Preparing for your driving test in Southport? Understanding the Southport Driving Test Routes gives you a real advantage. These routes include a mix of busy town roads, coastal stretches, and fast A-roads that test your observation, speed control, and awareness. Whether you’re driving past Marine Drive or navigating the Kew Roundabout, knowing what to expect can make test day feel much smoother.
Here are 20 in-depth FAQs to help you prepare confidently and make the most of your practice with RouteBuddy.
Read More: Insider Tips on Southport (Liverpool) Driving Test Routes
FAQs About the Southport Driving Test Routes:
1. Where is the Southport Driving Test Centre located?
📍 Eastbank House, Eastbank Street, Southport PR8 1HE. It’s near Lord Street and Scarisbrick New Road. Parking is limited, so arrive early and allow time to settle before your test.
2. What types of roads are included in the Southport Driving Test Routes?
Expect a variety: narrow residential streets with parked cars, the A570 Kew Roundabout, A565 Scarisbrick New Road, quieter estates near Birkdale, and scenic stretches along Marine Drive. Each test involves a different driving skill, from spatial awareness to speed control.
3. Which areas should I focus on when practising?
Prioritise:
- Eastbank Street → Lord Street junction – controlled lights and heavy traffic.
- Kew Roundabout (A570/A5267) – multi-lane discipline.
- Roe Lane and Ash Street – tight residential parking.
- Marine Drive – coastal conditions and changing speed limits.
4. How long does the driving test last?
Usually around 40 minutes, covering roughly 8–12 miles of mixed roads. One in every three tests includes an emergency stop.
5. What speed limits apply on the Southport Driving Test Routes?
- 20 mph near schools and estates.
- 30 mph in most town areas.
- 40–50 mph along Scarisbrick New Road and parts of the A570.
- 60 mph on national-limit rural sections leaving town.
Watch for frequent changes when transitioning between residential and open roads.
6. What manoeuvres are commonly tested?
DVSA examiners may ask for:
- Bay parking in the test-centre car park.
- Parallel parking on Ash Street or Roe Lane.
- Pulling up on the left safely, then re-joining traffic.
- Forward bay parking and reversing out.
7. How does independent driving work in Southport?
For around 20 minutes, you’ll follow a sat-nav or road signs, often towards Ormskirk, Formby, or Kew Retail Park. Practising these directions in advance with RouteBuddy makes navigation smoother on the test day.
👉 Try the Southport Driving Test Routes in RouteBuddy to experience independent driving first-hand.
8. Which roundabouts should I prepare for?
The Kew Roundabout is the most technical: multiple lanes, fast-moving traffic and frequent lane changes. Also note the Meols Cop Retail Park roundabout and the smaller ones around Lord Street and Birkdale.
9. How do coastal conditions affect driving in Southport?
Strong crosswinds and sea spray along Marine Drive can impact steering. Adjust your speed, keep both hands on the wheel and maintain a greater distance from other vehicles.
10. How should I handle narrow lanes or parked vehicles?
In estates off Roe Lane or Norwood Road, keep speeds below 20 mph, anticipate oncoming traffic early, and use passing gaps where safe. Observation is key.
11. What are the most frequent faults on the Southport Driving Test Routes?
Common mistakes include:
- Entering the wrong lane at Kew Roundabout.
- Rolling forward at the lights on Lord Street.
- Forgetting mirror checks before manoeuvres.
- Inconsistent speed control leaving Marine Drive.
12. Are there dual-carriageway sections?
Yes, short stretches of the A565 and A570 count as dual carriageways. Maintain a two-second gap, overtake only when safe, and return to the left lane promptly.
13. When’s the best time to book the test?
Mid-morning (10 a.m.–noon) or early afternoon (1–3 p.m.) avoids commuter peaks and school runs, making road conditions calmer.
14. What weather should I prepare for?
Southport’s coastal setting means frequent wind and rain. Practise in wet conditions to get used to longer stopping distances and reduced visibility.
