Driving around Barnet in North London gives learners a blend of busy high streets, suburban estates, hilly roads, complex roundabouts, and fast-paced A-roads. The Barnet Driving Test Routes challenge your awareness, observations, and lane discipline across real London traffic conditions. Below are 20 FAQs specific to the test centre at Raydean House, 15–17 Western Parade, Barnet, EN5 1AD, to help you prepare thoroughly and confidently.
👉 Practise the Barnet Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Barnet Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Barnet Test Centre located?
📍 Raydean House, 15–17 Western Parade, Barnet, EN5 1AD. Located on the A1000, the test centre is close to shops and traffic, making the first few minutes of driving quite active.
2. What types of roads will I drive on?
Expect a mix of:
- Busy high streets
- Residential estates
- Steep hills and inclines
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- A-roads like the A1000 and A1081
3. What challenges are common on Barnet Driving Test Routes?
Learners often struggle with:
- Heavy traffic near Barnet High Street
- Lane discipline on the A1000
- Busy mini-roundabouts
- Tight residential roads with parked cars
4. Will I pass any well-known local landmarks?
You may drive past:
- Barnet High Street
- Hadley Common
- Barnet Police Station area
- The A1000 corridor
5. What are the typical speed limits on the Barnet routes?
20–30 mph in residential and school areas
- 40 mph on larger A-roads
- 50 mph on certain outskirts
Always watch for sudden changes around Barnet.
6. What junction types should I expect?
Expect to encounter:
- Busy T-junctions with limited visibility
- Mini-roundabouts around residential estates
- Larger roundabouts connecting to A-roads
- Staggered crossroads on the A1000
7. Are there any difficult roundabouts on the Barnet driving test routes?
Yes, especially multi-lane ones near major A-road link-ups.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What about parking challenges during the test?
You might need to manage:
- Tight parallel parking on narrow roads
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Manoeuvring around parked cars on estates
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How do I handle busy areas like Barnet High Street?
Expect:
- Heavy pedestrian traffic
- Buses stopping frequently
- Cyclists filtering through gaps
- Vehicles turning unexpectedly
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Barnet test?
Some routes may include fast-moving sections where lane discipline and safe merging are essential.
11. Will manoeuvres be required?
Yes, you’ll be asked to complete 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 Barnet driving test?
It lasts about 40 minutes and covers residential, urban, and A-road driving.
13. Can I practise the Barnet Driving Test Routes beforehand?
Absolutely! Use RouteBuddy to practise Barnet Driving Test Routes with accurate, turn-by-turn navigation.
14. What’s the best way to approach roundabouts in Barnet?
- Give way to the right
- Keep your lane position clean
- Watch for cyclists or motorbikes
- Signal early for your exit
15. What are the common mistakes in Barnet?
Learners often make errors such as:
- Lane drifting on the A1000
- Over-speeding on downhill roads
- Poor observations at mini-roundabouts
- Hesitating too long at busy junctions
16. What should I bring on my test day?
Bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses or contact lenses if needed
- A safe, insured car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Barnet driving test routes?
The hills around Barnet can be slippery when it rains. Fog and low sun can affect visibility on A-roads and high streets.
18. How do I deal with buses, lorries, or cyclists?
- Use extra caution
- Allow wider gaps
- Check mirrors frequently
- Avoid overtaking unless fully safe
19. What happens if I fail the Barnet driving test?
The examiner will give feedback. Use RouteBuddy to re-practice tricky areas and improve before your next attempt.
20. How do I book or change a test at Barnet?
Use the DVSA online booking system to schedule, change, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Barnet Driving Test Routes
- Starting Point: Barnet Driving Test Centre
- Location: Raydean House, 15–17 Western Parade, Barnet, EN5 1AD
1. Leave the test centre on Western Parade
- Lane: Keep left as you exit.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This first stretch has shops and parked cars — pace yourself.
2. Head towards Pricklers Hill
- Lane: Stay left unless directed otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect tight spacing during busy times.
3. Move along Great North Road
- Lane: Maintain a steady central position.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph depending on signage.
- Tip: Keep scanning ahead for merging traffic.
4. Follow the road onto High Road
- Lane: Keep to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Pedestrian crossings appear often — plan ahead.
5. Travel into St Margaret’s Avenue
- Lane: Stay neatly positioned.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: A calm residential stretch — ideal for showcasing control.
6. Join Totteridge Lane
- Lane: Hold a clear lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for bends and limited visibility.
7. Drive through Totteridge Village
- Lane: Maintain your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect horses and cyclists — be prepared to reduce speed.
8. Continue into Totteridge Common
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: The open road may tempt faster driving — stay within limits.
9. Move along Highwood Hill
- Lane: Hold a stable lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: The road narrows at points — be cautious of oncoming vehicles.
10. Follow Marsh Lane
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Check mirrors often as vehicles enter from side roads.
11. Join Barnet Way
- Lane: Merge using the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 40–50 mph depending on signs.
- Tip: Strong acceleration control is important here.
12. Head towards Barnet Bypass
- Lane: Keep a firm position within your lane.
- Speed Limit: 50 mph.
- Tip: High-speed conditions require consistent observation.
13. Return along Barnet Way
- Lane: Move with the flow while staying left.
- Speed Limit: 40–50 mph.
- Tip: Stay aware of fast-moving traffic.
14. Approach Stirling Corner
- Lane: Select the correct lane early.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph on approach.
- Tip: Multi-exit roundabouts test your planning — look well ahead.
15. Follow Barnet Road
- Lane: Keep to the left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This area becomes busier near residential zones.
16. Move onto Wood Street
- Lane: Maintain a steady position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect sharper bends and regular pedestrian activity.
17. Travel along Union Street
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Narrow sections demand careful judgement.
18. Continue onto Stapylton Road
- Lane: Stay neatly in the lane.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Perfect road to show calm clutch and speed control.
19. Join St Albans Road
- Lane: Hold a stable left-hand lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for vehicles turning from side streets.
20. Follow Dancers Hill Road
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect dips and rises — maintain smooth speed.
21. Move onto Kitts End Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Look out for walkers and cyclists along rural stretches.
22. Travel to Hadley Highstone
- Lane: Maintain your position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions appear frequently — anticipate early.
23. Follow Hadley Green
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Parked vehicles may narrow the route.
24. Return via Great North Road
- Lane: Keep firmly in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Maintain strong lane discipline on the approach to the town centre.
25. Travel onto High Street
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Expect congestion — smooth progress is key.
26. Move along Barnet Hill
- Lane: Hold a steady position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Downhill driving requires controlled braking.
27. Arrive back at Western Parade
- Lane: Position carefully for the test centre entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph in the car park.
- Tip: A controlled finish leaves a strong final impression.
Conclusion: Are you Ready to Conquer the Barnet Driving Test Routes?
The Barnet Driving Test Routes offer a realistic mix of London driving conditions — busy high streets, challenging roundabouts, and varied residential roads. With consistent practice, thorough route familiarity, and the support of RouteBuddy, you can approach your test with confidence and clarity.
Stay calm, stay consistent, and keep practising!