Driving Theory Test Centres in Portsmouth

Arriving at Portsmouth Theory Test Centre

By public transport

Great news! Getting to this test centre by public transport could not be easier. From Portsmouth & Southsea train station you need only walk 160 yards (which should take the average person around 2 minutes) to reach the test centre.

Or, if a bus is more convenient for your needs, simply get off at the St Agatha's (Stop U) bus stop. After that, it’s just a 10-minute stroll to the test centre.

Those looking to learn more about the transport options in this area should make their way over to the Portsmouth Council website.

By car

Prefer to travel by car to the test centre? As long as you’re not the one in the driver’s seat, that’s fine! Whack PO1 2AF into a sat nav and get whoever’s driving to follow the instructions.

Parking

Parking in this area can be a little tricky, particularly as the test centre itself does not provide any parking spaces. Some nearby car parks close early, are only reserved for customers of other businesses, or charge more than £8 for 2 hours of parking!

Luckily, PassMeFast has found an alternative. The best option for those heading to the theory test centre is the Isambard Brunel car park (PO1 2BX). It’s a 3-minute walk from the centre and charges £2.70 for 2 hours of parking. The only potential downside is that there are 69 spaces, so it might be an idea to get there early to secure a parking space.

Pass Rates by Year

As you can see, the pass rate at Portsmouth theory test centre has dropped fairly considerably over the last 5 years. What you need to remember, though, is that these numbers are not really relevant to individual learners. All test centres provide the same test under DVSA-approved conditions. How you perform is up to you!

Guides and Tips

To set yourself up with the best chance of passing, you’re going to have to put in a bit of hard work. That means researching how the test is formatted, learning the study material and revising it until you know it by heart. Thankfully, you don’t have to do all of this without help! There are plenty of useful study aids available, some of which we’ve listed below for your convenience.

• Official DVSA Theory Test App for Android
• Official DVSA Theory Test App for iOS
• Safe Driving for Life
• Theory Test Rundown: What to Expect on the Day

Ready to Go?

Nearby Theory Test Centres

• Fareham
• Southampton

Hotels

If taking your theory test in Portsmouth requires you to travel in from out of town, why not stay in a hotel the night before your test? It saves you having to worry about traffic or transport delays in the morning, and should hopefully ensure you get plenty of good quality sleep! Check out a few places we recommend:

Ibis Budget Portsmouth ★★☆☆☆

Not exactly flush with cash? Not a problem! There’s an Ibis Budget hotel situated a 5-minute drive (or 24-minute walk) from the test centre. Rooms are fairly basic, but still modern and comfortable. They are on the small side, though, so it’s only really ideal for a 1 or 2-night stay.

Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre ★★★☆☆

For a slight step up you could try the local Premier Inn instead. The best thing about this one is that it is just around the corner from where you’ll be taking the test. Throw in the fact that they provide free WiFi, an on-site restaurant and a power shower and we say you’re onto a winner!

The Clarence Boutique Hotel ★★★★☆

If you’re more boutique than budget, The Clarence Hotel should meet your high standards. It’s a 6-minute drive from the test centre, but if you’re staying here, something tells us you don’t mind forking out for a taxi! Located in a glorious Edwardian building, it’s certainly not short on style. Each room is decorated to a high standard and includes luxury toiletries and Egyptian cotton bedding. For those who enjoy the finer things!

Places to Celebrate

The test is over and it’s time to celebrate or commiserate. However you’re feeling, Portsmouth has a venue that will accommodate your needs. Here are a few options to get you started:

The Isambard Kingdom Brunel

This Wetherspoon pub is only 3 minutes up the road from the test centre, so definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a quick drink or affordable meal. You know the drill: cheap drinks, laid-back atmosphere and sports on the telly if you’re lucky. There’s even an app on which to place your orders, just in case you’re not in the mood for human interaction.

Brewhouse and Kitchen

For people with a slightly more hipster approach to beer, this place will surely not disappoint. They brew their own ales on-site and can match a beer to whichever meal you choose from their tasty menu. Sound good? You’ll find it a 4-minute walk from the test centre.

Mr Miyagis

This is a bit of a wild card choice, but sure to provide a fun evening out if you like wacky cocktails, bar games and a very lively atmosphere. Expect bright colours, upbeat music and lots of fun and frivolity. Perfect if you’re in the mood to celebrate!

What Happens Next?

And there you have it, pretty much everything you need to know about the Portsmouth theory test centre. With public transport taking you right up to the front door and wait times of 2 weeks or less, it’s definitely a contender for anyone living in south Hampshire.

Don’t be dismayed if your theory test didn’t go to plan. It’s not uncommon for people to fail and it’s fairly easy to secure another test date that’s not too far away. Just make sure that you use the interim time to hunker down and get your study on. It’s really important that you go into the test feeling confident that you know the material.

If the theory test is now in your rearview mirror and it’s time to progress to the next stage, you should be thinking about the practical test. This is obviously very different to the theory and requires a completely different set of skills. You will find, though, that the information you learned for the theory test will be a big help when you’re out and about on the road.

As wait times for practical test dates can be far more lengthy than those at theory test centres, we recommend securing yourself a test date fairly early. The good news for locals to this area is that Portsmouth has its very own practical test centre, too.

If you’re eager to get your hands on a driving licence as soon as possible, PassMeFast is the way to go. Our courses can be taken intensively or semi-intensively, and we aim to fit everything around your schedule. Browse the course selection on our website, or ring 0333 123 4949 to discuss your options with a member of our friendly team. When you go with PassMeFast, the road to driving doesn’t have to be long!

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