Exeter Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Exeter with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Exeter Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Exeter | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 47.9% | 51.8% | -3.9% |
| Male | 47.3% | 51.8% | -4.5% |
| Female | 48.7% | 51.8% | -3.1% |
| First Attempt | 46.7% | 51.8% | -5.1% |
| Automatic | 42.4% | 51.8% | -9.4% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
48.3%
2021/22
45.1%
2022/23
49.2%
2023/24
48.7%
2024/25
47.9%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
8,714
Total
4,867
Male
3,847
Female
70 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Exeter Test Routes
We have mapped 12 real driving test routes used at Exeter (EX2 8FS). Routes range from 7.7 km (18 mins) to 19.7 km (31 mins), with an average distance of 14 km taking around 31 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
12
Total Routes
31 min
Avg Duration
14 km
Avg Distance
7
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 7.7 km | 18 min |
| #15 | 13.8 km | 35 min |
| #16 | 11.6 km | 27 min |
| #19 | 13.5 km | 36 min |
| #20 | 14 km | 32 min |
| #21 | 15 km | 35 min |
| #22 | 13.9 km | 34 min |
| #23 | 11.4 km | 28 min |
| #24 | 14.4 km | 32 min |
| #26 | 15.5 km | 23 min |
+ 2 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Exeter Test Routes
Across all 12 routes, examiners at Exeter use 66 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 12 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 Exeter Challenging
Key Challenges
- Coping with wet roads from the region's higher-than-average rainfall
- Managing blind bends on lanes where hedgerows grow close to the road edge
- Dealing with tourist traffic that increases significantly during summer and bank holidays
- Navigating extremely narrow lanes where reversing may be necessary to let vehicles pass
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 8,714 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 47.9%, Exeter falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 105 out of 322 centres for difficulty. Pass rates have remained relatively stable over the recorded period, fluctuating between 45.1% and 49.2%, a range of just 4.1 percentage points. Younger candidates at 17 perform notably well here with a 57.4% pass rate, compared to an average of 47.6% for those aged 22-25.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Exeter
Expert Tips
- 1
Build awareness of free-roaming livestock on unfenced moorland roads.
- 2
Practise wet-weather driving, as the south-west receives above-average rainfall.
- 3
Practise judging the width of your vehicle in narrow lanes where hedgerows brush both sides.
- 4
Build your ability to make progress when safe, as driving too slowly or timidly is itself a test fault.
- 5
Work on clutch control for the frequent slow-speed manoeuvring required in urban test routes.
Best Time to Test
Mid-morning tests between 10am and 12pm typically avoid the worst of commuter traffic around Exeter, giving candidates calmer roads to work with. With 8,714 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Exeter
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exeter LGV | 0 miles | 36.1% | Hard |
| Newton Abbot | 14 miles | 51.9% | Above Average |
| Taunton | 27.2 miles | 56.3% | Above Average |
| Barnstaple | 33.8 miles | 54.7% | Above Average |
| Plymouth | 36.5 miles | 40.8% | Hard |
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 South WestFrequently Asked Questions About Exeter
What is the pass rate at Exeter?+
The current pass rate at Exeter is 47.9%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 8,714 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 47.3% and the female pass rate is 48.7%.
Is Exeter a hard driving test centre?+
Exeter is ranked 105 out of 322 UK test centres for difficulty and is classified as "Below Average". The pass rate is below the national average, which may indicate a more challenging test experience.
How many test routes does Exeter have?+
The exact number of routes at Exeter 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 Exeter?+
Test routes at Exeter commonly include steep hills, harbour roads, country 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 Exeter?+
Mid-morning tests between 10am and 12pm typically avoid the worst of commuter traffic around Exeter, giving candidates calmer roads to work with. With 8,714 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Exeter compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Exeter LGV (36.1%, 0 miles away); Newton Abbot (51.9%, 14 miles away); Taunton (56.3%, 27.2 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
