Driving in Atherton, located in Greater Manchester, gives learner drivers a varied mix of suburban streets, busy town roads, industrial estate routes, and fast A-roads. The Atherton Driving Test Routes are designed to test your ability to adapt to real-world driving conditions, including junction-heavy areas, changing speed limits, and mixed traffic flow. This guide answers 20 key FAQs based on the test centre, helping you prepare with confidence.
👉 Practise the Atherton Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Atherton Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Atherton Test Centre located?
📍 1 Gibfield Park Ave, Atherton, Manchester, M46 0SU. The test centre is situated on a business park, allowing quick access to both quieter estate roads and busier town routes.
2. What types of roads will I encounter on the Atherton Driving Test Routes?
Expect a mix of:
- Residential streets with parked cars
- Busy town roads through Atherton
- Industrial estate roads near Gibfield Park
- A-roads such as the A577 and A580
3. What challenges are common on Atherton routes?
Learners often face:
- Heavy traffic at peak times
- Narrow residential streets
- Busy roundabouts and junctions
- Sudden speed limit changes
4. What landmarks might appear during the test?
You may drive past areas such as:
- Atherton town centre
- Gibfield Park Industrial Area
- Roads leading towards Leigh
- Nearby residential estates
5. What are the typical speed limits on Atherton Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas
- 40 mph on main town roads
- 50–60 mph on A-roads
Always watch signage carefully, especially where limits change quickly.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions in housing estates
- Mini-roundabouts
- Larger roundabouts on A-roads
- Signal-controlled crossroads
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on Atherton routes?
Yes, particularly on roads connecting to the A580.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres might be required?
You may be asked to perform:
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Parallel parking on residential streets
- Pull up on the right
- Reverse into a side road
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I handle busy roads near Atherton town centre?
Be prepared for:
- Pedestrian crossings
- Buses stopping frequently
- Cyclists sharing the road
- Stop-start traffic
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Atherton test?
Yes, routes may include sections of the A580, where confident merging and good lane discipline are essential.
11. Will I need to perform a manoeuvre during the test?
Yes, the examiner will ask for one manoeuvre during the test.
12. How long is the Atherton driving test?
The test lasts approximately 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise the Atherton Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely. RouteBuddy provides accurate, turn-by-turn navigation to help you practise the Atherton Driving Test Routes before test day.
14. How should I approach roundabouts on Atherton routes?
Give way to traffic from the right
- Choose your lane early
- Signal clearly
- Watch for cyclists and motorbikes
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Atherton?
Common faults include:
- Hesitating at busy junctions
- Speeding on A-roads
- Poor mirror checks when changing lanes
- Lane discipline errors on roundabouts
16. What should I bring on the day of my test?
You must bring:
- Provisional driving licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses or contact lenses if required
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Atherton driving test routes?
Rain can reduce grip on roundabouts and A-roads.
Fog and low sun may affect visibility on open routes.
18. How should I deal with cyclists, buses, and large vehicles?
- Give plenty of space
- Anticipate wide turns
- Avoid overtaking unless clearly safe
- Check mirrors before every manoeuvre
19. What happens if I fail the Atherton driving test?
The examiner will explain your faults. Use RouteBuddy to revisit problem areas and practise before rebooking.
20. How do I book or change an Atherton driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Atherton Driving Test Routes
- Atherton Driving Test Route
- Test Centre: 1 Gibfield Park Ave, Atherton, Manchester, M46 0SU
1. Leave the test centre via Gibfield Park Avenue → Gibfield Park Way
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Quiet start, good place to settle your clutch control and mirrors.
2. Talbot Roundabout → Wigan Road
- Lane: Choose lane early and stay disciplined.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch approach speed and give clear signals.
3. Gloucester Street → Car Bank Street → Bolton Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential with parked cars, maintain safe clearance.
4. Church Street → Tyldesley Road → Hamilton Street
- Lane: Stay centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junction-heavy section, strong observation needed.
5. Leigh Road → Kirkhall Lane → Atherleigh Way
- Lane: Use the correct lanes as the road opens up.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Good chance to show confident acceleration.
6. Lovers’ Lane → Schofield Lane → Lower Leigh Road
- Lane: Keep left unless overtaking is required.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for bends and emerging traffic.
7. Leigh Road → Cricketers Way → Mill Street
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect traffic build-up near junctions.
8. Bolton Road → Manchester Road → Chequerbent Roundabout
- Lane: Follow lane markings carefully.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Busy roundabout, plan your exit early.
9. Park Road → Platt Lane → North Road
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Narrow sections, steady speed and positioning matter.
10. Return to Gibfield Park Avenue → Test Centre
- Lane: Position left for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph inside the test centre.
- Tip: Finish strong with calm control and tidy parking.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Atherton Driving Test Routes?
The Atherton Driving Test Routes reflect everyday driving in Greater Manchester, combining residential streets, busy town roads, and faster A-roads. With consistent practice and smart preparation using RouteBuddy, you can build confidence, improve your skills, and approach test day ready to pass.
Stay focused, stay calm, and keep practising.