Malton Driving Test Centre
· County Durham
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Malton
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Malton is located at Malton Business Park, Malton Way, Stanley, County Durham DH9 0YB. To reach the centre by car, take the A693 towards Stanley and follow signs for the business park. The centre is easily accessible from junction 63 of the A1(M) via the A693, making it convenient for candidates travelling from across the North East. There is free on-site parking available in the business park, with designated bays for driving test candidates clearly marked near the test centre entrance.
The nearest railway station is Chester-le-Street, approximately 4 miles away, with regular bus connections available on the number 8 service that runs between Chester-le-Street and Stanley. If you're travelling by public transport, allow extra time as the journey may take around 30-40 minutes including connections. Local bus services also operate from Newcastle and Durham city centres, with the 78 and 79 routes serving the Stanley area.
When you arrive, report to the reception desk inside the test centre building where you'll need to present your provisional licence and theory test certificate. You'll typically wait inside until your examiner calls your name, then proceed to your vehicle in the car park. The building is single-storey with step-free access, and toilet facilities are available for candidates. The car park has clear road markings making it suitable for the reversing exercises that form part of your practical test.
About Malton Test Centre
Malton is a DVSA driving test centre located in County Durham. With a current pass rate of 66.7%, it is above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 562 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Malton, 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 231 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DH7 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Malton test centre serves candidates from County Durham 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 Malton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the County Durham 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 47 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 Malton stands at 66.7%, 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 5.5 percentage points.
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Malton, with less than a percentage point between them.
The highest pass rate recorded at Malton was 68.6% in 2016-17, while the lowest was 55.4% in 2020-21.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jun at 77.5%, while the lowest was in Jan at 62.3%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Malton Historical Performance
Our records for Malton begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 57.6% from 1,058 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 68.6%, and it now sits at 66.7%.
Test volumes at Malton have decreased 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 Malton
Based on the data we hold for Malton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Malton, pass rates in Jun (77.5%) are notably higher than in Jan (62.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Malton 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 Malton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the County Durham area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Malton, 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 Malton 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 Malton?
The current pass rate at Malton is 66.7%, based on 562 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Malton conduct per year?
Malton conducted 562 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 47 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Malton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 66.7%, Malton 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 Malton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jun had the highest pass rate at 77.5%. 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 Malton?
Male and female candidates perform almost identically at Malton, with less than a percentage point between them. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Malton pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun | 40 | 31 | 77.5% | 84.2% | 71.4% |
| Jul | 43 | 29 | 67.4% | 65.2% | 70.0% |
| Aug | 63 | 43 | 68.3% | 61.3% | 75.0% |
| Sep | 47 | 30 | 63.8% | 63.6% | 64.0% |
| Oct | 42 | 28 | 66.7% | 72.7% | 60.0% |
| Nov | 53 | 38 | 71.7% | 62.1% | 83.3% |
| Dec | 37 | 27 | 73.0% | 73.7% | 72.2% |
| Jan | 61 | 38 | 62.3% | 65.6% | 58.6% |
| Feb | 57 | 37 | 64.9% | 65.5% | 64.3% |
| Mar | 56 | 40 | 71.4% | 76.2% | 68.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 0.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Malton.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Malton? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 380 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Malton with 74.5% from 196 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 60.6%. 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 | 196 | 74.5% | 73.1% | 76.1% |
| 18 | 98 | 62.2% | 70.7% | 56.1% |
| 19 | 53 | 67.9% | 73.3% | 65.8% |
| 20 | 33 | 60.6% | 60.0% | 61.1% |
| 21 | 0 | 55.0% | 66.7% | 50.0% |
| 22 | 0 | 54.5% | 62.5% | 33.3% |
| 23 | 0 | 81.3% | 81.8% | 80.0% |
| 24 | 0 | 75.0% | 75.0% | 75.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 60.0% | 50.0% | 66.7% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Malton, the automatic test pass rate is 67.9%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 66.7%. 56 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
Female automatic candidates pass at 81.3% compared to 50.0% for males.