Preston Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Preston with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Preston Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Preston | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 53.7% | 51.8% | +1.9% |
| Male | 54.2% | 51.8% | +2.4% |
| Female | 53.1% | 51.8% | +1.3% |
| First Attempt | 53.8% | 51.8% | +2.0% |
| Automatic | 45.8% | 51.8% | -6.0% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
54.6%
2021/22
56.9%
2022/23
61.1%
2023/24
56.7%
2024/25
53.7%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
11,380
Total
6,644
Male
4,736
Female
185 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Preston Test Routes
We have mapped 10 real driving test routes used at Preston (PR2 2PD). Routes range from 9.5 km (23 mins) to 20.2 km (35 mins), with an average distance of 13.4 km taking around 29 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
10
Total Routes
29 min
Avg Duration
13.4 km
Avg Distance
5
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 9.5 km | 23 min |
| #11 | 11.5 km | 28 min |
| #13 | 14.9 km | 30 min |
| #15 | 13.8 km | 37 min |
| #19 | 10.2 km | 27 min |
| #20 | 11.1 km | 26 min |
| #21 | 12.8 km | 24 min |
| #22 | 19 km | 27 min |
| #23 | 20.2 km | 35 min |
| #24 | 11.3 km | 29 min |
Roads Used in Preston Test Routes
Across all 10 routes, examiners at Preston use 84 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 10 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 Preston Challenging
Key Challenges
- Coping with steep hills in towns built on Lancashire and Pennine hillsides
- Merging with fast-moving traffic on dual carriageways near motorway connections
- Handling multi-lane roundabouts on busy ring roads and bypasses
- Reading unfamiliar road layouts where historic street patterns override modern standards
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 11,380 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 53.7%, the pass rate at Preston is effectively in line with the national average of 51.8%, sitting squarely in the middle of the difficulty spectrum at rank 212 of 322. Pass rates have remained relatively stable over the recorded period, fluctuating between 53.7% and 61.1%, a range of just 7.4 percentage points. The automatic pass rate of 45.8% trails the overall 53.7% by 7.9 points, a gap automatic candidates should factor into their preparation.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Preston
Expert Tips
- 1
Build confidence navigating narrow terraced streets with parked cars on both sides.
- 2
Get used to tram line crossings if your centre is in the Greater Manchester Metrolink area.
- 3
Get comfortable with multi-lane roundabouts, which feature prominently on routes around north-west centres.
- 4
Work on clutch control for the frequent slow-speed manoeuvring required in urban test routes.
- 5
Practise maintaining a steady following distance in stop-start traffic without leaving gaps so large that other drivers cut in.
- 6
185 candidates achieved zero faults at Preston in the last reporting period, proving that a clean pass is achievable with the right preparation.
Best Time to Test
Early afternoon slots around 1pm to 2:30pm tend to offer lighter traffic at Preston, as the morning rush has cleared and the school run has not yet begun. With 11,380 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Preston
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chorley | 7.8 miles | 48.3% | Below Average |
| Blackburn with Darwen | 10.2 miles | 47.8% | Below Average |
| Southport (Liverpool) | 14.8 miles | 59.2% | Easy |
| Blackpool | 14.9 miles | 49.6% | Below Average |
| Bolton (Manchester) | 16.7 miles | 56.7% | Above 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 North WestFrequently Asked Questions About Preston
What is the pass rate at Preston?+
The current pass rate at Preston is 53.7%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 11,380 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 54.2% and the female pass rate is 53.1%.
Is Preston a hard driving test centre?+
Preston is ranked 212 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 Preston have?+
The exact number of routes at Preston 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 Preston?+
Test routes at Preston commonly include tram corridors, residential, steep hills, ring 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 Preston?+
Early afternoon slots around 1pm to 2:30pm tend to offer lighter traffic at Preston, as the morning rush has cleared and the school run has not yet begun. With 11,380 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Preston compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Chorley (48.3%, 7.8 miles away); Blackburn with Darwen (47.8%, 10.2 miles away); Southport (Liverpool) (59.2%, 14.8 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
