On 3 January 2026, DVSA will close Barking driving test Centre.
Tests which are already booked for dates after 3 January will take place at the following nearby test centres:
Goodmayes Driving Test Centre (2.5 miles by road, between 7-18 minutes on Google Maps)
98 Goodmayes Road, Ilford
Goodmayes
IG3 9UZ
Wanstead Driving Test Centre (5 miles by road, between 12 – 28 minutes’ drive on Google Maps)
2 Devon House, Hermon Hill
Wanstead
E11 2AW
The area around Barking driving test centre no longer offers the quality of driving test routes that DVSA needs.
The test centre no longer has access to nearby car parks we previously used to conduct essential exercises, such as bay parking and forward parking.
Additionally, the test routes around Barking are affected by heavy traffic and complex traffic flows, which no longer provide an opportunity for an examiner to witness candidates’ use of higher speeds.
It is essential that learner drivers are assessed under conditions that are consistent, realistic, and safe, and that testing facilities are equipped to deliver the full range of exam requirements.
The area around Barking driving test centre no longer offers the quality of driving test routes that DVSA needs.
The test centre no longer has access to nearby car parks we previously used to conduct essential exercises, such as bay parking and forward parking.
Additionally, the test routes around Barking are affected by heavy traffic and complex traffic flows, which no longer provide an opportunity for an examiner to witness candidates’ use of higher speeds.
It is essential that learner drivers are assessed under conditions that are consistent, realistic, and safe, and that testing facilities are equipped to deliver the full range of exam requirements.
The closure will not result in any test appointments being cancelled and we will move all tests already booked after 3 January to nearby local test centres.
All tests due to take place on or before 3 January will take place at Barking test centre as planned.
DVSA are contacting candidates with tests already booked after 3 January to let them know where their test will take place. If you have booked a test on behalf of your pupil you need to make them aware of the change.
DVSA apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change, and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Recruitment update
DVSA are making good progress in our work to recruit new driving examiners in the East London and Essex area.
As a result, a number of new colleagues are in training and will soon be ready to start at a local driving test centre.
DVSA strongly encourage learners to drive on a variety of different roads and not just near the location where a test centre is based.
