Wick Driving Test Centre
· Shetland Islands
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Key Statistics
Getting to Wick
Wick driving test centre is at Unit 5E4, Airport Industrial Estate, Wick, Caithness KW1 4QS. As the name suggests, it is out near Wick Airport on the edge of town rather than in the centre itself. Follow the A99 towards the airport and look for signs to the industrial estate. The unit is clearly marked once you are on site.
This is one of the most northerly test centres on the British mainland, so if you are travelling from further afield, allow plenty of time. Public transport is limited in this area, and most candidates arrive with their instructor. Get there about ten minutes early with your photocard provisional licence ready.
About Wick Test Centre
Wick is a DVSA driving test centre located in Shetland Islands. With a current pass rate of 53.8%, it is close to the national average of approximately 47%. The centre conducted 225 practical driving tests in the 2024-25 financial year, making it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
DrivingData UK holds 17 years of historical data for Wick, 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 9 DVSA-approved driving instructors registered in the ZE2 postcode area, giving candidates in this region a good range of qualified instructors to choose from.
Location & What to Expect
Wick test centre serves candidates from Shetland Islands 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 Wick will take you through a mix of local roads typical of the Shetland Islands 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 19 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 Wick stands at 53.8%, 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 2.5 percentage points.
Male candidates have a 17.8 percentage point advantage at Wick, passing at 62.0% compared to 44.2% for female candidates.
The highest pass rate recorded at Wick was 64.7% in 2015-16, while the lowest was 45.8% in 2008-09.
Looking at the monthly breakdown for 2024-25, the highest pass rate was recorded in Mar at 45.7%, while the lowest was in Mar at 45.7%. The monthly variation is fairly modest, suggesting consistent conditions throughout the year.
Wick Historical Performance
Our records for Wick begin in the 2007-08 financial year, when the pass rate stood at 48.5% from 309 tests. By 2016-17, the rate had risen to 61.7%, and it now sits at 53.8%.
Test volumes at Wick 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 Wick
Based on the data we hold for Wick, here are specific tips to help you prepare:
- Take advantage of availability. Wick 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 Wick. Test routes typically cover a mix of residential streets, main roads, and potentially roundabouts or dual carriageways in the Shetland Islands area.
- Check the DVSA waiting times. Before committing to Wick, 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 Wick 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 Wick 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 Wick?
The current pass rate at Wick is 53.8%, based on 225 tests conducted in 2024-25. This is close to the national average of around 47%.
How many tests does Wick conduct per year?
Wick conducted 225 practical driving tests in 2024-25, averaging approximately 19 per month. This makes it one of the quieter centres in the UK.
Is Wick a good centre to take my test at?
With a pass rate of 53.8%, Wick 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 Wick?
Based on 2024-25 data, Mar had the highest pass rate at 45.7%. 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 Wick?
Male candidates have a 17.8 percentage point advantage at Wick, passing at 62.0% compared to 44.2% for female candidates. These differences often reflect the mix of candidates rather than any inherent advantage.
Historical Pass Rate Trend
Wick pass rate over 17 years
Monthly Breakdown (2024-25)
| Month | Tests | Passes | Pass Rate | Male Rate | Female Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | 35 | 16 | 45.7% | 40.0% | 53.3% |
Gender Comparison
Male candidates pass at a 17.8pp higher rate than female candidates at Wick.
Pass Rate by Age
How do different age groups perform at Wick? The chart below shows pass rates for candidates aged 17 to 25, who account for 121 of the tests conducted here.
17-year-olds have the highest pass rate at Wick with 64.6% from 82 tests, while 18-year-olds have the lowest at 56.4%. 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 | 82 | 64.6% | 70.7% | 58.5% |
| 18 | 39 | 56.4% | 69.6% | 37.5% |
| 19 | 0 | 45.0% | 53.3% | 20.0% |
| 20 | 0 | 43.8% | 40.0% | 45.5% |
| 21 | 0 | 42.9% | 66.7% | 25.0% |
| 22 | 0 | 55.6% | 66.7% | 33.3% |
| 23 | 0 | 33.3% | 33.3% | 33.3% |
| 24 | 0 | 50.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 25 | 0 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Automatic vs Manual
At Wick, the automatic test pass rate is 46.2%, which is 7.6 percentage points lower than the overall pass rate of 53.8%. 13 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.
Female automatic candidates pass at 41.7% compared to 0.0% for males.