Kettering Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Kettering with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Kettering Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Kettering | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 46% | 51.8% | -5.8% |
| Male | 45.7% | 51.8% | -6.1% |
| Female | 46.3% | 51.8% | -5.5% |
| First Attempt | 46.2% | 51.8% | -5.6% |
| Automatic | 40.8% | 51.8% | -11.0% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
47.8%
2021/22
40.5%
2022/23
44.8%
2023/24
48.4%
2024/25
46%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
8,489
Total
4,601
Male
3,888
Female
80 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Kettering Test Routes
We have mapped 20 real driving test routes used at Kettering (NN15 6NL). Routes range from 11.9 km (23 mins) to 24.5 km (37 mins), with an average distance of 16.9 km taking around 32 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
20
Total Routes
32 min
Avg Duration
16.9 km
Avg Distance
11
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #4 | 14.2 km | 37 min |
| #8 | 18 km | 37 min |
| #9 | 14.9 km | 36 min |
| #10 | 20.5 km | 38 min |
| #11 | 19.8 km | 39 min |
| #12 | 15.2 km | 38 min |
| #13 | 13.3 km | 30 min |
| #14 | 18.5 km | 30 min |
| #16 | 16.4 km | 28 min |
| #17 | 18.6 km | 33 min |
+ 10 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Kettering Test Routes
Across all 20 routes, examiners at Kettering use 96 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 20 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 Kettering Challenging
Key Challenges
- Handling exposed roads where crosswinds can catch drivers off guard
- Adjusting driving for varying road surfaces between newer and older road sections
- Maintaining focus on long, straight roads where complacency can set in
- Responding to sudden speed limit changes through small villages on A-roads
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 8,489 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 46%, Kettering falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 70 out of 322 centres for difficulty. Pass rates have remained relatively stable over the recorded period, fluctuating between 40.5% and 48.4%, a range of just 7.9 percentage points. Younger candidates at 17 perform notably well here with a 57.4% pass rate, compared to an average of 47.4% for those aged 22-25.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Kettering
Expert Tips
- 1
Build experience with the logistics-park roads near your centre where HGV traffic is heavy.
- 2
Get used to crosswinds on exposed flat roads, keeping a firm but relaxed grip on the steering.
- 3
Practise maintaining concentration on long, straight roads where the temptation to lose focus is real.
- 4
Work on clutch control for the frequent slow-speed manoeuvring required in urban test routes.
- 5
Build your ability to make progress when safe, as driving too slowly or timidly is itself a test fault.
Best Time to Test
Mid-morning tests between 10am and 12pm typically avoid the worst of commuter traffic around Kettering, giving candidates calmer roads to work with. With 8,489 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Kettering
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellingborough | 5.4 miles | 55.1% | Above Average |
| Northampton | 12.4 miles | 50.4% | Below Average |
| Bedford | 19.9 miles | 49.9% | Below Average |
| Upton | 21 miles | 50% | Below Average |
| Leicester (Wigston) | 21.5 miles | 43.9% | 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 East MidlandsFrequently Asked Questions About Kettering
What is the pass rate at Kettering?+
The current pass rate at Kettering is 46%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 8,489 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 45.7% and the female pass rate is 46.3%.
Is Kettering a hard driving test centre?+
Kettering is ranked 70 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 Kettering have?+
The exact number of routes at Kettering 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 Kettering?+
Test routes at Kettering commonly include flat terrain roads, roundabouts, country roads, residential. 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 Kettering?+
Mid-morning tests between 10am and 12pm typically avoid the worst of commuter traffic around Kettering, giving candidates calmer roads to work with. With 8,489 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Kettering compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Wellingborough (55.1%, 5.4 miles away); Northampton (50.4%, 12.4 miles away); Bedford (49.9%, 19.9 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

