Orkney Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Orkney with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Orkney Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Orkney | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 66% | 51.8% | +14.2% |
| Male | 67.6% | 51.8% | +15.8% |
| Female | 64.2% | 51.8% | +12.4% |
| First Attempt | 69.1% | 51.8% | +17.3% |
| Automatic | N/A | 51.8% | N/A |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
68.5%
2021/22
67.6%
2022/23
60.9%
2023/24
60.6%
2024/25
66%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
350
Total
188
Male
162
Female
11 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Orkney Test Routes
We have mapped 11 real driving test routes used at Orkney (KW15 1FL). Routes range from 9.7 km (23 mins) to 25.9 km (35 mins), with an average distance of 20.9 km taking around 30 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
11
Total Routes
30 min
Avg Duration
20.9 km
Avg Distance
2
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 9.7 km | 23 min |
| #2 | 25.3 km | 34 min |
| #3 | 23.2 km | 29 min |
| #4 | 16.4 km | 27 min |
| #5 | 21.1 km | 28 min |
| #6 | 22.5 km | 33 min |
| #7 | 25.1 km | 35 min |
| #8 | 20.7 km | 24 min |
| #9 | 24.7 km | 34 min |
| #10 | 15.2 km | 26 min |
+ 1 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Orkney Test Routes
Across all 11 routes, examiners at Orkney use 65 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 11 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 Orkney Challenging
Key Challenges
- Responding to slow-moving agricultural vehicles on country roads
- Managing steep hill starts on inclines common in Scottish towns and countryside
- Maintaining appropriate speed through villages with tight speed limit changes
- Navigating junctions where stone walls or hedgerows limit sightlines
Difficulty Analysis
With a pass rate of 66% against a national average of 51.8%, Orkney is considerably easier than the typical UK test centre, ranking 300 out of 322 centres nationwide. There has been a slight decline in pass rates over the recorded period, from 68.5% down to 66%, a shift of 2.5 points. Male candidates edge ahead with 67.6% compared to 64.2% for female candidates.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Orkney
Expert Tips
- 1
Get comfortable with varying road surfaces, as roads near your centre may transition between smoother and rougher sections.
- 2
Be prepared for rapid weather changes during your test. Adjusting your driving for rain or wind is expected at Scottish centres.
- 3
Practise driving on roads where visibility is limited by terrain, adjusting your speed accordingly.
- 4
Practise judging the national speed limit on open roads. Going too slowly can be as much a fault as exceeding it.
- 5
Build confidence with overtaking slow vehicles when safe, reading the road ahead for oncoming traffic.
- 6
11 candidates achieved zero faults at Orkney in the last reporting period, proving that a clean pass is achievable with the right preparation.
Best Time to Test
Summer months at Orkney offer the best visibility and road conditions, though learners should be aware of increased seasonal traffic during this period. As a quieter centre with 350 tests per year, availability is generally better here than at busier locations.
Test Centres Near Orkney
Nearby Centres
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 ScotlandFrequently Asked Questions About Orkney
What is the pass rate at Orkney?+
The current pass rate at Orkney is 66%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 350 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 67.6% and the female pass rate is 64.2%.
Is Orkney a hard driving test centre?+
Orkney is ranked 300 out of 322 UK test centres for difficulty and is classified as "Above Average". The pass rate here is at or above the national average, suggesting it is not one of the harder centres.
How many test routes does Orkney have?+
The exact number of routes at Orkney 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 Orkney?+
Test routes at Orkney commonly include passing places, village streets, residential, single-track roads. 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 Orkney?+
Summer months at Orkney offer the best visibility and road conditions, though learners should be aware of increased seasonal traffic during this period. As a quieter centre with 350 tests per year, availability is generally better here than at busier locations.
How does Orkney compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Thurso (58.1%, 19.6 miles away); Wick (53.8%, 29.2 miles away); Golspie (68%, 65.6 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
