Arbroath Driving Test Centre
· Angus
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Key Statistics
About Arbroath Test Centre
Arbroath is a DVSA driving test centre located in Angus. With a current pass rate of 78.9%, it is well above the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 294 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 Arbroath, 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 162 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the DD11 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Arbroath test centre serves candidates from Angus 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 Arbroath will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Angus 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 25 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 Arbroath stands at 78.9%, which is well above the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has improved significantly over the last three years, rising 5.9 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 8.6 percentage point advantage at Arbroath, passing at 83.6% compared to 75.0% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Arbroath was 78.9% in 2024-25, while the lowest was 53.1% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Oct at 85.7%, while the lowest was in Sep at 68.2%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Arbroath Historical Performance
Our records for Arbroath begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 55.5% from 750 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 59.7%, and it now sits at 78.9%.
Test volumes at Arbroath 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 Arbroath
Based on the data we hold for Arbroath, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Arbroath, pass rates in Oct (85.7%) are notably higher than in Sep (68.2%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Arbroath 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 Arbroath. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Angus area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Arbroath, 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 Arbroath 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 Arbroath?
The current pass rate at Arbroath is 78.9%, based on 294 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is well above the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Arbroath conduct per year?
Arbroath conducted 294 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 25 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Arbroath a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 78.9%, Arbroath 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 Arbroath?
Based on 2024-25 data, Oct had the highest pass rate at 85.7%. 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 Arbroath?
Male candidates have a 8.6 percentage point advantage at Arbroath, passing at 83.6% compared to 75.0% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Arbroath pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 30 | 23 | 76.7% | 78.6% | 75.0% |
| May | 29 | 23 | 79.3% | 90.0% | 73.7% |
| Jun | 35 | 28 | 80.0% | 88.2% | 72.2% |
| Jul | 28 | 23 | 82.1% | 87.5% | 80.0% |
| Aug | 24 | 20 | 83.3% | 83.3% | 83.3% |
| Sep | 22 | 15 | 68.2% | 81.8% | 54.5% |
| Oct | 28 | 24 | 85.7% | 77.8% | 89.5% |
| Nov | 24 | 18 | 75.0% | 72.7% | 76.9% |
| Mar | 27 | 21 | 77.8% | 86.7% | 66.7% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 8.6pp higher rate than female candidates at Arbroath.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Arbroath? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 163 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Arbroath with 84.9% from 86 tests, while 21-year-olds have the lowest at 76.2%. 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 | 86 | 84.9% | 87.2% | 82.1% |
| 18 | 29 | 82.8% | 83.3% | 81.8% |
| 19 | 27 | 77.8% | 91.7% | 66.7% |
| 20 | 0 | 87.5% | 83.3% | 90.0% |
| 21 | 21 | 76.2% | 75.0% | 76.9% |
| 22 | 0 | 90.9% | 0.0% | 83.3% |
| 23 | 0 | 66.7% | 60.0% | 71.4% |
| 24 | 0 | 55.6% | 33.3% | 66.7% |
| 25 | 0 | 66.7% | 66.7% | 0.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Arbroath, the automatic test pass rate is 70.4%, which is 8.5 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 78.9%. 27 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
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 77.8% compared to 66.7% for females.