Barnstaple Driving Test Centre
· Devon
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Key Statistics
Getting to Barnstaple
Barnstaple Driving Test Centre is at Unit 1A, Benning Court, off Riverside Road, Pottington Industrial Estate, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1AB. The centre is in an industrial estate on the edge of town, so put the full postcode into your sat nav for the best route. It is well signposted once you reach the estate.
If you are coming from the A361 North Devon Link Road, follow signs for Barnstaple and then for the Pottington area. Riverside Road runs alongside the River Taw. There is parking available at the centre. Arrive a little early to get your bearings, as industrial estates can look similar. Your examiner will meet you in the waiting area.
About Barnstaple Test Centre
Barnstaple is a DVSA driving test centre located in Devon. With a current pass rate of 54.7%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 3,583 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Barnstaple, 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 361 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the EX31 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Barnstaple test centre serves candidates from Devon 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 Barnstaple will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Devon 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 299 tests per month on average.
Pass Rate Analysis
The current overall pass rate at Barnstaple stands at 54.7%, which is close to 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 2.1 percentage point advantage at Barnstaple, passing at 55.7% compared to 53.6% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Barnstaple was 56.4% in 2012-13, while the lowest was 46.5% in 2016-17.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 60.0%, while the lowest was in Apr at 46.9%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Barnstaple Historical Performance
Our records for Barnstaple begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.8% from 3,356 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 52.6%, and it now sits at 54.7%.
Test volumes at Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple
Based on the data we hold for Barnstaple, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Barnstaple, pass rates in Mar (60.0%) are notably higher than in Apr (46.9%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Practice the local routes. Familiarise yourself with the roads around Barnstaple. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Devon area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Barnstaple, 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 Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple?
The current pass rate at Barnstaple is 54.7%, based on 3,583 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Barnstaple conduct per year?
Barnstaple conducted 3,583 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 299 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Barnstaple a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.7%, Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 60.0%. 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 Barnstaple?
Male candidates have a 2.1 percentage point advantage at Barnstaple, passing at 55.7% compared to 53.6% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Barnstaple pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 382 | 179 | 46.9% | 51.6% | 42.3% |
| May | 355 | 188 | 53.0% | 54.7% | 50.9% |
| Jun | 352 | 178 | 50.6% | 51.1% | 50.0% |
| Jul | 253 | 149 | 58.9% | 63.4% | 54.6% |
| Aug | 191 | 104 | 54.5% | 51.5% | 58.0% |
| Sep | 237 | 133 | 56.1% | 50.8% | 62.9% |
| Oct | 338 | 183 | 54.1% | 56.5% | 51.6% |
| Nov | 266 | 145 | 54.5% | 51.8% | 57.6% |
| Dec | 217 | 130 | 59.9% | 64.5% | 55.1% |
| Jan | 307 | 167 | 54.4% | 57.1% | 51.1% |
| Feb | 255 | 147 | 57.6% | 60.7% | 54.2% |
| Mar | 430 | 258 | 60.0% | 58.0% | 62.6% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 2.1pp higher rate than female candidates at Barnstaple.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Barnstaple? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,511 of the tests conducted here.
25-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Barnstaple with 62.5% from 80 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 53.2%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1,111 | 61.3% | 62.5% | 60.0% |
| 18 | 488 | 55.5% | 62.9% | 50.2% |
| 19 | 253 | 54.9% | 58.5% | 51.5% |
| 20 | 158 | 53.2% | 53.0% | 53.3% |
| 21 | 131 | 56.5% | 58.2% | 54.7% |
| 22 | 119 | 54.6% | 51.7% | 57.4% |
| 23 | 97 | 56.7% | 53.1% | 63.6% |
| 24 | 74 | 59.5% | 68.2% | 46.7% |
| 25 | 80 | 62.5% | 66.0% | 57.6% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Barnstaple, the automatic test pass rate is 51.6%, which is 3.1 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 54.7%. With 525 automatic tests conducted, this is a well-tested centre for auto candidates.
Male automatic candidates pass at 52.6% compared to 51.1% for females.