Centre directory
Orkney test swaps
Use this guide to plan a learner-to-learner practical driving test swap at Orkney. It combines the recorded centre location around Kirkwall and Orkney, current aggregate Test Swap activity, nearby alternatives and independently sourced road and DVSA data.
DVSA pass rate
tests in source period
recorded local area
Source: DVSA practical car test statistics by test centre, April 2025 to March 2026, updated June 2026. Pass rates are public historic statistics, not a prediction or guarantee.
How the swap works here
- 1. List your existing booking and desired dates.
- 2. The DTC checks whether another learner wants your exact slot and you want theirs.
- 3. Both learners accept, then complete the official DVSA phone process.
Planning around Orkney
The recorded address places this centre in an industrial-estate setting around Kirkwall and Orkney. Before accepting a swap, check that your instructor can cover the new date and that the journey works for the vehicle you will use.
OpenStreetMap records Hatston Brae (A965), Ayre Road (A965), Pickaquoy Road (A963), Kiln Corner Roundabout, Harbour Street (A960), and Junction Road (A963) within roughly one mile of the centre. These larger roads make planning, lane choice and speed awareness useful topics to cover with your instructor.
The surrounding mapped network includes roundabouts.
Road and transport context was checked against OpenStreetMap contributors on 2026-09-04. It describes the surrounding mapped area, not an official or guaranteed test route.
What the published data says about Orkney
Orkney recorded a 55.9% pass rate in the published period, 6.6 percentage points above the 49.3% regional figure and 5.8 points above the 50.1% figure across centres in this directory. Treat this as historic context rather than a forecast of an individual result.
- First attempts
- 51.3%
- Automatic tests
- 40.0%
- Zero-fault first tests
- 4
- Median wait
- 6.9 weeks
197 first attempts in 2025–26
30 automatic tests in 2025–26
2.0% of first attempts
Published for July 2026
In July 2026, DVSA recorded 9 standard slots still available (22.0%) and 16.3 weeks to 10% or greater weekly availability. This is a historic monthly snapshot, not a live booking feed; cancellations and added capacity may appear sooner.
Where to find Orkney
The Kirkwall Auction MartHatston Industrial EstateKirkwallOrkneyKW15 1FLUse the map to plan your arrival around KW15 and orient yourself using Hatston Brae (A965), Ayre Road (A965), and Pickaquoy Road (A963). Always check your official DVSA booking confirmation before travelling, because access instructions can change.
FAQs
Are there active swaps at Orkney?
No active swaps here yet. Add your test and The DTC will let you know when a compatible learner appears.
Where is Orkney test centre?
Orkney is recorded at The Kirkwall Auction Mart, Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1FL. Check the address and access instructions on your official booking before travelling.
Which roads are near Orkney?
Hatston Brae (A965), Ayre Road (A965), Pickaquoy Road (A963), Kiln Corner Roundabout, Harbour Street (A960), and Junction Road (A963) are mapped within roughly one mile. They are local orientation and practice context, not published DVSA test routes.
What are the published statistics for Orkney?
DVSA recorded 320 car tests and a 55.9% pass rate here from April 2025 to March 2026. The published median wait in July 2026 was 6.9 weeks.
Which alternative centres are closest to Orkney?
The official neighbour dataset lists Thurso, Wick, and Golspie as nearby alternatives. Distances and availability can change, so compare the official booking service before choosing.
Can The DTC complete a test swap for Orkney?
No. The DTC helps compatible learners find one another, but both learners must complete the official process with DVSA.
Will my learner details appear publicly?
No. Public pages may show the test centre, calendar date, a broad morning, afternoon or evening availability band and whether the learner wants an earlier or later test. Exact times, identities, contact details, detailed preferences and booking references stay private.