Carmarthen Driving Test Centre
· Sir Gaerfyrddin - Carmarthenshire
Only book your driving test through the official GOV.UK service. Beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Key Statistics
Getting to Carmarthen
Carmarthen driving test centre is at Ty Myrddin, Crown Building, Old Station Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1GS. The centre is close to the town centre and not far from Carmarthen Castle and the River Towy. If you are arriving by car, Old Station Road is easy to reach from the A40 or A484. Plug the postcode into your sat nav and it will take you straight there.
On-street parking near the centre can be tight, so having your instructor drive you is the easiest option. There are public car parks within a short walk in the town centre if needed. Carmarthen railway station is nearby if you are travelling by train, and buses from Swansea, Cardigan, and Llanelli all stop in town. Get there a little early so you can relax before your examiner calls your name.
About Carmarthen Test Centre
Carmarthen is a DVSA driving test centre located in Sir Gaerfyrddin - Carmarthenshire. With a current pass rate of 54.4%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,053 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 18 years of historical data for Carmarthen, 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 452 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the SA31 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Carmarthen test centre serves candidates from Sir Gaerfyrddin - Carmarthenshire 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 Carmarthen will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Sir Gaerfyrddin - Carmarthenshire 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 171 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 Carmarthen stands at 54.4%, which is close to the national average. Over the period we have data for, the pass rate has declined slightly over the last three years, dropping 2.3 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 4.0 percentage point advantage at Carmarthen, passing at 56.2% compared to 52.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Carmarthen was 61.2% in 2020-21, while the lowest was 51.8% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 59.7%, while the lowest was in Aug at 48.7%. This significant monthly variation suggests that timing your test could make a meaningful difference.
Carmarthen Historical Performance
Our records for Carmarthen begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 53.2% from 1,997 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had fallen to 52.2%, and it now sits at 54.4%.
Test volumes at Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen
Based on the data we hold for Carmarthen, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Carmarthen, pass rates in Mar (59.7%) are notably higher than in Aug (48.7%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Sir Gaerfyrddin - Carmarthenshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Carmarthen, compare availability with nearby centres. A slightly longer drive to a centre with a higher pass rate or shorter wait could be worthwhile.
- Don't be discouraged by the recent trend. Pass rates at Carmarthen have dipped recently, but this reflects candidate cohort changes as much as test difficulty. Your preparation matters far more than statistical trends.
- Arrive early and stay calm. Get to Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen?
The current pass rate at Carmarthen is 54.4%, based on 2,053 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Carmarthen conduct per year?
Carmarthen conducted 2,053 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 171 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Carmarthen a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.4%, Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 59.7%. 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 Carmarthen?
Male candidates have a 4.0 percentage point advantage at Carmarthen, passing at 56.2% compared to 52.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Carmarthen pass rate over 18 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 205 | 102 | 49.8% | 53.7% | 45.4% |
| May | 234 | 130 | 55.6% | 61.2% | 48.0% |
| Jun | 157 | 84 | 53.5% | 60.8% | 46.2% |
| Jul | 187 | 94 | 50.3% | 47.1% | 54.2% |
| Aug | 117 | 57 | 48.7% | 48.5% | 49.0% |
| Sep | 165 | 93 | 56.4% | 52.9% | 60.3% |
| Oct | 158 | 90 | 57.0% | 56.6% | 57.6% |
| Nov | 171 | 94 | 55.0% | 57.9% | 50.0% |
| Dec | 125 | 64 | 51.2% | 53.8% | 48.3% |
| Jan | 218 | 124 | 56.9% | 57.6% | 56.0% |
| Feb | 157 | 89 | 56.7% | 57.1% | 56.3% |
| Mar | 159 | 95 | 59.7% | 64.9% | 55.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 4pp higher rate than female candidates at Carmarthen.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Carmarthen? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 1,511 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Carmarthen with 63.2% from 771 tests, while 22-year-olds have the lowest at 46.2%. 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 | 771 | 63.2% | 62.6% | 63.9% |
| 18 | 289 | 50.9% | 51.6% | 50.0% |
| 19 | 107 | 49.5% | 48.9% | 50.0% |
| 20 | 76 | 50.0% | 52.8% | 47.5% |
| 21 | 77 | 55.8% | 63.2% | 48.7% |
| 22 | 52 | 46.2% | 54.5% | 40.0% |
| 23 | 52 | 59.6% | 60.9% | 58.6% |
| 24 | 31 | 48.4% | 43.8% | 53.3% |
| 25 | 56 | 46.4% | 50.0% | 40.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Carmarthen, the automatic test pass rate is 46.2%, which is 8.2 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 54.4%. 210 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 46.7% compared to 45.8% for females.