Sunderland Driving Test Centre
· Cumberland
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Key Statistics
Getting to Sunderland
The DVSA practical driving test centre in Sunderland is located at Rosehill, Maryport, Cumbria CA15 6JF. To reach the centre by car, take the A596 towards Maryport and follow signs for the town centre. From the A596, turn onto Rosehill and you'll find the test centre clearly signposted on your right. The centre provides free on-site parking for candidates and instructors, with designated bays directly outside the building. If arriving by public transport, the nearest railway station is Maryport station, which is approximately half a mile away and serves the Cumbrian Coast line with connections to Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness.
Local bus services operated by Stagecoker serve the Maryport area, with routes connecting to Workington, Cockermouth, and other nearby towns, though you should check current timetables as services can be limited. When you arrive at the test centre, report to the reception desk inside the building where staff will check your documents and inform your examiner of your arrival. The centre has a comfortable waiting area with seating, and you're welcome to wait inside rather than in your vehicle. The building is accessible at ground level, and toilet facilities are available for candidates.
About Sunderland Test Centre
Sunderland is a DVSA driving test centre located in Cumberland. With a current pass rate of 47.1%, it is below the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 9,084 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a moderately busy centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Sunderland, 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 163 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the CA13 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Sunderland test centre serves candidates from Cumberland 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 Sunderland will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Cumberland 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 757 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Sunderland stands at 47.1%, which is below 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 1.4 percentage point advantage at Sunderland, passing at 47.8% compared to 46.4% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Sunderland was 47.5% in 2008-09, while the lowest was 41.6% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Feb at 51.4%, while the lowest was in Nov at 44.2%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Sunderland Historical Performance
Our records for Sunderland begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 41.6% from 8,458 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 45.5%, and it now sits at 47.1%.
Test volumes at Sunderland 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 Sunderland
Based on the data we hold for Sunderland, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Sunderland, pass rates in Feb (51.4%) are notably higher than in Nov (44.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Sunderland. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Cumberland area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Sunderland, 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 Sunderland 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 Sunderland?
The current pass rate at Sunderland is 47.1%, based on 9,084 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is below the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Sunderland conduct per year?
Sunderland conducted 9,084 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 757 per month. This makes it a moderately busy centre.
Is Sunderland a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 47.1%, Sunderland is not the highest-rated centre, but your preparation matters more than statistics. 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 Sunderland?
Based on 2024-25 data, Feb had the highest pass rate at 51.4%. 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 Sunderland?
Male candidates have a 1.4 percentage point advantage at Sunderland, passing at 47.8% compared to 46.4% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Sunderland pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 868 | 406 | 46.8% | 49.2% | 44.2% |
| May | 1,062 | 486 | 45.8% | 48.6% | 42.2% |
| Jun | 921 | 418 | 45.4% | 43.9% | 47.0% |
| Jul | 859 | 421 | 49.0% | 49.6% | 48.4% |
| Aug | 597 | 299 | 50.1% | 53.3% | 46.4% |
| Sep | 803 | 357 | 44.5% | 45.9% | 43.0% |
| Oct | 803 | 372 | 46.3% | 48.2% | 43.9% |
| Nov | 620 | 274 | 44.2% | 39.7% | 49.2% |
| Dec | 662 | 317 | 47.9% | 46.8% | 49.1% |
| Jan | 661 | 314 | 47.5% | 48.5% | 46.4% |
| Feb | 588 | 302 | 51.4% | 51.6% | 51.1% |
| Mar | 640 | 316 | 49.4% | 49.5% | 49.2% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 1.4pp higher rate than female candidates at Sunderland.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Sunderland? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 5,536 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Sunderland with 59.7% from 1437 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 47.0%. 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 | 1,437 | 59.7% | 62.8% | 56.5% |
| 18 | 1,371 | 53.2% | 55.4% | 51.1% |
| 19 | 665 | 47.7% | 49.2% | 46.3% |
| 20 | 479 | 47.0% | 49.2% | 44.7% |
| 21 | 394 | 51.5% | 57.2% | 44.7% |
| 22 | 298 | 48.3% | 50.7% | 46.3% |
| 23 | 339 | 48.1% | 54.6% | 42.8% |
| 24 | 280 | 47.5% | 44.0% | 52.1% |
| 25 | 273 | 50.2% | 51.9% | 47.8% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Sunderland, the automatic test pass rate is 37.6%, which is 9.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 47.1%. With 1,810 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 39.8% compared to 34.8% for males.