Durham Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Durham with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Durham Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Durham | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 49.6% | 51.8% | -2.2% |
| Male | 49.7% | 51.8% | -2.1% |
| Female | 49.5% | 51.8% | -2.3% |
| First Attempt | 49.9% | 51.8% | -1.9% |
| Automatic | 45.3% | 51.8% | -6.5% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
56.9%
2021/22
62.5%
2022/23
55.7%
2023/24
48.1%
2024/25
49.6%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
8,228
Total
4,181
Male
4,047
Female
111 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Durham Test Routes
We have mapped 23 real driving test routes used at Durham (DH7 8XL). Routes range from 10.3 km (22 mins) to 25.4 km (36 mins), with an average distance of 18.1 km taking around 31 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
23
Total Routes
31 min
Avg Duration
18.1 km
Avg Distance
7
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #2 | 18.9 km | 39 min |
| #4 | 10.3 km | 22 min |
| #9 | 16.2 km | 33 min |
| #10 | 16.1 km | 33 min |
| #11 | 19.9 km | 35 min |
| #14 | 15.8 km | 36 min |
| #15 | 15 km | 31 min |
| #16 | 20.4 km | 34 min |
| #17 | 25.4 km | 36 min |
| #18 | 17.4 km | 31 min |
+ 13 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Durham Test Routes
Across all 23 routes, examiners at Durham use 92 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 23 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 Durham Challenging
Key Challenges
- Handling roundabouts at A-road junctions with high-speed traffic
- Dealing with wet road surfaces that are common in the north-east climate
- Responding to pedestrians in busy town centre shopping areas
- Timing right turns across busy dual carriageways at staggered junctions
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 8,228 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 49.6%, Durham falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 143 out of 322 centres for difficulty. There has been a slight decline in pass rates over the recorded period, from 56.9% down to 49.6%, a shift of 7.3 points. The automatic pass rate of 45.3% trails the overall 49.6% by 4.3 points, a gap automatic candidates should factor into their preparation.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Durham
Expert Tips
- 1
Build confidence with roundabouts at A-road junctions where traffic moves at higher speeds.
- 2
Work on lane discipline for multi-lane approaches to town centre junctions.
- 3
Practise merging onto ring roads from short slip roads, as this is a common route feature in the north-east.
- 4
Build your ability to make progress when safe, as driving too slowly or timidly is itself a test fault.
- 5
Practise parallel parking in realistic conditions with vehicles in front and behind your target space.
Best Time to Test
Booking a test mid-week at Durham, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often means quieter roads compared to Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. With 8,228 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Durham
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington | 14.2 miles | 49.2% | Below Average |
| Gateshead | 21.3 miles | 37.4% | Hard |
| Hartlepool | 21.6 miles | 49.7% | Below Average |
| Middlesbrough | 21.6 miles | 48.3% | Below Average |
| Sunderland | 22.1 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 Durham
What is the pass rate at Durham?+
The current pass rate at Durham is 49.6%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 8,228 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 49.7% and the female pass rate is 49.5%.
Is Durham a hard driving test centre?+
Durham is ranked 143 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 Durham have?+
The exact number of routes at Durham 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 Durham?+
Test routes at Durham commonly include terraced streets, bridge approaches, ring 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 Durham?+
Booking a test mid-week at Durham, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often means quieter roads compared to Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. With 8,228 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Durham compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Darlington (49.2%, 14.2 miles away); Gateshead (37.4%, 21.3 miles away); Hartlepool (49.7%, 21.6 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
