Sunderland Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Sunderland with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Sunderland Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Sunderland | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 47.1% | 51.8% | -4.7% |
| Male | 47.8% | 51.8% | -4.0% |
| Female | 46.4% | 51.8% | -5.4% |
| First Attempt | 49.1% | 51.8% | -2.7% |
| Automatic | 37.6% | 51.8% | -14.2% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
44.1%
2021/22
45.3%
2022/23
46.7%
2023/24
45.8%
2024/25
47.1%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
9,084
Total
4,811
Male
4,273
Female
174 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Sunderland Test Routes
We have mapped 28 real driving test routes used at Sunderland (SR5 3JJ). Routes range from 10 km (22 mins) to 17.6 km (27 mins), with an average distance of 13.9 km taking around 29 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
28
Total Routes
29 min
Avg Duration
13.9 km
Avg Distance
7
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 14 km | 34 min |
| #2 | 12 km | 28 min |
| #4 | 13.6 km | 35 min |
| #5 | 13.2 km | 34 min |
| #7 | 15.3 km | 35 min |
| #9 | 16.7 km | 38 min |
| #10 | 12.9 km | 33 min |
| #11 | 14.6 km | 35 min |
| #12 | 10 km | 22 min |
| #13 | 12.8 km | 27 min |
+ 18 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Sunderland Test Routes
Across all 28 routes, examiners at Sunderland use 166 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 28 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 Sunderland Challenging
Key Challenges
- Merging onto fast-moving ring roads from short slip roads
- Timing right turns across busy dual carriageways at staggered junctions
- Maintaining concentration on long straight stretches between towns
- Navigating complex junctions in town centres with multiple lanes
- Handling conditions that automatic transmission candidates find particularly challenging, as reflected in the 37.6% automatic pass rate versus 47.1% overall
- Dealing with the volume of traffic typical of a busy urban centre handling 9,084 tests per year
Difficulty Analysis
At 47.1%, Sunderland falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 96 out of 322 centres for difficulty. Pass rates have improved modestly over recent years, moving from 44.1% to 47.1%, a gradual gain of 3.0 percentage points. Younger candidates at 17 perform notably well here with a 59.7% pass rate, compared to an average of 48.5% for those aged 22-25.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Sunderland
Expert Tips
- 1
Work on lane discipline for multi-lane approaches to town centre junctions.
- 2
Practise responding to large vehicles at industrial area junctions near your centre.
- 3
Get comfortable with coastal road conditions if your centre is near the coast.
- 4
Get comfortable with multi-lane roundabouts by understanding your lane choice well before you reach the roundabout.
- 5
Practise parallel parking in realistic conditions with vehicles in front and behind your target space.
- 6
If taking the test in an automatic at Sunderland, be aware the automatic pass rate is 37.6%, notably lower than the 47.1% overall. Extra practice around the centre is advisable.
- 7
174 candidates achieved zero faults at Sunderland in the last reporting period, proving that a clean pass is achievable with the right preparation.
Best Time to Test
Mid-morning tests between 10am and 12pm typically avoid the worst of commuter traffic around Sunderland, giving candidates calmer roads to work with. With 9,084 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Sunderland
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateshead | 9.5 miles | 37.4% | Hard |
| Blyth | 16.1 miles | 47.2% | Below Average |
| Hartlepool | 16.7 miles | 49.7% | Below Average |
| Durham | 22.1 miles | 49.6% | Below Average |
| Middlesbrough | 23.6 miles | 48.3% | 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 North EastFrequently Asked Questions About Sunderland
What is the pass rate at Sunderland?+
The current pass rate at Sunderland is 47.1%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 9,084 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 47.8% and the female pass rate is 46.4%.
Is Sunderland a hard driving test centre?+
Sunderland is ranked 96 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 Sunderland have?+
The exact number of routes at Sunderland 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 Sunderland?+
Test routes at Sunderland commonly include A-roads, roundabouts, bridge approaches, 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 Sunderland?+
Mid-morning tests between 10am and 12pm typically avoid the worst of commuter traffic around Sunderland, giving candidates calmer roads to work with. With 9,084 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Sunderland compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Gateshead (37.4%, 9.5 miles away); Blyth (47.2%, 16.1 miles away); Hartlepool (49.7%, 16.7 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
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