Darlington Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Darlington with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Darlington Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Darlington | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 49.2% | 51.8% | -2.6% |
| Male | 48.4% | 51.8% | -3.4% |
| Female | 50.4% | 51.8% | -1.4% |
| First Attempt | 48.1% | 51.8% | -3.7% |
| Automatic | 43.6% | 51.8% | -8.2% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
51.5%
2021/22
55%
2022/23
57%
2023/24
55.1%
2024/25
49.2%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
6,828
Total
4,245
Male
2,583
Female
110 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Darlington Test Routes
We have mapped 25 real driving test routes used at Darlington (DL1 4PW). Routes range from 12.5 km (25 mins) to 21.3 km (35 mins), with an average distance of 16.6 km taking around 33 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
25
Total Routes
33 min
Avg Duration
16.6 km
Avg Distance
10
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 13 km | 31 min |
| #2 | 17.4 km | 33 min |
| #3 | 19.2 km | 39 min |
| #5 | 15.3 km | 31 min |
| #8 | 17.9 km | 39 min |
| #9 | 19.1 km | 38 min |
| #10 | 19.6 km | 35 min |
| #12 | 15.3 km | 37 min |
| #14 | 19.8 km | 39 min |
| #15 | 16.4 km | 37 min |
+ 15 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Darlington Test Routes
Across all 25 routes, examiners at Darlington use 133 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 25 Routes with Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Get the full route details with voice-guided navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and lane change before test day.
What Makes Darlington Challenging
Key Challenges
- Responding to pedestrians in busy town centre shopping areas
- Navigating complex junctions in town centres with multiple lanes
- Coping with crosswinds on exposed elevated roads and bridge approaches
- Maintaining concentration on long straight stretches between towns
Difficulty Analysis
At 49.2%, Darlington falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 132 out of 322 centres for difficulty. There has been a slight decline in pass rates over the recorded period, from 51.5% down to 49.2%, a shift of 2.3 points. There is a significant spread in pass rates by age here: 17-year-olds achieve 64.7%, while 23-year-olds manage only 44%, a gap of 20.7 percentage points.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Darlington
Expert Tips
- 1
Get comfortable with coastal road conditions if your centre is near the coast.
- 2
Practise merging onto ring roads from short slip roads, as this is a common route feature in the north-east.
- 3
Practise navigating terraced streets with cars parked on both sides limiting your forward visibility.
- 4
Practise driving through residential areas where parked cars create pinch points requiring you to judge priority.
- 5
Get comfortable with mini-roundabouts, common in suburban areas and testing your observation and timing.
- 6
110 candidates achieved zero faults at Darlington in the last reporting period, proving that a clean pass is achievable with the right preparation.
Best Time to Test
Late morning tests at Darlington benefit from lighter traffic after the commuter rush while still offering good daylight. With 6,828 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Darlington
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesbrough | 11.8 miles | 48.3% | Below Average |
| Northallerton | 12.5 miles | 58.6% | Easy |
| Durham | 14.2 miles | 49.6% | Below Average |
| Hartlepool | 16.8 miles | 49.7% | Below Average |
| Sunderland | 27.4 miles | 47.1% | Below Average |
Looking for a higher pass rate? Some nearby centres have better statistics. Compare options above to find the best fit for you.
View all centres in North EastFrequently Asked Questions About Darlington
What is the pass rate at Darlington?+
The current pass rate at Darlington is 49.2%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 6,828 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 48.4% and the female pass rate is 50.4%.
Is Darlington a hard driving test centre?+
Darlington is ranked 132 out of 322 UK test centres for difficulty and is classified as "Average". The pass rate is below the national average, which may indicate a more challenging test experience.
How many test routes does Darlington have?+
The exact number of routes at Darlington varies and is updated regularly. You can practise real test routes used at this centre with turn-by-turn navigation in the Test Routes Expert app.
What roads are commonly used at Darlington?+
Test routes at Darlington commonly include ring roads, coastal roads, industrial roads, residential, roundabouts. Being comfortable on these road types is essential for passing. The Test Routes Expert app lets you practise on the exact roads used in the test.
What's the best time to take a driving test at Darlington?+
Late morning tests at Darlington benefit from lighter traffic after the commuter rush while still offering good daylight. With 6,828 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Darlington compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Middlesbrough (48.3%, 11.8 miles away); Northallerton (58.6%, 12.5 miles away); Durham (49.6%, 14.2 miles away). Comparing pass rates and distances can help you choose the best centre for your test.
Know Every Route Before Test Day
Test Routes Expert gives you turn-by-turn navigation for real driving test routes at every UK test centre. No surprises on test day.
- Turn-by-turn navigation on real test routes
- Track your progress route by route
- Pass First Time Guarantee
