Skipton Driving Test Centre
· North Yorkshire
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Key Statistics
Getting to Skipton
Skipton driving test centre is at Foundry House, Carleton Road, Skipton BD23 2BE. It is close to the town centre and easily reached from the A65 or the A59. The postcode is reliable in sat nav and should bring you right to the door. There is car parking on site, and the centre has ramp access for wheelchair users along with toilet facilities.
The roads around Skipton offer a lovely mix of market-town streets and faster stretches heading out towards the Yorkshire Dales, so the test routes are varied and interesting. Arrive about ten minutes before your appointment to give yourself time to check in. Bring your photocard provisional driving licence, as you cannot sit the test without it.
About Skipton Test Centre
Skipton is a DVSA driving test centre located in North Yorkshire. With a current pass rate of 54.4%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 2,812 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it a relatively quiet centre.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Skipton, 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 617 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the BD23 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Skipton test centre serves candidates from North Yorkshire 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 Skipton will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the North Yorkshire 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 234 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 Skipton stands at 54.4%, 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 5.5 percentage point advantage at Skipton, passing at 56.9% compared to 51.4% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Skipton was 56.3% in 2013-14, while the lowest was 46.3% in 2007-08.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Jul at 59.5%, while the lowest was in Sep at 50.3%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Skipton Historical Performance
Our records for Skipton begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 46.3% from 3,013 tests. By 2015-16, the rate had risen to 53.2%, and it now sits at 54.4%.
Test volumes at Skipton 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 Skipton
Based on the data we hold for Skipton, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Consider timing carefully. At Skipton, pass rates in Jul (59.5%) are notably higher than in Sep (50.3%). While many factors contribute, booking during higher-rate months may work in your favour.
- Take advantage of availability. Skipton 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 Skipton. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the North Yorkshire area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Skipton, 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 Skipton 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 Skipton?
The current pass rate at Skipton is 54.4%, based on 2,812 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Skipton conduct per year?
Skipton conducted 2,812 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 234 per month. This makes it a relatively quiet centre.
Is Skipton a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 54.4%, Skipton 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 Skipton?
Based on 2024-25 data, Jul had the highest pass rate at 59.5%. 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 Skipton?
Male candidates have a 5.5 percentage point advantage at Skipton, passing at 56.9% compared to 51.4% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Skipton pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 240 | 129 | 53.8% | 55.0% | 52.3% |
| May | 238 | 134 | 56.3% | 58.5% | 53.7% |
| Jun | 211 | 112 | 53.1% | 57.5% | 48.6% |
| Jul | 222 | 132 | 59.5% | 63.5% | 55.1% |
| Aug | 256 | 131 | 51.2% | 57.6% | 43.6% |
| Sep | 169 | 85 | 50.3% | 50.5% | 50.0% |
| Oct | 308 | 172 | 55.8% | 61.7% | 49.3% |
| Nov | 266 | 150 | 56.4% | 60.6% | 51.6% |
| Dec | 233 | 127 | 54.5% | 53.7% | 55.5% |
| Jan | 198 | 108 | 54.5% | 52.5% | 57.5% |
| Feb | 229 | 124 | 54.1% | 57.4% | 49.5% |
| Mar | 242 | 125 | 51.7% | 51.2% | 52.1% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 5.5pp higher rate than female candidates at Skipton.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Skipton? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 2,186 of the tests conducted here.
24-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Skipton with 61.4% from 70 tests, while 20-year-olds have the lowest at 46.9%.
| Age | Tests | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 948 | 60.9% | 64.4% | 57.1% |
| 18 | 494 | 49.2% | 52.2% | 46.2% |
| 19 | 193 | 53.4% | 58.5% | 48.5% |
| 20 | 128 | 46.9% | 50.0% | 43.5% |
| 21 | 105 | 57.1% | 58.1% | 54.8% |
| 22 | 98 | 53.1% | 53.7% | 52.3% |
| 23 | 81 | 48.1% | 50.0% | 44.4% |
| 24 | 70 | 61.4% | 71.1% | 50.0% |
| 25 | 69 | 55.1% | 57.1% | 52.9% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Skipton, the automatic test pass rate is 54.0%, which is similar to the overall pass rate of 54.4%. 285 automatic tests were conducted here in the latest year.
Male automatic candidates pass at 56.0% compared to 52.7% for females.