Driving in Basingstoke, a large town in Hampshire, exposes learner drivers to busy roundabouts, fast A-roads, residential estates, and complex junctions. The Basingstoke Driving Test Routes are well known for testing roundabout confidence, lane discipline, and hazard awareness. This guide answers 20 essential FAQs based on the test centre, helping you prepare calmly and effectively.
👉 Practise the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Basingstoke Test Centre located?
📍 Brighton Hill Centre, Basingstoke, RG22 4LR. The test centre is set within a residential area, giving immediate access to estate roads and nearby A-roads.
2. What types of roads are included on the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes?
Expect a mix of:
- Residential estate roads around Brighton Hill
- Busy town roads
- A-roads such as the A30 and A339
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Dual carriageways
3. What challenges are common on Basingstoke routes?
Learners often face:
- Large, fast-flowing roundabouts
- Lane discipline issues on dual carriageways
- Sudden speed limit changes
- Heavy traffic during peak hours
4. What landmarks might appear during the test?
You may drive past areas such as:
- Brighton Hill estates
- Ringway West and Ringway South
- Town outskirts near the A30
- Residential roads leading towards Hatch Warren
5. What speed limits apply on Basingstoke Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential and school zones
- 40 mph on larger town roads
- 50–70 mph on dual carriageways
Always follow posted signs — Basingstoke has frequent speed changes.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions on housing estates
- Mini-roundabouts
- Large, multi-lane roundabouts
- Signal-controlled crossroads
7. Are roundabouts a major part of the Basingstoke test?
Yes! Basingstoke is famous for its roundabouts, including large multi-lane ones.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres might be required?
You may be asked to complete:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Reverse into a side road
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I handle busy roads like Ringway West?
Be prepared for:
- Fast-moving traffic
- Lane changes at short notice
- Pedestrians near crossings
- Cyclists using busier routes
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Basingstoke test?
Yes, routes often include dual carriageways where confident merging, correct lane use, and safe speeds are essential.
11. Will I need to manoeuvre the test?
Yes, the examiner will ask you to complete one manoeuvre during the test.
12. How long is the Basingstoke driving test?
Approximately 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely. RouteBuddy allows you to practise the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes with turn-by-turn navigation, helping you build confidence before test day.
14. How should I approach large roundabouts in Basingstoke?
- Choose your lane early
- Check mirrors frequently
- Signal clearly and in good time
- Avoid late lane changes
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Basingstoke?
Common faults include:
- Lane drift on multi-lane roundabouts
- Hesitation when joining fast roads
- Speeding on dual carriageways
- Missing mirror checks
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
You’ll need:
- 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 Basingstoke routes?
Rain can reduce visibility and grip on roundabouts.
Low sun may cause glare on open dual carriageways.
18. How should I deal with cyclists, buses, or 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 Basingstoke driving test?
The examiner will explain the faults. Use RouteBuddy to practise the specific areas you struggled with before rebooking.
20. How do I book or change a Basingstoke driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, change, or cancel your driving test.
Sample Guide of the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes
- Basingstoke Driving Test Route
- Test Centre: Brighton Hill Centre, Basingstoke, RG22 4LR
1. Leave the test centre on Brighton Hill → Sullivan Road → Brighton Way
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential area — expect parked cars and junction traffic.
2. Brighton Hill Roundabout → The Harrow Way → Viables Roundabout
- Lane: Follow lane markings early.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Good roundabout discipline is important here.
3. Continue on The Harrow Way → Grove Road → Hackwood Road
- Lane: Stay in lane through junctions.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Be aware of changing speed limits and side roads.
4. Hackwood Roundabout → Ringway South → Ringway East
- Lane: Choose the correct exit lane in advance.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Traffic flows quickly — plan mirror checks early.
5. Gresley Road → Norn Hill → Basing View
- Lane: Keep left unless signs direct otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Office and town-centre traffic can slow down suddenly.
6. Eastrop Roundabout → Festival Way → New Road
- Lane: Maintain clear lane positioning.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Pedestrian activity increases near the park and town centre.
7. Victoria Street → New Street → Timberlake Road
- Lane: Stay centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Narrow sections, be cautious with oncoming traffic.
8. Victory Roundabout → Churchill Way West → Thornycroft Roundabout
- Lane: Follow arrows precisely.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: One of the key roundabout sections is to stay calm and decisive.
9. Ringway West → Winchester Road Roundabout → Winchester Road
- Lane: Keep left unless overtaking is required.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Dual carriageway driving maintain a safe following distance.
10. Brighton Hill Roundabout → Brighton Way → Sullivan Road
- Lane: Stay in the correct lane for the return.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Prepare mentally for the test centre return.
11. Return to Brighton Hill → Test Centre
- Lane: Position carefully for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph on site.
- Tip: A smooth, controlled final manoeuvre finishes the drive well.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Basingstoke Driving Test Routes?
The Basingstoke Driving Test Routes are known for their roundabouts, fast roads, and varied traffic conditions. With focused practice and smart preparation using RouteBuddy, you can build confidence, sharpen your skills, and approach test day ready to succeed.
Keep practising! Every drive brings you closer to a pass.