Plymouth Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Plymouth with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Plymouth Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Plymouth | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 40.8% | 51.8% | -11.0% |
| Male | 40% | 51.8% | -11.8% |
| Female | 41.6% | 51.8% | -10.2% |
| First Attempt | 38.9% | 51.8% | -12.9% |
| Automatic | 32.4% | 51.8% | -19.4% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
38.6%
2021/22
39.4%
2022/23
37.2%
2023/24
40.3%
2024/25
40.8%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
9,867
Total
5,269
Male
4,598
Female
42 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Plymouth Test Routes
We have mapped 14 real driving test routes used at Plymouth (PL5 2EY). Routes range from 10.5 km (25 mins) to 19 km (35 mins), with an average distance of 15.9 km taking around 34 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
14
Total Routes
34 min
Avg Duration
15.9 km
Avg Distance
5
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 10.5 km | 25 min |
| #12 | 16.7 km | 37 min |
| #13 | 15.8 km | 33 min |
| #14 | 15.1 km | 36 min |
| #15 | 17.9 km | 38 min |
| #16 | 15.7 km | 39 min |
| #18 | 17.6 km | 39 min |
| #19 | 15.9 km | 37 min |
| #20 | 12.7 km | 29 min |
| #21 | 16.1 km | 30 min |
+ 4 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Plymouth Test Routes
Across all 14 routes, examiners at Plymouth use 85 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 14 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 Plymouth Challenging
Key Challenges
- Coping with wet roads from the region's higher-than-average rainfall
- Navigating through historic market towns with narrow streets and tight corners
- Navigating extremely narrow lanes where reversing may be necessary to let vehicles pass
- Managing blind bends on lanes where hedgerows grow close to the road edge
- Handling conditions that automatic transmission candidates find particularly challenging, as reflected in the 32.4% automatic pass rate versus 40.8% overall
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 9,867 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 40.8%, Plymouth falls well below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 28 out of 322 centres for difficulty. Pass rates have improved modestly over recent years, moving from 38.6% to 40.8%, a gradual gain of 2.2 percentage points. Automatic test candidates pass at just 32.4% here, a substantial 8.4-point gap below the overall 40.8% that suggests local conditions favour manual gearbox control.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Plymouth
Expert Tips
- 1
Practise wet-weather driving, as the south-west receives above-average rainfall.
- 2
Work on your gear selection for descents, relying on engine braking rather than just your foot brake.
- 3
Practise driving on extremely narrow lanes where reversing may be your only option when meeting oncoming traffic.
- 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.
- 6
If taking the test in an automatic at Plymouth, be aware the automatic pass rate is 32.4%, notably lower than the 40.8% overall. Extra practice around the centre is advisable.
- 7
First-time pass rates at Plymouth sit at 38.9%, so a mock test with a local instructor who knows the routes is strongly recommended before your exam.
Best Time to Test
Booking a test mid-week at Plymouth, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often means quieter roads compared to Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. With 9,867 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Plymouth
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth LGV | 0 miles | 20.3% | Hard |
| Launceston | 20.7 miles | 48.3% | Below Average |
| Newton Abbot | 25.8 miles | 51.9% | Above Average |
| Bodmin | 26.5 miles | 46.1% | Hard |
| Exeter | 36.5 miles | 47.9% | 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 South WestFrequently Asked Questions About Plymouth
What is the pass rate at Plymouth?+
The current pass rate at Plymouth is 40.8%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 9,867 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 40% and the female pass rate is 41.6%.
Is Plymouth a hard driving test centre?+
Plymouth is ranked 28 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 Plymouth have?+
The exact number of routes at Plymouth 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 Plymouth?+
Test routes at Plymouth commonly include country roads, residential, narrow lanes, harbour roads, 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 Plymouth?+
Booking a test mid-week at Plymouth, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often means quieter roads compared to Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. With 9,867 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Plymouth compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Plymouth LGV (20.3%, 0 miles away); Launceston (48.3%, 20.7 miles away); Newton Abbot (51.9%, 25.8 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
