Portsmouth Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Portsmouth with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Portsmouth Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Portsmouth | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 51.8% | 51.8% | 0.0% |
| Male | 52.2% | 51.8% | +0.4% |
| Female | 51.3% | 51.8% | -0.5% |
| First Attempt | 51.6% | 51.8% | -0.2% |
| Automatic | 46.1% | 51.8% | -5.7% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
47.2%
2021/22
50.4%
2022/23
48.2%
2023/24
50.3%
2024/25
51.8%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
11,305
Total
6,750
Male
4,555
Female
202 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Portsmouth Test Routes
We have mapped 30 real driving test routes used at Portsmouth (PO1 5QH). Routes range from 11.9 km (29 mins) to 21.1 km (32 mins), with an average distance of 16.8 km taking around 31 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
30
Total Routes
31 min
Avg Duration
16.8 km
Avg Distance
7
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 17.9 km | 30 min |
| #2 | 13.2 km | 26 min |
| #3 | 15.7 km | 31 min |
| #4 | 11.9 km | 29 min |
| #7 | 18.4 km | 30 min |
| #8 | 17.6 km | 31 min |
| #10 | 19 km | 35 min |
| #11 | 18.6 km | 36 min |
| #12 | 18.8 km | 35 min |
| #13 | 17.2 km | 31 min |
+ 20 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Portsmouth Test Routes
Across all 30 routes, examiners at Portsmouth use 165 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 30 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 Portsmouth Challenging
Key Challenges
- Navigating country lanes where hedgerows restrict forward vision
- Managing complex multi-exit roundabouts near major town centres
- Adjusting to gravel and mud on road surfaces near farms and equestrian centres
- Coping with heavy congestion near railway stations during peak travel times
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 11,305 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 51.8%, the pass rate at Portsmouth is effectively in line with the national average of 51.8%, sitting squarely in the middle of the difficulty spectrum at rank 192 of 322. Pass rates have improved modestly over recent years, moving from 47.2% to 51.8%, a gradual gain of 4.6 percentage points. Younger candidates at 17 perform notably well here with a 61.1% pass rate, compared to an average of 52.5% for those aged 22-25.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Portsmouth
Expert Tips
- 1
Build experience with staggered crossroads and priority junctions in older village layouts.
- 2
Work on your awareness of cyclists and horse riders, who share many south-east lanes.
- 3
Get used to the variety of roundabout sizes here, from mini-roundabouts to large multi-lane junctions.
- 4
Work on clutch control for the frequent slow-speed manoeuvring required in urban test routes.
- 5
Get comfortable with multi-lane roundabouts by understanding your lane choice well before you reach the roundabout.
- 6
202 candidates achieved zero faults at Portsmouth in the last reporting period, proving that a clean pass is achievable with the right preparation.
Best Time to Test
Booking a test mid-week at Portsmouth, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often means quieter roads compared to Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. With 11,305 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Portsmouth
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee On The Solent | 5.5 miles | 59.6% | Easy |
| Newport (Isle of Wight) | 13.6 miles | 52.4% | Above Average |
| Chichester | 14.5 miles | 64.2% | Easy |
| Southampton (Maybush) | 15.9 miles | 47.1% | Below Average |
| Winchester | 16.7 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 EastFrequently Asked Questions About Portsmouth
What is the pass rate at Portsmouth?+
The current pass rate at Portsmouth is 51.8%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 11,305 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 52.2% and the female pass rate is 51.3%.
Is Portsmouth a hard driving test centre?+
Portsmouth is ranked 192 out of 322 UK test centres for difficulty and is classified as "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 Portsmouth have?+
The exact number of routes at Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?+
Test routes at Portsmouth commonly include A-roads, dual carriageway, motorway junctions, 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 Portsmouth?+
Booking a test mid-week at Portsmouth, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often means quieter roads compared to Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. With 11,305 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Portsmouth compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Lee On The Solent (59.6%, 5.5 miles away); Newport (Isle of Wight) (52.4%, 13.6 miles away); Chichester (64.2%, 14.5 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
