Horsforth Driving Test Centre
Low Lane, Horsforth
Leeds, LS18 5NY
Car practical tests. Horsforth sits north-west of the city close to the Leeds Ring Road, and is the busier of the two Leeds test centres.
- Parking is limited — arrive 10 minutes early
- Routes include the Leeds Ring Road at speed
- Residential streets with parked cars both sides
- Serves Headingley, Kirkstall, Bramley and Pudsey
- Also Guiseley, Yeadon and Otley
Colton Mill Driving Test Centre
1 Colton Mill, Bullerthorpe Lane
Leeds, LS15 9JN
Car practical tests. Colton sits east of the city near the Colton Mill retail area, close to the M1 and A63.
- Better parking than Horsforth
- Dual carriageway sections on most routes
- Be confident with lane discipline and merging
- Rural stretches at national speed limit
- Serves Cross Gates, Garforth and Seacroft
- Also Halton and Rothwell
Leeds Theory Test Centre
Whitehall Waterfront
2 Riverside Way, Leeds
Car theory tests — multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass your theory before you can book a practical test.
- Theory test fee £23
- Pass is valid for two years
- Retake needed if it expires before your practical
- Book only at gov.uk — never a third party
Pass Rates and Waiting Times
Pass rates for Horsforth and Colton Mill are published quarterly by the DVSA in its official driving test statistics (table DRT02 at gov.uk). Waiting times change constantly, so check the DVSA booking service for live availability.
Learners often ask which Leeds centre is easier. Neither. Pass rates differ because of who tests there, not because examiners are softer — a centre serving confident rural drivers will show a higher rate than one serving city-centre learners. Booking across the city because a number looks better usually backfires, because you will be tested on roads you have never driven. Test where you have practised.
Getting an Earlier Test Date
Cancellations appear constantly — check the DVSA booking site early morning and late evening. Be flexible on centre and time of day. Book something now and move it later; you can change your date free of charge up to 3 clear working days before. Evening and weekend tests cost £75 instead of £62 but often have shorter queues.
Real Passes. Real Leeds Drivers.
Leeds Driving Test Centres – Frequently Asked Questions
How many driving test centres are there in Leeds?
Two practical centres: Horsforth (LS18 5NY) and Colton Mill (LS15 9JN). There is also a theory test centre at Whitehall Waterfront in the city centre.
What is the pass rate at Horsforth driving test centre?
The DVSA publishes pass rates for every test centre quarterly in its official statistics (table DRT02 at gov.uk). Rates at both Leeds centres move around from quarter to quarter, so check there for the current figure rather than relying on numbers quoted on driving school websites.
Which Leeds test centre is easiest?
Neither. Examiners work to identical national standards. Differences in pass rates reflect who tests there and how well prepared they are. Test where you have had your lessons.
Can I see the test routes in advance?
The DVSA stopped publishing official routes in 2010. Learning a route is a poor substitute for driving well — examiners deliberately vary them. Our instructors know both Leeds centres’ road networks and will make sure you have driven the junctions and road types you will face.
Can I use my instructor's car for the test?
Yes — that is what most learners do, and it is included in our lessons and courses.
What happens if I fail?
You must wait 10 working days before retaking. Your examiner gives you a marking sheet showing every fault — bring it to your next lesson and we will work through it.
Also Serving Nearby Areas
KA Driving School covers all of West Yorkshire. If you live outside Leeds, we may still be able to help — click below to explore lessons in a nearby area.