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Practise at different times of day and on different days of the week (including weekends) to experience as many different road conditions and traffic flows as possible. Knowing what to expect when you go in for your driving test will make it seem less daunting on the day.
Oxford (Cowley) Practical Driving Test Centre
Address: James Wolfe Road, Cowley, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 2PY
Parking: A car park is available at the test centre
Toilets: Male and female toilets are available
Disabled Access:
Other Notes:
Test Waiting Times: Check the book your driving test service for availability
Need an earlier driving test date and need it fast? Click here to find practical driving test cancellations at your chosen driving test centre.
Getting to Oxford Test Centre
If you’re based in central Oxford, reaching the test centre is straightforward—just head along St Clement’s Street, continue onto Old Road, then take The Slade and finally Hollow Way. Learners travelling in from outside the city can rely on main routes like the A4142, A40, or A34 for a smooth journey. Planning a visit before your driving lessons begin? It’s a good idea to use a sat nav to guide you there and avoid any first-time navigation mishaps.
How to Book a Driving Test at Oxford (Cowley) Driving Test Centre:
Visit the DVSA Website:
Go to www.gov.uk/book-driving-test.Sign In or Create an Account:
Log in or create an account using your provisional driving licence details.Enter Your Details:
Provide your contact information and availability.Select Oxford (Cowley) Test Centre:
Choose Oxford (Cowley) Driving Test Centre from the list.Pick a Date and Time:
Select your preferred test date and time.Make Payment:
Pay the test fee online using a credit or debit card.Confirm Your Booking:
Review and confirm your booking.
Contact Information:
Oxford (Cowley) Driving Test Centre
Phone: 0300 200 1122 (DVSA contact)
Practise real driving test routes with RouteBuddy at your test centre
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Oxford (Cowley) Driving Test Routes: Key Roads, Roundabouts, and Landmarks
Key Roads:
The Oxford Ring Road (A34)
Busy dual carriageway; maintain speed limits and be aware of junctions.
Cowley Road (A4158)
Keep an eye on cyclists and pedestrians; busy with shops and cafes.
Hollow Way
Narrow lanes, so stay within your lane and be cautious with parked cars.
Iffley Road (A420)
Dual carriageway with tight turns; look out for cyclists and pedestrians.
Roundabouts:
Cowley Centre Roundabout
Always check for cyclists in the inner lane. Be mindful of the exit signs and give way appropriately.
Oxford Ring Road Roundabout (A34)
Watch for heavy traffic. Position your car correctly depending on the exit.
Landmarks:
Oxford Science Park
A large commercial area, look for pedestrians and cyclists at crossings.
Iffley Lock
Slow down and keep to the speed limits, especially in residential areas nearby.
Tips to Pass:
Observation: Ensure you’re scanning for cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles, especially around roundabouts and junctions.
Speed Control: Adhere to speed limits, especially in residential areas and around schools.
Confidence: Stay calm and be decisive when making lane changes or turning at roundabouts.
Mirrors and Signalling: Always check your mirrors and signal well in advance before turning or changing lanes.
Oxford (Cowley) Driving Test Centre Pass Rates
Oxford (Cowley) car practical driving test pass rates by first driving attempt including zero faults recorded annual summary:
| Time Period Captured | Total Tests | |||
| 1st attempts | 1st attempt passes | pass % | 1st test with zero faults | |
| 2023/24 | – | 1797 | 40.3 | 67 |
| 2017/18 | 4998 | 2439 | 48.8 | 87 |
| 2016/17 | 4071 | 1935 | 47.5 | 58 |
“Pass Your Driving Test” – online course.
Our new and exciting online driving course, with over 50 animated videos, can dramatically increase your chances of passing your driving test. Click here for details.
Practical driving test key links
- to book your driving test, click here
- to change your driving test, click here
- to cancel your driving test, click here
- to give yourself the best chance of passing your driving test, click here
- to give yourself the best chance to pass your theory test, click here
Other Helpful Resources: Driving Test Centre Pass Rates and Change Your Driving Test
FAQ's
Yes – knowing local roads helps you stay calm and confident. While the exact route isn’t shared, practising typical roundabouts or tricky junctions nearby gives you a clear advantage.
Yes – examiners adjust routes due to roadworks, traffic, or to mix things up. These changes aren’t announced, so staying current is key.
Instructors spot new road signs, layouts, or diversions early. Their knowledge helps you train on current conditions, not outdated ones. Combine their advice with RouteBuddy for the most realistic practice.
2–3 times a week is ideal, especially leading up to your test. Practise at different times of day to handle varied traffic and lighting conditions.
DVSA doesn’t publish test routes. But you can follow GOV.UK for general updates. For realistic route practice, RouteBuddy is the go-to tool learners and instructors trust.