Where to stay in Albany

Hey everyone, I’m an Aussie and have never been to Albany. Is it okay to drive in? Will there be traffic for Feb?? The accommodation options look shocking right now so I’m thinking of booking an Airbnb 20min away? Is that a crap option because I have to get there early? It says the exam starts at 9:30am but some people on Reddit said they got there at like 7am?! What?? 😭