Driving in Hendon, located in North West London, presents a unique blend of busy main roads, narrow residential streets, and multi-lane roundabouts. The Hendon Driving Test Routes are designed to challenge your driving skills in real-world urban and suburban environments. Below are 20 frequently asked questions specific to the test centre to help you prepare confidently for your driving test.
👉 Practise the Hendon Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Hendon Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Hendon Test Centre located?
📍 3 Aviation Drive, Beaufort Park, Hendon, NW9 5TZ. This test centre is located in a busy area near the A41 and provides access to both suburban and urban roads.
2. What types of roads will I drive on during the test?
Expect a mix of:
- Busy roads like the A41 and North Circular Road
- Narrow residential streets in Hendon and nearby areas
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Suburban roads with heavy pedestrian traffic
3. What challenges are common on Hendon routes?
Challenges include:
- Navigating through multi-lane roundabouts on the A41
- Tight turns on residential streets in Hendon
- heavy traffic around the North Circular Road
- Pedestrian crossings and cyclists
4. What landmarks might I pass during the test?
You may drive past:
- Beaufort Park
- Hendon Central Station
- The A41 leading towards central London
- Brent Reservoir (popular landmark)
5. What are the typical speed limits on Hendon Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas
- 40 mph on larger roads such as the A41
- 50 mph on parts of the North Circular Road
Always follow posted signs, especially in urban zones where limits can change quickly.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions in residential areas
- Mini-roundabouts around Hendon’s local estates
- Larger roundabouts connecting to the A41
- Signal-controlled crossroads
7. Are there complex roundabouts on Hendon routes?
Yes, the A41 and nearby areas have large, multi-lane roundabouts that may require careful lane changes.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres should I expect?
Possible manoeuvres include:
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Parallel parking in narrow streets
- Pulling up on the right
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I manage busy roads around Hendon Central?
Be prepared for:
- Pedestrian crossings near the station
- Buses stopping frequently
- Cyclists sharing the road
- Sudden stops due to traffic
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Hendon test?
Yes, sections of the A41 and North Circular Road are dual carriageways where you’ll need to demonstrate good lane discipline and safe merging.
11. Will I need to perform a manoeuvre during the test?
Yes, you’ll likely be asked to complete one of the following:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Emergency stop
12. How long is the Hendon driving test?
The test lasts approximately 40 minutes, including around 20 minutes of independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise Hendon Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely! RouteBuddy provides accurate, turn-by-turn navigation to help you familiarise yourself with Hendon Driving Test Routes in advance.
14. How should I approach roundabouts in Hendon?
- Give way to traffic from the right
- Check your mirrors regularly
- Signal early to indicate your exit
- Keep your lane position firm
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Hendon?
Frequent errors include:
- Hesitating too long at busy junctions
- Over-speeding on multi-lane roads
- Failing to check mirrors when changing lanes
- Struggling with lane discipline on roundabouts
16. What should I bring on my test day?
Make sure you have:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses or contact lenses (if required)
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Hendon routes?
Rain can cause slippery conditions, especially on roundabouts and the North Circular Road.
Fog and low sun may affect visibility, particularly on open roads.
18. How should I deal with cyclists and buses during the test?
- Give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking
- Be aware of buses pulling in or out of stops
- Always check blind spots before lane changes
- Wait for apparent gaps before overtaking large vehicles
19. What happens if I fail the Hendon driving test?
If you don’t pass, the examiner will provide feedback. Use RouteBuddy to focus on the specific areas where you struggled and re-practice before rebooking.
20. How do I book or change my Hendon driving test?
Visit the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Hendon Driving Test Routes
- Hendon Driving Test Centre
- Test Centre: 3 Aviation Drive, Beaufort Park, Hendon, NW9 5TZ
1. Leave the test centre on Aviation Drive → Beaufort Square
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Industrial traffic can appear — keep an eye out for large vehicles.
2. Turn onto Caversham Road → Aerodrome Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: In a residential area, watch for pedestrians and parked cars.
3. Continue onto Colindale Avenue → Edgware Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Be ready for slower traffic near busy junctions.
4. Head along W Hendon Broadway → Herbert Road → Station Road
- Lane: Stay centred in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Several junctions to navigate — maintain good observation.
5. Move onto Watford Way → Hendon Way → Brentmead Place
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Dual carriageway — ensure steady, smooth acceleration.
6. Travel along N Circular Road → Charter Way → Regents Park Road
- Lane: Stay in the correct lane.
- Speed Limit: 40–50 mph.
- Tip: Roundabouts require careful lane choice and early signal use.
7. Continue onto Nether Street → Dollis Road → Holders Hill Circus
- Lane: Maintain a steady lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Roundabouts and residential roads — anticipate turning vehicles.
8. Head onto Devonshire Road → Pursley Road → Page Street
- Lane: Keep left unless directed otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: In residential and school zones, reduce speed accordingly.
9. Travel along Watford Way → Great North Way → Barnet Bypass
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 50 mph.
- Tip: Dual carriageway — use mirrors and maintain distance.
10. Follow Parson Street → Church Road → Church End
- Lane: Stay centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions and cyclists — be prepared to slow down.
11. Head along Greyhound Hill → Aerodrome Road
- Lane: Keep to the left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Stay alert for vehicles entering or turning.
12. Return to Caversham Road → Beaufort Square → Aviation Drive
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Maintain a controlled approach as you near the test centre.
13. Arrive back at Hendon Driving Test Centre
- Lane: Position correctly for entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph in the test centre grounds.
- Tip: A calm, controlled final park to finish.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Hendon Driving Test Routes?
The Hendon Driving Test Routes offer a true reflection of the challenges you’ll face on London’s busy roads, from multi-lane roundabouts to tight suburban streets. By practising regularly and familiarising yourself with the routes using RouteBuddy, you’ll be well-prepared to pass your driving test confidently.
Remain focused, remain calm, and keep practising.