Driving in Preston, a city located in Lancashire, involves a mix of busy main roads, narrow residential streets, multi-lane roundabouts, and fast-moving A-roads. The Preston Driving Test Routes are designed to test your ability to handle diverse road types, from quiet suburban lanes to the busy ring roads of the city. In this blog, you’ll find 20 frequently asked questions about the test centre to help you prepare effectively and confidently.
👉 Practise the Preston Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Preston Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Preston Test Centre located?
📍 Chain Caul Road, Preston, PR2 2PD. Located in the Cuerden Industrial Estate, the test centre offers easy access to both busy urban roads and quieter suburban streets.
2. What types of roads will I encounter on the Preston Driving Test Routes?
Expect a mix of:
- Busy A-roads like the A6 and A59
- Residential roads with parked cars
- Industrial estate roads near Chain Caul Road
- Multi-lane roundabouts on the ring road
3. What challenges are common on Preston routes?
You may face:
- Heavy traffic around the Preston Ring Road
- Multi-lane roundabouts require careful lane discipline
- Narrow lanes in residential areas
- Parking on tight streets in suburban neighbourhoods
4. What landmarks might I pass during the test?
Possible landmarks include:
- Preston Railway Station
- Cuerden Valley Park
- Preston City Centre
- The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
5. What are the typical speed limits on Preston Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas
- 40 mph on main roads like the A6 and A59
- 50–60 mph on rural sections and dual carriageways
Always check speed limit signs, as they frequently change in urban areas.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions in suburban areas
- Mini-roundabouts around residential streets
- Large, multi-lane roundabouts on ring roads
- Busy signal-controlled intersections
7. Are there complex roundabouts on Preston routes?
Yes, particularly multi-lane roundabouts around Preston Ring Road.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres should I prepare for?
Examiners may ask you to perform:
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Parallel parking on narrow roads
- Pulling up on the right
- Reverse into a side road
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I manage busy roads around Preston city centre?
Be prepared for:
- Pedestrian crossings, especially near shopping areas
- Cyclists sharing the lanes
- Buses stopping frequently
- Sudden stops due to heavy traffic
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Preston test?
Yes, the A6 and parts of the A59 are dual carriageways, requiring good lane discipline and confidence when merging.
11. Will I need to perform a manoeuvre during the test?
Yes, the examiner will ask for one of the following:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pulling up on the right
- Emergency stop
12. How long is the Preston driving test?
The test lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise Preston Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely! Practising in advance is key. Use RouteBuddy to simulate Preston Driving Test Routes with accurate, turn-by-turn navigation.
14. How should I approach multi-lane roads in Preston?
- Choose your lane early.
- Always check your mirrors.
- Signal clearly when changing lanes.
- Keep your distance from other vehicles.
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Preston?
Common errors include:
- Hesitation on busy roundabouts
- Misjudging speed limits on dual carriageways
- Not checking mirrors when changing lanes
- Struggling to park in tight spaces
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
Make sure you bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses/contact lenses if needed
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Preston routes?
Rain and fog can make driving more challenging, especially on dual carriageways like the A59.
Low sun may be an issue in some open regions.
18. How should I deal with cyclists and large vehicles on the road?
- Always give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking
- Be cautious when passing large vehicles
- Check your mirrors frequently
- Wait for a safe gap before overtaking
19. What happens if I fail the Preston driving test?
The examiner will explain the reasons. Use RouteBuddy to focus on the specific parts of the route you struggled with before rebooking.
20. How do I book or change my Preston driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your driving test.
Sample Guide of the Preston Driving Test Routes
- Preston Driving Test Centre
- Test Centre: Chain Caul Road, Preston, PR2 2PD
1. Leave the test centre on Chain Caul Road → Chain Caul Way
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Industrial traffic may be heavy — keep alert for larger vehicles.
2. Turn onto Nelson Way → Riversway → Blackpool Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for junctions and parked vehicles along the route.
3. Continue onto Edith Rigby Way → William Young Way → Albany Avenue
- Lane: Keep centred in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential roads with crossings — anticipate pedestrians.
4. Travel along Aldeburgh Drive → Tom Benson Way → Tulketh Brow
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions and side roads mean extra caution.
5. Move onto Water Lane → Pedders Way → Navigation Way
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of cyclists and turning vehicles.
6. Return to Chain Caul Way → Chain Caul Road → Test Centre
- Lane: Keep left for the final approach.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Prepare for the final controlled parking or stop.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Preston Driving Test Routes
The Preston Driving Test Routes offer a wide range of driving conditions — from city traffic to rural roads and busy roundabouts. By practising consistently and using tools like RouteBuddy, you can prepare confidently and improve your chances of passing your test on the first attempt.
Stay calm, stay focused, and keep practising!