Barnstaple
DVSA Practical Driving Test Centre
Overall pass rate
54.7%
2024-25
Male pass rate
55.7%
2024-25
Female pass rate
53.6%
2024-25
vs national avg
+5pp
National avg: 49.7%
Pass Rate History
Source: DVSA DRT122A · Open Government Licence v3.0
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Overall | Male | Female | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 54.7% | 55.7% | 53.6% | 7,166 |
| 2023-24 | 54.9% | 57.8% | 51.7% | 7,684 |
| 2022-23 | 54.3% | 57.9% | 50.9% | 6,442 |
| 2021-22 | 55.3% | 58.4% | 52.3% | 6,088 |
| 2019-20 | 54.3% | 58.7% | 50.3% | 5,860 |
| 2018-19 | 53.9% | 59.6% | 49.8% | 5,372 |
| 2017-18 | 46.6% | 53.7% | 41.1% | 7,048 |
| 2016-17 | 46.5% | 51.5% | 42.3% | 7,462 |
| 2015-16 | 52.6% | 55.2% | 50.1% | 5,258 |
| 2014-15 | 56.2% | 62.1% | 51.2% | 5,480 |
| 2013-14 | 55.2% | 60.6% | 50.5% | 5,332 |
| 2012-13 | 56.4% | 61.6% | 51.8% | 5,120 |
| 2011-12 | 53.6% | 60% | 48.5% | 5,598 |
| 2010-11 | 52.7% | 58.7% | 47.7% | 5,432 |
| 2009-10 | 53% | 58% | 48.4% | 5,570 |
| 2008-09 | 51.6% | 56.4% | 47.6% | 6,666 |
| 2007-08 | 46.8% | 53.8% | 41.3% | 6,712 |
About Barnstaple Driving Test Centre
Barnstaple is a DVSA practical driving test centre in Great Britain. In the 2024-25 financial year, the centre recorded an overall pass rate of 54.7% — 5pp above the national average of 49.7%. Male candidates passed at 55.7% and female candidates at 53.6%.
The year-by-year chart above shows how pass rates at this centre have changed over time compared to the national average. Use this to understand whether the centre is trending up or down, and how it compares historically.
Tips for Passing Your Driving Test
- 1Drive the test routes beforehand. Ask your instructor to practice on the roads around Barnstaple so the area feels familiar on test day.
- 2Arrive early and stay calm. Give yourself time to walk into the test centre, complete the eyesight check and settle your nerves before the examiner calls you.
- 3Observation is everything. The most common reasons for failing are observations — junctions, roundabouts and mirrors. Make your checks deliberate and visible to the examiner.
- 4Don't let a minor fault put you off. A minor fault won't fail you — it's only a fail if you get 16 minors or commit a serious/dangerous fault. Refocus and drive on.
- 5Pass your theory test first. You must have a valid theory test pass certificate to book your practical. Make sure it hasn't expired (it's valid for 2 years).
Frequently Asked Questions — Barnstaple
What is the pass rate at Barnstaple?
In 2024-25, the overall pass rate at Barnstaple was 54.7%, which is 5pp above the national average of 49.7%. The full year-by-year breakdown is shown in the chart and table above.
How do I book a driving test at Barnstaple?
Practical driving tests are booked through the official DVSA service at gov.uk. You'll need a valid provisional licence, a passed theory test certificate, and your instructor's details if you're using a driving school car.
Is Barnstaple a good test centre to take my test at?
Barnstaple has an above-average pass rate, which can reflect less congested test routes. However, your preparation is the biggest factor — practice thoroughly on local roads regardless of which centre you choose.
Know someone taking their test here?
Share this page so they can see the pass rate history.