Driving around Sidcup, in South East London, gives learners a mix of suburban streets, dual carriageways, busy town roads, and multi-lane roundabouts. The Sidcup Driving Test Routes are well known for their variety and real-life challenges, making them ideal for building strong driving skills. This guide answers 20 essential FAQs to help you prepare effectively.
👉 Practise the Sidcup Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Sidcup Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Sidcup Test Centre located?
đź“Ť 2 Crayside, Five Arches Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, DA14 5AG. The centre sits near commercial and residential areas, offering immediate access to mixed road conditions.
2. What types of roads will I drive on?
Expect:
- Busy suburban roads
- Narrow residential streets
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Dual carriageways such as the A20
- Complex junctions along Maidstone Road
3. What are the main challenges on the Sidcup Driving Test Routes?
You’ll encounter:
- Heavy traffic during peak times
- Multi-lane roundabouts near the A20
- Narrow estate roads with parked cars
- Bus lanes and lane-discipline challenges
4. What landmarks might I drive past?
Possible areas include:
- Maidstone Road
- Foots Cray Meadows
- Sidcup town centre
- Local residential estates near Ruxley
5. What are the speed limits on the Sidcup routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential streets
- 40 mph on Maidstone Road
- 50–60 mph on sections of the A20
- Always follow posted signs — speed limits change frequently.
6. What junctions will I face?
Common junctions include:
- T-junctions on residential roads
- Mini-roundabouts near local estates
- Multi-lane roundabouts feeding the A20
- Busy crossroads along Maidstone Road
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on Sidcup routes?
Yes, especially the large roundabouts linking to the A20.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout GuidelinesÂ
8. What parking situations should I be ready for?
You may face:
- Tight roadside spaces
- Parallel parking on narrow streets
- Bay parking at the test centre
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How do I handle busy roads like Maidstone Road?
Watch for:
- Pedestrian crossings
- Buses pulling out
- Cyclists filtering
- Sudden stops from traffic ahead
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & CyclistsÂ
10. Are dual carriageways part of the Sidcup test?
Yes, the A20 often appears on the test. You’ll need good lane discipline, safe overtaking, and confident merging.
11. Will I have to complete manoeuvres?
Yes, one of the following:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Reverse into a side road
- Emergency stop
12. How long is the Sidcup driving test?
Around 40 minutes, covering a wide mix of suburban, residential, and dual-carriageway driving.
13. Can I practise the Sidcup Driving Test Routes beforehand?
Absolutely! Practising is essential.
Use RouteBuddy for accurate, turn-by-turn practice of the Sidcup Driving Test Routes before your test.
14. How should I approach roundabouts on the Sidcup driving test routes?
- Give way to the right
- Check blind spots for cyclists
- Keep your lane position clean
- Signal early for your exit
15. What mistakes do learners make most often?
Common faults include:
- Lane drift on the A20
- Hesitation at busy roundabouts
- Missing mirror checks when changing lanes
- Speeding on 20 mph residential roads
16. What should I bring on test day?
Bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Contact lenses/glasses if needed
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Sidcup test?
Rain, fog, and low sun can reduce visibility on the A20.
Wet roads near Foots Cray Meadows can be slippery — adjust your speed accordingly.
18. How do I deal with buses, lorries, or cyclists?
- Give plenty of space
- Anticipate wider turns from large vehicles
- Avoid overtaking unless completely safe
- Check mirrors before any manoeuvre
19. What happens if I fail the Sidcup test?
The examiner will explain the faults. Use RouteBuddy to re-practice the exact spots you struggled with.
20. How do I book or change my Sidcup driving test?
Visit the DVSA online booking service to book, change, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Sidcup Driving Test Routes?
- Starting Point: Sidcup Driving Test Centre
- Location: 2 Crayside, Five Arches Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, DA14 5AG
1. Leave the test centre on Maidstone Road
- Lane: Keep to the left as you exit.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This stretch can feel busy early in the route — settle your speed steadily.
2. Head towards Edgington Way
- Lane: Stay in the left lane for a smooth merge.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: In dual-carriageway conditions, mirror checks are crucial.
3. Follow Sidcup By-Pass Road (A20 link)
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 50 mph.
- Tip: Show confident acceleration while keeping a safe distance.
4. Move onto Sidcup Road
- Lane: Keep left unless signs direct otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Be ready for lane splits as the road widens.
5. Approach Clifton’s Roundabout
- Lane: Choose your lane early based on destination signs.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph on approach.
- Tip: Smooth observations here show strong planning skills.
6. Join Westhorne Avenue
- Lane: Keep in the correct lane as you merge.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Traffic flow can vary — remain aware of faster vehicles.
7. Follow the route towards Yorkshire Grey
- Lane: Stay centred in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph depending on signs.
- Tip: This junction can be complex — steady positioning helps.
8. Move along Eltham Hill
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect busier pedestrian activity along this stretch.
9. Continue onto Eltham High Street
- Lane: Hold a consistent lane position.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph, depending on the area.
- Tip: Ideal section to demonstrate clutch control and speed awareness.
10. Travel on Bexley Road
- Lane: Remain in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Shops and side streets can create unpredictable movement — stay alert.
11. Head onto Blackfen Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This area often has parked cars — adjust position safely.
12. Follow Penhill Road
- Lane: Stay centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for gentle bends and side junctions.
13. Move towards Hurst Road
- Lane: Keep a steady lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential surroundings — be prepared for pedestrians.
14. Travel onto Station Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Traffic can be unpredictable near the station — plan ahead.
15. Head into High Street
- Lane: Keep left unless signage indicates otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Slow-moving traffic is common—patience helps.
16. Proceed along Sidcup Hill
- Lane: Maintain stable positioning.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Downhill sections require smooth braking.
17. Follow Foots Cray High Street
- Lane: Keep in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions appear frequently — stay observant.
18. Return to Maidstone Road
- Lane: Position left for the approach.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Prepare early for the turn back to the business estate.
19. Arrive back at Sidcup Driving Test Centre
- Lane: Line up accurately for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph inside the grounds.
- Tip: A composed park shows excellent control to finish the test.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Sidcup Driving Test Routes?
The Sidcup Driving Test Routes offer a true mix of everyday driving scenarios, from quiet residential areas to fast-paced dual carriageways. By preparing thoroughly and practising regularly with RouteBuddy, you’ll build the confidence and control needed to pass your test.
Stay focused, stay calm and keep practising!