Musselburgh Driving Test Routes: 20 FAQs for Learners

Driving around Musselburgh involves navigating a mix of busy town roads, rural-style edges, dual-carriageway sections, and tight residential streets. The Musselburgh Driving Test Routes are known for their varied layout, strong emphasis on observation, and challenging roundabouts. Below are 20 detailed FAQs designed to help you understand exactly what to expect.

👉 Practise Musselburgh routes confidently with RouteBuddy and prepare before test day!

20 FAQs About the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes

1. Where is the Musselburgh Test Centre located?

📍 Newhailes Industrial Estate, Newhailes Road, Olivebank, Musselburgh, Edinburgh, EH21 6SJ. The test centre sits inside an industrial estate with immediate access to Newhailes Road, residential estates, the A199, and slip roads leading to the A1.

2. What types of roads will I encounter on the test?

The Musselburgh Driving Test Routes include:

Residential areas around Newhailes Road and Stoneybank
Busier A-roads such as A199
Coastal roads near Fisherrow Harbour
Dual carriageway entry/exit points near the A1

3. Are there challenging roundabouts on the test?

Yes. Expect multi-lane roundabouts at:

Newcraighall
Queen Margaret University
Asda/Thomas Elliott Roundabout
These require accurate lane selection and early signalling.

4. Will I need to use the A1 dual carriageway?

Some examiners include A1 slip roads. You may need to merge, build speed safely, and exit correctly.

5. Which residential areas are commonly used during the test?

Learners are often taken through:

Inveresk Village (narrow, tight bends)
Newhailes Crescent
Stoneybank Estate
These areas test low-speed control.

6. What speed limits should I expect?

Depending on the section of the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes, expect:

20 mph near schools and central housing
30 mph along most of Newhailes Road
40 mph on sections of the A199
50–60 mph on A1 approaches

7. Will I drive near Musselburgh High Street?

Possibly. This area is busy with:

Frequent pedestrian crossings
Parked cars narrowing lanes
Buses stopping at intervals

Strong mirror checks and anticipation are essential.

8. Will I need to navigate Inveresk?

Quite often. Inveresk Village includes tight lanes, bends, and stone walls. It is one of the more technical parts of the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes.

9. Are there rural-style or windy sections on the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes?

Yes. Areas near Fisherrow Links and East Lothian coastal roads can be wind-exposed, affecting steering stability.

10. Which manoeuvres are commonly tested here?

Expect one of the following:

Bay parking
Parallel parking
Pull-up on the right
Emergency stop (1 in 3 tests)

11. Are there cycle lanes to be aware of?

Yes. Cycle lanes appear along:

Newhailes Road
A199 corridors
Always check mirrors before overtaking parked cars near them.

12. How long does the Musselburgh driving test last?

Around 40 minutes, including a manoeuvre and 20 minutes of independent driving.

13. Can I practise the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes before my test?

Yes. RouteBuddy includes GPX-guided simulations of the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes, helping you rehearse major roundabouts, junctions, and estates safely.

14. What are the most common mistakes made in Musselburgh Driving Test Routes?

Examiners frequently note:

Incorrect lane selection at QMU and Newcraighall
Misjudging speed limit changes on the A199
Hesitation at busy A-road junctions
Over-steering in Inveresk’s narrow bends

15. What should I bring to my driving test?

Bring:

Your provisional driving licence
Theory test pass certificate (if requested)
A roadworthy car with L-plates

16. How does weather impact Musselburgh driving tests?

Wind and rain affect the coastal sections. Sea mist may reduce visibility near Fisherrow. Adjust speed and increase following distance.

17. Are there school zones on the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes?

Yes—20 mph zones near:

Musselburgh Grammar School
Campie Primary School
These are enforced and closely monitored during the test.
18. How much independent driving is included?

Usually 20 minutes using either:

Sat-nav directions
Verbal directions from the examiner

19. What happens if I fail the test?

You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of faults. Focus on those areas during your next practice sessions.

