1. By car

The mobile test unit uses Argyll & Bute Council Offices, Jamieson Street, Bowmore PA43 7HL. Reach Bowmore on the A846 from Port Ellen.

2. By public transport

• Ferry – CalMac Kennacraig ↔ Port Ellen / Port Askaig (up to 5 sailings daily, 2‑hour crossing).
• Bus – Islay Coaches 450 / 451 loop Port Askaig ↔ Portnahaven hourly, stopping outside the council offices.

3. Cycling / walking

Quiet single‑track roads form part of the Caledonia Way extension; Bowmore pier has covered bike racks.

1. Bridgend A846 stagger

• Typical slip‑up – mis‑judging gap onto trunk route after whisky tanker.
• Quick fix – wait minimum 5‑second gap, accelerate positively.

2. Bowmore 20 mph main street

• Typical slip‑up – speed drifts to 25 mph past the Round Church.
• Quick fix – 2nd gear, hold 18 mph, cover brake.

3. Kilchoman single‑track passing places

• Typical slip‑up – refusing to reverse for uphill traffic.
• Quick fix – select lay‑by early, reverse slowly if downhill.

1. About Islay Island Test Centre from a Learner’s View

The portable DVSA unit sets up outside Jamieson Street, Bowmore PA43 7JH. There are kerbside starts only; you pull off beside the Co‑op loading bay with delivery lorries edging past. Most learners calm jitters by driving the short seafront loop to the Port Ellen ferry terminal before signing in.

2. What to Expect on the Day

Parallel parking on Shore Street is frequent; bay parking sometimes uses the Bowmore Distillery yard when space allows. Independent driving usually follows the A846 toward Bridgend then the single‑track B8016—watch livestock on open verges. Examiners favour the long straight by Loch Indaal for emergency stops and observe mirrors closely on the humpback bridge near Bridgend Woods.

3. After You Pass

Ferries mean photocard delivery can stretch to two weeks. Consider Pass Plus on the A846 Port Askaig run plus a mainland session in Oban to gain dual‑carriageway experience.

4. What If You Don’t Pass?

DriveBot scans Islay, Campbeltown and Oban—alerting you the instant a cancellation crosses the water.

Can’t Find Earlier Driving Test Cancellations?

DriveBot is one of the UK’s most trusted cancellation apps.

• Instant access to test slots – it monitors 100+ centres for cancellations and updates.
• Flexibility – set your preferred centre, date range and transmission.
• Save time and stress – no more refreshing DVSA pages; let DriveBot handle the rest.