Driving in Mitcham, located in South London, exposes learners to a variety of road conditions, from busy town roads to quiet suburban lanes. The Mitcham Driving Test Routes are designed to test your ability to handle urban traffic, narrow streets, and large multi-lane roundabouts. This blog answers 20 key FAQs about the Mitcham Test Centre, so you can prepare confidently for your test.
👉 Practise the Mitcham Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Mitcham Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Mitcham Test Centre located?
📍 Redhouse Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR0 3AQ. The test centre is situated near residential estates and commercial areas, providing easy access to both busy roads and quieter lanes.
2. What types of roads will I encounter on the Mitcham Driving Test Routes?
Expect a combination of:
- Residential roads with parked cars
- Busy main roads like the A236
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Suburban streets with one-way systems
- Rural lanes on the outskirts of Mitcham
3. What challenges are common on Mitcham routes?
Learners often face challenges such as:
- Heavy traffic on the A236 and surrounding roads
- Complex multi-lane roundabouts
- Narrow streets with parked cars in residential areas
- Pedestrian crossings and cyclists in busy town areas
4. What landmarks might I drive past during the test?
Possible landmarks include:
- Mitcham Junction
- Mitcham Town Centre
- St. Mark’s Church
- Morden Hall Park
5. What are the typical speed limits on Mitcham Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas and near schools
- 40 mph on main roads such as the A236
- 50 mph on suburban routes and quieter outskirt roads
- Speed limits in Mitcham can change quickly, so stay alert.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
You’ll face:
- Mini-roundabouts in residential areas
- Large multi-lane roundabouts near busy main roads
- T-junctions in suburban streets
- One-way systems in town areas
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on Mitcham routes?
Yes, particularly multi-lane roundabouts around Mitcham Junction and the A236.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres should I prepare for?
You may be asked to perform:
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Parallel parking on narrow roads
- Pull up on the right
- Reverse into a side road
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I handle busy town roads near Mitcham Junction?
Expect:
- Pedestrian crossings, especially near Mitcham Town Centre
- Frequent stops due to heavy traffic
- Cyclists sharing the road with you
- Sudden lane changes
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in Mitcham test routes?
Yes, parts of A236 and nearby roads are dual carriageways, requiring confident lane changes and safe overtaking.
11. Will I need to manoeuvre the test?
Yes, the examiner will ask for one of the following:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Emergency stop
12. How long is the Mitcham driving test?
The test lasts around 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise Mitcham Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely! RouteBuddy allows you to practise the Mitcham Driving Test Routes with accurate, turn-by-turn navigation, helping you get familiar with the routes.
14. How should I approach roundabouts on Mitcham routes?
- Give way to traffic on the right unless signs indicate otherwise
- Signal early for your exit
- Maintain lane discipline
- Watch for cyclists in your blind spots
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Mitcham?
Frequent mistakes include:
- Hesitating at busy roundabouts
- Over-speeding on A-roads
- Lane discipline issues on multi-lane roads
- Not checking mirrors when changing lanes
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
Make sure you have:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses/contact lenses if needed
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Mitcham routes?
Rain can make roads slippery, especially on roundabouts.
Fog and low sun can also affect visibility on main roads like the A236.
18. How should I deal with cyclists and buses?
- Give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking
- Be cautious around buses pulling in or out
- Always check mirrors before changing lanes
- Wait for a safe gap before overtaking large vehicles
19. What happens if I fail the Mitcham driving test?
The examiner will provide feedback. Use RouteBuddy to focus on areas where you struggled and practise before retaking the test.
20. How do I book or change my Mitcham driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Mitcham Driving Test Routes
- Mitcham Driving Test Route
- Test Centre: Redhouse Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR0 3AQ
1. Leave the test centre on Redhouse Road → Mitcham Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for oncoming vehicles as you approach busy junctions.
2. Travel onto Brading Road → Thornton Avenue → Thornton Road
- Lane: Stay centred in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential roads, expect parked cars and pedestrians.
3. Continue onto London Road → Streatham High Road
- Lane: Stay in your lane for the next junction.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Higher traffic volume, stay alert for crossing vehicles.
4. Move along Gleneagle Road → Ambleside Avenue → Tooting Bec Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be prepared for sudden turns and side road exits.
5. Follow Franciscan Road → Mellison Road → Woodbury Street
- Lane: Maintain a steady lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for cyclists and parked vehicles.
6. Travel onto High Street Colliers Wood → Priory Road → Christchurch Road
- Lane: Stay left for each exit.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Town centre traffic is often dense, so anticipate stopping.
7. Head onto Merantun Way → Morden Road → Morden Hall Road
- Lane: Maintain a stable lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Pedestrians and traffic light changes, anticipate early.
8. Continue on St Helier Avenue → Bishopsford Road → Middleton Road
- Lane: Keep in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Side road exits and pedestrians can slow traffic here.
9. Travel down Goat Road → Carshalton Road → Croydon Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for turning traffic and slow vehicles.
10. Return to Redhouse Road → Test Centre
- Lane: Position left for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph within the test centre.
- Tip: Finish with a controlled parking manoeuvre.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Mitcham Driving Test Routes?
The Mitcham Driving Test Routes provide a real-world mix of busy urban streets, residential areas, and multi-lane roundabouts, making it the perfect place to build your driving confidence. With consistent practice and the help of RouteBuddy, you can familiarise yourself with these roads and improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Stay focused, stay confident, and keep practising!