Choosing between Aberdeen North or South for your driving test can be tricky. You might wonder which location offers an easier test route. Both test centres have their unique characteristics, but the driving tests are designed to the same standards. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Aberdeen North (Bridge of Don) and Aberdeen South (Cove) different.
Aberdeen North (Bridge of Don)
Aberdeen North driving test centre is located at Cloverhill Road, in a busy industrial area. Many learners mention the narrow roads around the centre and the hill start at a junction as potential challenges. There’s also a tricky route towards country roads with narrow bridges and speed limit changes. These factors make the test centre a bit challenging, especially during peak traffic times. Learners also mention busy parking areas near the test centre, where parking manoeuvres can be tested. However, with practice these issues are manageable, so finding an experienced driving instructor in Aberdeen is a must. Driving instructors in Aberdeen North are experienced in preparing students for these obstacles.
According to the latest DVSA data, 43,4% of 4337 learners passed their test at the Aberdeen North test centre in march 2024.
Aberdeen South (Cove)
Aberdeen South driving test centre is located in Cove, in a quieter industrial estate. It’s known for its roundabouts, especially the Wellington Circle roundabout, which can be a bit challenging for learners. The roads here are a mix of industrial, residential, and A roads, meaning learners will face a variety of driving conditions. A standout feature of the Cove test routes is the busy A92, where you’ll encounter stop-start traffic, especially during rush hour. Learners might also be tested on tight residential roads, where manoeuvres like parallel parking or bay parking could come into play. However, learners find the route at Cove relatively manageable with the right preparation.
According to the recently published DVSA data, 51,5 % of 4845 learners passed their test at Aberdeen South driving test centre in March 2024.
Which Aberdeen Driving Test Centre Is Easier?
So, Aberdeen North or South – which driving test centre is easier? The truth is, both test centres offer their own unique challenges, but they follow the same driving standards. Aberdeen North has narrow roads and some tricky hill starts, while Aberdeen South has its share of roundabouts and A roads which are busy at peak times.
The key to passing at either centre is preparation. Whether you choose Aberdeen Bridge of Don or Aberdeen Cove, a skilled driving instructor from Aberdeen will guide you through the specific routes and conditions of the given driving test centre.
Driving test: what to expect
On the day of your driving test in Aberdeen, make sure to bring your provisional licence and arrive at least 10 minutes early. The test will begin with an eyesight check, where you’ll be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away. You’ll also answer two “show me, tell me” questions about vehicle safety. After that, you’ll spend about 40 minutes driving, including 20 minutes of independent driving, where you’ll either follow directions from a sat nav or road signs. During the test, you’ll be expected to perform one manoeuvre, such as bay parking, parallel parking, or pulling up on the right. The test covers a mix of road types, from busy streets to quieter residential areas.
Do not forget about your theory test!
To take your practical driving test in Aberdeen, you must first pass your theory. The Aberdeen theory test centre is situated on the first floor in Suite 2 of Union Point, a large grey office building located across from the North Link Ferries terminal. There is also one in Peterhead.
At Pass in Days, we’ve been organizing driving lessons in Aberdeen for over 10 years, serving both the Bridge of Don and Cove test centres. Based on our experience, we recommend taking your theory test at least a month before starting your driving course. Why? Because at Pass in Days, we offer fast-track practical driving tests, meaning you could have your test within a week or two of completing the course (depending on your readiness). However, to secure an early practical test, you need to have passed your theory. While it’s fine to begin the course without it, passing the theory in advance avoids delays in booking your practical test.
What’s more, we provide theory study materials as part of our course, including hazard perception videos and multiple choice questions. The test itself, however, is not included and needs to be booked separately with the DVSA.
Start driving in Aberdeen
At Pass in Days, we specialize in crash courses in Aberdeen, designed to get you test-ready fast. Our expert driving instructors in Aberdeen will prepare you for the specific challenges of either Aberdeen North or South driving test centre, based on your location and test availability. We offer fast-track driving tests within the price of our courses, allowing you to skip long waiting times. With our package, you can take your practical test within just a week or two after completing your course, provided you are safe and ready!
If you would like to learn more about how we work, please visit our FAQ page, contact us via Facebook or fill in our contact form.
Ready to pass your test quickly? Book your driving course in Aberdeen with Pass in Days and start driving with confidence!
Bridge of Don, Aberdeen by M. McDonald, CC BY-SA 2.0
