshire 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 Knaresborough will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North Yorkshire 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 442 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Knaresborough stands at 58.5%, 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 5.6 percentage points.
Female candidates outperform males at Knaresborough, passing at 59.3% compared to 57.9% for male candidates, a 1.4 percentage point gap.
The highest pass rate recorded at Knaresborough was 58.5% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 48.9% in 2018-19.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 65.2%, while the lowest was in Oct at 54.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Knaresborough Historical Performance
Our records for Knaresborough begin in the 2009-10 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 54.8% from 73 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 51.9%, and it now sits at 58.5%.
Test volumes at Knaresborough have grown over this period, rising from 73 to 5,305 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 Knaresborough
Based on the data we hold for Knaresborough, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Knaresborough, pass rates in Feb (65.2%) are notably higher than in Oct (54.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Knaresborough. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Knaresborough, 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 Knaresborough 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 Knaresborough?
The current pass rate at Knaresborough is 58.5%, based on 5,305 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Knaresborough conduct per year?
Knaresborough conducted 5,305 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 442 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Knaresborough a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 58.5%, Knaresborough 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 Knaresborough?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 65.2%. 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 Knaresborough?
Female candidates outperform males at Knaresborough, passing at 59.3% compared to 57.9% for male candidates, a 1.4 percentage point gap. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Knaresborough pass rate over 15 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 466 | 260 | 55.8% | 53.0% | 59.0% |
| May | 513 | 281 | 54.8% | 54.4% | 55.3% |
| Jun | 523 | 309 | 59.1% | 61.2% | 56.6% |
| Jul | 456 | 266 | 58.3% | 59.0% | 57.6% |
| Aug | 456 | 271 | 59.4% | 56.6% | 62.3% |
| Sep | 341 | 193 | 56.6% | 55.8% | 57.7% |
| Oct | 560 | 304 | 54.3% | 51.6% | 57.7% |
| Nov | 452 | 254 | 56.2% | 56.3% | 56.0% |
| Dec | 325 | 194 | 59.7% | 56.3% | 63.8% |
| Jan | 339 | 217 | 64.0% | 58.7% | 70.7% |
| Feb | 411 | 268 | 65.2% | 68.0% | 61.2% |
| Mar | 463 | 289 | 62.4% | 64.6% | 59.0% |
Gender Comparison
Female candidates pass at a 1.4pp higher rate than male candidates at Knaresborough.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Knaresborough? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 3,372 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Knaresborough with 69.8% from 1425 tests, while 25-year-olds have the lowest at 52.7%. 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 | 1,425 | 69.8% | 71.0% | 68.5% |
| 18 | 647 | 60.7% | 60.3% | 61.3% |
| 19 | 249 | 61.4% | 61.9% | 60.9% |
| 20 | 193 | 63.7% | 62.4% | 65.2% |
| 21 | 179 | 67.6% | 65.0% | 70.9% |
| 22 | 185 | 54.6% | 53.1% | 56.3% |
| 23 | 180 | 60.0% | 58.2% | 62.9% |
| 24 | 164 | 58.5% | 55.6% | 63.1% |
| 25 | 150 | 52.7% | 50.5% | 56.1% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Knaresborough, the automatic test pass rate is 53.6%, which is 4.9 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 58.5%. With 1,093 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Female automatic candidates pass at 55.9% compared to 50.2% for males.