Dorchester Test Centre

    Driving test cancellations, pass rates and key info in Dorset.

    About Dorchester Test Centre

    The Dorchester Driving Test Centre is situated in the county town of Dorset, offering a well-rounded test experience for learners. Located at Unit D2, The Grove Trading Centre, Dorchester, DT1 1ST, the centre is set within an industrial estate, providing a practical start to test routes. Candidates can expect a diverse range of road conditions, transitioning from busy urban environments to quieter residential streets. Test routes frequently incorporate the one-way systems prevalent in Dorchester town centre, such as those around Trinity Street and High West Street, requiring good observational skills and timely decision-making. Negotiating roundabouts, including larger multi-lane examples on the outskirts of town, is also a common feature. Furthermore, candidates should be prepared for rural roads surrounding Dorchester, which often present differing speed limits and potential hazards. While specific pass rates for Dorchester are not publicly available, preparing for these varied conditions is key to success.

    Driving Test Cancellations at Dorchester

    Finding an earlier driving test at Dorchester Driving Test Centre can be challenging due to high demand. Test cancellations do occur, offering opportunities for those ready to book quickly. Find Me A Driving Test constantly scans the DVSA booking system 24/7 for new cancellations specifically at the Dorchester centre. This service significantly increases your chances of securing an earlier test slot, helping you avoid long waiting times. Stay vigilant and be prepared to book as soon as a suitable cancellation becomes available.

    Pass rate trend at Dorchester

    Pass rate over time

    Annual pass rate at Dorchester, from 2011-12 to 2024-25 (DVSA data).

    Between 2011-12 and 2024-25, the pass rate at Dorchester has improved, moving from 60.8% to 66.7% (up 5.9 percentage points). It peaked at 66.7% in 2024-25 and was lowest at 59.5% in 2019-20, with a long-run average of 63%. Pass rates vary year-to-year due to changes in test demand, examiner availability, candidate readiness and local route difficulty — these figures are taken directly from DVSA's published statistics.

    Year-by-year pass rate

    Year Pass rate
    2024-25 66.7%
    2023-24 63.5%
    2022-23 62%
    2021-22 64.7%
    2020-21 65.7%
    2019-20 59.5%
    2018-19 62.4%
    2017-18 64.2%
    2016-17 62.6%
    2015-16 63%
    2014-15 60.8%
    2013-14 62.7%
    2012-13 62.8%
    2011-12 60.8%

    Frequently asked questions

    You can move your test to these test centres

    From 9 June 2026, the DVSA only lets you move a booked test from Dorchester to one of the centres below. These are the official rebooking options for this centre.