DVSA Test Centre
Canterbury Driving Test Centre
Everything you need before booking a driving test at Canterbury — the latest DVSA pass rates, current waiting times, how to practise the local test routes, and the nearest alternative centres. The headline number: 50.3% of tests here ended in a pass in 2024/25.
Canterbury pass rate (2024/25, DVSA)
National average pass rate (2024/25)
Typical wait for a test slot (May 2026)
Male / female pass rate (2024/25)
Pass rate at Canterbury
In 2024/25, 50.3% of practical driving tests at Canterbury ended in a pass — above the national average of 48.7%. Male candidates passed 48.4% of tests and female candidates 52.9% (from 1,896 and 1,426 tests respectively). That is 1.8 percentage points higher than in 2023/24 (48.5%).
Pass rate by year
| Year | Overall | Male | Female | Tests conducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 46.1% | 49.6% | 42.9% | 2,998 |
| 2020/21 | 50.4% | 54.6% | 46% | 893 |
| 2021/22 | 49.9% | 51.7% | 47.8% | 3,528 |
| 2022/23 | 51.4% | 51.7% | 51% | 3,637 |
| 2023/24 | 48.5% | 49% | 47.9% | 3,844 |
| 2024/25 | 50.3% | 48.4% | 52.9% | 3,322 |
Source: DVSA car practical test data by centre. Explore the full history in our DVSA Stats Explorer.
Every DVSA examiner marks to the same national standard — a lower pass rate does not mean stricter examiners. It reflects the difficulty of the local road network and how well-prepared candidates tend to be. Knowing the roads around Canterbury is the most reliable way to shift the odds.
Canterbury driving test routes
The DVSA stopped publishing official test routes in 2010, but tests from Canterbury still follow a consistent pattern: examiners use an established set of routes built from the road network within roughly 20 minutes' drive of the centre. Candidates who have practised on those local roads — the same junctions, roundabouts and high-speed stretches — go into their test with far less uncertainty.
DriveSidekick generates mock test routes for Canterbury using the real road network around the centre, with turn-by-turn navigation so you can practise independently between lessons.
Practise Canterbury routes free
Generate mock driving test routes around Canterbury — real roads, turn-by-turn navigation. Free to try, 2 routes included.
Download on Google Play →Free during beta — all routes and navigation included.
Waiting times at Canterbury
As of May 2026, learners booking at Canterbury faced a typical wait of around 5 weeks for a test slot. About 6.1% of appointments in the DVSA's 24-week booking window were still available (87 open slots against 1,345 already booked).
Availability changes daily as the DVSA releases new dates and cancellations appear. Check the live picture — and compare nearby centres — with our waiting time checker.
Your 3 nearest alternative test centres
If waits at Canterbury are long — or you would simply rather sit your test somewhere with a friendlier road network — these are the closest alternatives. Pass rates differ meaningfully between neighbouring centres, so it is worth comparing before you book.
Not sure which centre is closest to you? Use the nearest test centre finder to compare all centres around your postcode.
Where is Canterbury test centre?
Canterbury Driving Test Centre
25 New Dover Road
Canterbury
CT1 3AS
Arrive at least ten minutes early. Most centres have limited or no candidate parking, so check where your instructor plans to stop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass rate at Canterbury driving test centre?
The pass rate at Canterbury was 50.3% in 2024/25, based on official DVSA statistics. The national average for the same period was 48.7%. At this centre the male pass rate was 48.4% and the female pass rate was 52.9%.
How long is the wait for a driving test at Canterbury?
As of May 2026, the typical wait for a test slot at Canterbury was around 5 weeks, with about 6.1% of slots in the 24-week booking window still available.
What routes are used for driving tests at Canterbury?
The DVSA no longer publishes official test routes, but examiners at Canterbury draw on the same local road network for every test. DriveSidekick generates mock test routes using the real roads around Canterbury so you can practise the junctions, roundabouts and road types you are likely to meet on test day.
Where is Canterbury driving test centre?
Canterbury driving test centre is at 25 New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3AS.
Pass rate data: DVSA car driving test data by test centre (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence). Waiting time figures are DriveSidekick analysis of DVSA booking availability, last updated May 2026. Distances are road-network estimates between centres.