20. How do I change or rebook my Musselburgh test date?

You can change or rebook through the DVSA’s online service. Musselburgh slots fill quickly, so check regularly.

Sample Guide of the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes

Starting Point: Musselburgh Driving Test Centre
Location: Newhailes Industrial Estate, Newhailes Road, Olivebank, Musselburgh, Edinburgh, EH21 6SJ

1. Exit the test centre onto Newhailes Road

Lane: Keep to the left lane upon exiting.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Watch for vehicles entering or exiting the industrial estate and maintain a steady speed.

2. Head towards North High Street

Lane: Stay in the left lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: This road can be narrow—use your mirrors frequently and watch for parked vehicles.

3. Proceed along Bridge Street

Lane: Keep central as you cross.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Maintain lane discipline and prepare for changing traffic conditions around the bridge area.

4. Follow the route onto High Street

Lane: Stay left to remain on the correct side of traffic flow.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Expect pedestrians and slower-moving traffic—keep your braking smooth.

5. Continue along Linkfield Road

Lane: Stay central.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Be cautious near the junctions as visibility can be reduced.

6. Join Haddington Road

Lane: Merge into the left lane.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Accelerate gradually as you leave the busier town area for open roads.

7. Follow Salters Road (A6094)

Lane: Keep in the left lane.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead—this stretch has steady local traffic.

8. Proceed to A6094 towards Whitecraig Road

Lane: Stay central as the road narrows.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Be alert for bends and potential merging traffic from side streets.

9. Travel along Whitecraig Road

Lane: Keep left.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Whitecraig Village has residential sections—watch for pedestrians and parked cars.

10. Return to A6094 heading towards Salters Road

Lane: Move into the left lane.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Look ahead for clear gaps in traffic before merging.

11. Join A68 towards Millerhill Junction

Lane: Keep right when approaching the junction.
Speed Limit: 50 mph.
Tip: Use this section to demonstrate good mirror use and controlled acceleration.

12. Continue onto The City of Edinburgh Bypass

Lane: Stay in the left lane.
Speed Limit: 60 mph.
Tip: Keep a steady speed and maintain awareness of vehicles joining from slip roads.

13. Approach Sheriffhall Roundabout

Lane: Choose the correct lane for your exit.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: This large roundabout is a key test point—plan your approach early and signal clearly.

14. Head onto Millerhill Road

Lane: Keep left after exiting the roundabout.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Use smooth steering as the road curves towards residential areas.

15. Proceed along The Wisp

Lane: Stay in the central lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Maintain observation—expect local traffic and occasional parked vehicles.

16. Follow Duddingston Park South

Lane: Keep in the left lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Anticipate pedestrians and buses—especially near junctions.

17. Travel along Duddingston Crescent

Lane: Stay left as you enter the residential area.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Keep a steady speed—this stretch tests clutch control and awareness.

18. Continue onto Milton Road East

Lane: Stay central when approaching traffic lights.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Look ahead for light changes and maintain smooth transitions through junctions.

19. Proceed through Eastfield

Lane: Keep to the left.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Be cautious—Eastfield has sharp bends and occasional roadworks.

20. Follow Edinburgh Road back towards Musselburgh

Lane: Remain in the left lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Observe speed limit changes as you approach the town area again.

21. Turn back onto Newhailes Road

Lane: Stay left to prepare for entry.
Speed Limit: 20 mph near the test centre.
Tip: Ease off the accelerator and prepare for your return.

22. Arrive back at Musselburgh Driving Test Centre

Lane: Keep right for parking.
Speed Limit: 20 mph.
Tip: Park calmly—your examiner may ask for a bay park or reverse manoeuvre to finish the test.

Explore the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy

RouteBuddy allows you to practise the Musselburgh Driving Test Routes using accurate GPX guidance, helping you prepare for every junction, bend, and roundabout before test day.

👉 Start preparing with RouteBuddy today for a smoother, more confident test!