15. How many route variations are used at Southport Driving Test Routes?
Examiners rotate at least five core routes, each mixing urban, coastal and A-road elements to ensure balanced testing.
16. Does the DVSA publish the Southport Driving Test Routes?
No. The DVSA doesn’t release official routes, but RouteBuddy provides GPX-guided versions based on verified driving data so you can rehearse the same types of roads safely.
17. How can RouteBuddy help me prepare?
RouteBuddy maps real Southport roads used in testing — from the A570 to residential zones — letting you practise navigation, junctions and roundabouts with turn-by-turn accuracy.
18. How do I improve lane discipline in Southport?
Use early mirror-signal-manoeuvre routines on multi-lane roads, stay centred in your lane, and look well ahead when approaching junctions like Scarisbrick New Road.
19. What’s Southport’s current DVSA pass rate?
Recent data shows pass rates around 50%, slightly above the national average. Consistent local practice and route awareness significantly improve your odds.
20. What happens after the test?
🎉 Pass: Receive your pass certificate and apply for your full licence online.
📋 Fail: Review examiner notes and target those same sections in RouteBuddy to strengthen weak spots before rebooking.
Practise the Southport Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy
The Southport Driving Test Routes blend real-world challenges — urban traffic, seaside roads and major junctions — ideal for proving safe, adaptable driving. Using RouteBuddy, you can simulate these roads before test day and approach the exam with calm confidence.
Sample Guide of the Southport Driving Test Routes
Starting at Southport Test Centre
Location: Eastbank House, Eastbank Street, Southport PR8 1HE (The test centre is near Part Street).
Directions: Start from Part Street, which is located near the test centre, and head towards Duke Street.
Turn onto Duke Street
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be aware of pedestrians, especially near shops.
Head towards Lulworth Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for cyclists and vehicles pulling out of side streets.
Proceed onto Lulworth Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of parked vehicles along the street.
Make a turn onto Weld Road
- Lane: Shift to the left lane for a smoother turn.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians.
Move onto Coastal Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane unless turning.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for strong winds and coastal weather conditions.
Turn onto Shore Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be aware of pedestrians walking along the coastal path.
Head along Station Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Look out for cyclists and vehicles entering from side streets.
Make a turn onto Liverpool Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections.
Turn onto Carr Lane
- Lane: Shift into the left lane for smoother navigation.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of parked cars along the street.
Proceed onto Guildford Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for pedestrians near residential areas.
Head down Bentham’s Way
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of vehicles pulling out from driveways.
Make a turn onto Town Lane Kew
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, particularly around junctions.
Turn onto Meols Cop Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of cyclists and pedestrians.
Proceed onto Norwood Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Look for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, especially around sharp corners.
Make a turn onto Norwood Avenue
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for parked cars and cyclists.
Turn onto Roe Lane
- Lane: Shift into the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of pedestrians crossing.
Turn onto Mill Lane
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for narrow sections and slow-moving vehicles.
Roundabout at Manor Road
- Lane: Navigate the roundabout and head towards Cambridge Road.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Yield to traffic and ensure your signal is clear when exiting.
Roundabout at Cambridge Road
- Lane: Navigate the roundabout and continue onto Park Street.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Use your mirrors and signal early for smooth navigation.
Continue onto Albert Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians.
Make a turn onto Lord Street
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for pedestrians, especially near shopping areas.
Turn onto Eastbank Street
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for cyclists and pedestrians, especially near public spaces.
Turn onto Eastbank Square
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of pedestrians and vehicles entering side streets.
Return to Part Street (Near Southport Test Centre)
- Lane: Stay in the left lane to head back to Southport Test Centre.
- Speed Limit: 20 mph near the test centre.
- Tip: Prepare for a bay park—align your car carefully with the parking bay.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Southport Driving Test Routes?
Mastering the Southport Driving Test Routes is about understanding local conditions and practising with purpose. With RouteBuddy, you’ll build route familiarity, refine key skills, and walk into your test ready to drive with confidence.
👉 Try the Southport Driving Test Routes in RouteBuddy