DVSA Test Centre
Durham Driving Test Centre
Everything you need before booking a driving test at Durham — the latest DVSA pass rates, current waiting times, how to practise the local test routes, and the nearest alternative centres. The headline number: 49.6% of tests here ended in a pass in 2024/25.
Durham 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 Durham
In 2024/25, 49.6% of practical driving tests at Durham ended in a pass — above the national average of 48.7%. Male candidates passed 49.7% of tests and female candidates 49.5% (from 4,181 and 4,047 tests respectively). That is 1.5 percentage points higher than in 2023/24 (48.1%).
Pass rate by year
| Year | Overall | Male | Female | Tests conducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 56.9% | 59.1% | 54.8% | 7,598 |
| 2020/21 | 62.6% | 64.6% | 60.6% | 1,815 |
| 2021/22 | 62.5% | 64.8% | 60.4% | 5,795 |
| 2022/23 | 55.7% | 57% | 54.6% | 7,617 |
| 2023/24 | 48.1% | 48.8% | 47.3% | 9,516 |
| 2024/25 | 49.6% | 49.7% | 49.5% | 8,228 |
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 Durham is the most reliable way to shift the odds.
Durham driving test routes
The DVSA stopped publishing official test routes in 2010, but tests from Durham 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 Durham using the real road network around the centre, with turn-by-turn navigation so you can practise independently between lessons.
Practise Durham routes free
Generate mock driving test routes around Durham — 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 Durham
As of May 2026, learners booking at Durham faced a typical wait of around 14 weeks for a test slot. About 16.7% of appointments in the DVSA's 20-week booking window were still available (601 open slots against 2,999 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 Durham 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 Durham test centre?
Durham Driving Test Centre
1st Floor Enna House
Whitfield Court
St John's Road
Meadowfield Durham
DH7 8XL
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 Durham driving test centre?
The pass rate at Durham was 49.6% 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 49.7% and the female pass rate was 49.5%.
How long is the wait for a driving test at Durham?
As of May 2026, the typical wait for a test slot at Durham was around 14 weeks, with about 16.7% of slots in the 20-week booking window still available.
What routes are used for driving tests at Durham?
The DVSA no longer publishes official test routes, but examiners at Durham draw on the same local road network for every test. DriveSidekick generates mock test routes using the real roads around Durham so you can practise the junctions, roundabouts and road types you are likely to meet on test day.
Where is Durham driving test centre?
Durham driving test centre is at 1st Floor Enna House, Whitfield Court, St John's Road, Meadowfield Durham, DH7 8XL.
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.