How does Darlington compare?
Between April 2025 and March 2026, 47.1% of car driving tests taken at Darlington were passed. That is 2.9 points below the national average of 50.0% across Great Britain. Darlington is one of the busiest centres in the North East, with more than 12,000 car tests in the year.
Figures from the DVSA’s official car driving test data by test centre (DRT122A), April 2025 to March 2026.
What happens on your driving test
The practical car test lasts around 40 minutes and follows the same format at every DVSA centre. Here is what to expect when you arrive at Darlington.
Arrive in good time
Get to the centre around 10 minutes before your test. Bring your provisional photocard licence, and make sure the car you are using is roadworthy, taxed and fitted with L plates.
Eyesight check
Before you get in the car, you will be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres. If you cannot, the test will not go ahead.
Show me, tell me questions
You will be asked one vehicle safety question before you set off (tell me) and one while you are driving (show me).
General driving
You will drive on a range of roads and traffic conditions, and may be asked to pull over at the side of the road, pull out from behind a parked vehicle and carry out a hill start.
Independent driving
For about 20 minutes you will drive independently, following directions from a sat nav or following traffic signs.
Reversing manoeuvre and result
You will do one reversing manoeuvre, and you may be asked to do an emergency stop. At the end, the examiner tells you whether you have passed and talks you through any faults.
Roads around the test centre
The Darlington test centre is on Yarm Road on the eastern side of the town, close to the A66. Routes can include dual carriageways, large roundabouts and the busy roads into Darlington town centre.
Residential areas around the town add side roads, parked cars, mini roundabouts and plenty of junctions. Our Darlington driving lessons build experience on these kinds of roads step by step.
DVSA does not publish set test routes, and examiners can take you anywhere within a reasonable distance of the centre. The best preparation is plenty of practice on the same kinds of roads, junctions and speed limits you will meet in the area.
Tips for passing at Darlington
Practise on the A66
Be confident joining and leaving faster dual carriageways.
Plan for the town centre
Darlington town centre has busy junctions, traffic lights and pedestrians.
Use your mirrors well
Regular mirror checks are vital on multi-lane roads and roundabouts.
Practise with a sat nav
Independent driving often uses a sat nav, so get used to following its directions while still reading the road.
Have a mock test
A mock test with your instructor helps you get used to test conditions and spot any habits to fix before the real thing.
Rest and arrive calm
A good night’s sleep and a short warm-up drive before your test can help settle nerves.
Darlington test centre FAQs
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Get ready for your test at Darlington
Learn with a local ESOM instructor who knows the roads around the centre. New learners can start with 4 hours for £45.