DVSA Test Centre
Islay Island Driving Test Centre
Everything you need before booking a driving test at Islay Island — the latest DVSA pass rates, current waiting times, how to practise the local test routes, and the nearest alternative centres. The headline number: 70% of tests here ended in a pass in 2022/23.
Islay Island pass rate (2022/23, DVSA)
National average pass rate (2024/25)
Typical wait for a test slot (May 2026)
Male / female pass rate (2022/23)
Pass rate at Islay Island
In 2022/23, 70% of practical driving tests at Islay Island ended in a pass — above the national average of 48.7%. Male candidates passed 82.4% of tests and female candidates 60.9% (from 17 and 23 tests respectively). That is 2 percentage points lower than in 2021/22 (72%).
Pass rate by year
| Year | Overall | Male | Female | Tests conducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | 62.9% | 73.1% | 55.6% | 62 |
| 2017/18 | 71.4% | 76.2% | 67.9% | 49 |
| 2018/19 | 75.5% | 86.4% | 66.7% | 49 |
| 2019/20 | 74.6% | 76% | 73.5% | 59 |
| 2021/22 | 72% | 82.6% | 63% | 50 |
| 2022/23 | 70% | 82.4% | 60.9% | 40 |
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 Islay Island is the most reliable way to shift the odds.
Islay Island driving test routes
The DVSA stopped publishing official test routes in 2010, but tests from Islay Island 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 Islay Island using the real road network around the centre, with turn-by-turn navigation so you can practise independently between lessons.
Practise Islay Island routes free
Generate mock driving test routes around Islay Island — 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 Islay Island
As of May 2026, learners booking at Islay Island faced a typical wait of around 22 weeks for a test slot. About 0% of appointments in the DVSA's 23-week booking window were still available (0 open slots against 17 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 Islay Island 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 Islay Island test centre?
Islay Island Driving Test Centre
Argyll and Bute Council Offices
Jamieson Street
Bowmore
Islay
PA43 7HL
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 Islay Island driving test centre?
The pass rate at Islay Island was 70% in 2022/23, based on official DVSA statistics. The national average for the same period was 48.7%. At this centre the male pass rate was 82.4% and the female pass rate was 60.9%.
How long is the wait for a driving test at Islay Island?
As of May 2026, the typical wait for a test slot at Islay Island was around 22 weeks, with about 0% of slots in the 23-week booking window still available.
What routes are used for driving tests at Islay Island?
The DVSA no longer publishes official test routes, but examiners at Islay Island draw on the same local road network for every test. DriveSidekick generates mock test routes using the real roads around Islay Island so you can practise the junctions, roundabouts and road types you are likely to meet on test day.
Where is Islay Island driving test centre?
Islay Island driving test centre is at Argyll and Bute Council Offices, Jamieson Street, Bowmore, Islay, PA43 7HL.
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.