Driving in Bolton, located in Greater Manchester, brings a mix of busy town roads, industrial estates, residential areas, and challenging roundabouts. The Bolton Driving Test Routes cover a wide variety of road types, giving learners the chance to demonstrate real-world driving skills. In this guide, you’ll find 20 FAQs tailored specifically to the Bolton Driving Test Routes to help you prepare with clarity and confidence.
👉 Practise the Bolton Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Bolton Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Bolton Test Centre located?
📍 Weston Street, Bolton, BL3 2AW. The centre is situated near an industrial estate, meaning you’ll often start on quieter roads before joining busier areas.
2. What types of roads will I drive on during the test?
You’ll encounter:
- Residential streets with parked cars
- Main roads such as Derby Street and Bradford Road
- Industrial estate roads near Weston Street
- Busier A-roads and roundabouts across Bolton
3. What challenges should I expect on the Bolton Driving Test Routes?
Typical challenges include:
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Sharp turns inside the industrial zone
- Heavy traffic near Bolton town centre
- Narrow residential roads with limited visibility
4. What key landmarks should I be aware of?
You may pass:
- Bolton town centre
- Derby Street (busy traffic and crossings)
- Burnden Retail Park
- Bradford Road area
5. What are the speed limits on the Bolton Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential zones
- 40 mph on larger A-roads
- 50 mph on certain outskirts
Always follow posted signs — examiners watch for this closely.
6. What junction types appear on the Bolton routes?
Expect:
- Mini-roundabouts in residential areas
- Large roundabouts near A-roads
- Complex right turns on busy streets
- T-junctions with restricted views
7. Are there difficult roundabouts in Bolton?
Yes, especially on Bradford Road and routes connecting to major A-roads.
Read More: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What about parking challenges during the test?
You may need to navigate:
- Tight parallel parking spaces on residential lanes
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Manoeuvring around delivery vans in industrial areas
Read More: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I handle busy areas like Derby Street?
Be prepared for:
- Pedestrian crossings
- Frequent stop-start traffic
- Cyclists and buses sharing the road
Read More: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Bolton driving test routes?
Yes. Certain test routes include nearby dual carriageways where you’ll practise lane discipline, overtaking, and safe merging.
11. Will manoeuvres be required during the test?
Common manoeuvres include:
- Parallel parking
- Bay parking
- Pulling up on the right
- Emergency stop
- Reversing into side roads
12. How long is the Bolton driving test?
Approximately 40 minutes, covering a mix of residential, urban, and industrial roads, plus one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise the Bolton Driving Test Routes beforehand?
Yes, and you should. RouteBuddy lets you practise the Bolton Driving Test Routes with accurate, turn-by-turn navigation.
👉 Practise the Bolton Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
14. How do I approach roundabouts on Bolton driving test routes?
Remember:
- Give way to the right unless signs state otherwise
- Check blind spots for cyclists
- Signal early and clearly
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Bolton?
- Speeding in 20 mph zones
- Poor observations at mini-roundabouts
- Hesitation at busy junctions
- Not checking mirrors when changing road positions
16. What should I bring for my driving test?
You must bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Corrective eyewear if needed
- A safe, insured car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Bolton test?
Rain and fog are common in Greater Manchester. Wet roads around industrial estates can be slippery, so practise braking and cornering smoothly.
18. How do I deal with cyclists or large vehicles?
Bolton routes include buses, lorries, and cyclists. Give plenty of space, stay patient, and use mirrors frequently.
19. What happens if I fail the Bolton driving test?
The examiner will explain your errors. Use RouteBuddy to revisit exact areas where you struggled and improve before retaking.
20. How do I book or change my Bolton driving test?
Visit the DVSA booking service online to schedule, change, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Bolton Driving Test Routes
- Starting Point: Bolton Driving Test Centre
- Location: Weston Street, Bolton, BL3 2AW
1. Leave the test centre on Weston Street
- Lane: Keep to the left as you pull out.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for early morning activity — this area can feel busy even at quieter times.
2. Join Manchester Road
- Lane: Settle into the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect steady traffic and several merging points.
3. Head along Bridgeman Place
- Lane: Maintain a central lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Pedestrian crossings here are frequent — anticipate stops.
4. Follow the road onto Bradford Street
- Lane: Keep left as the road curves.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Stay observant around junctions feeding into this stretch.
5. Move towards Tonge Bridge
- Lane: Stay within your lane markings.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: The bridge narrows slightly — hold a steady line.
6. Continue up Bury Road
- Lane: Stay left unless directed otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Traffic here can pick up — maintain good spacing.
7. Head onto Crompton Way
- Lane: Keep in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph depending on signage.
- Tip: A key section for demonstrating smooth acceleration.
8. Transition into Firwood Lane
- Lane: Position left to enter safely.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This road tightens — perfect place to show controlled steering.
9. Travel along Tonge Moor Road
- Lane: Keep a clear lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect parked cars narrowing the road at times.
10. Rejoin Crompton Way
- Lane: Choose the left lane when merging.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of cyclists travelling through this section.
11. Cross Eagley Brook Bridge
- Lane: Maintain good central positioning.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Visibility on approach can change quickly—check mirrors thoroughly.
12. Stay on Crompton Way
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph typically.
- Tip: Use this wider section to show composure at higher limits.
13. Move onto Moss Bank Way
- Lane: Follow the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Traffic flow may vary — stay adaptable.
14. Turn into Stapleton Avenue
- Lane: Position neatly for the entry.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph depending on signs.
- Tip: A residential zone — expect children and parked vehicles.
15. Continue towards Victoria Road
- Lane: Keep to the left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for vehicles emerging from driveways.
16. Travel down Beaumont Road
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: The hospital nearby increases pedestrian activity.
17. Move along Wigan Road
- Lane: Keep a consistent lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This is a busy through-route — keep your awareness high.
18. Follow Deane Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Anticipate buses and traffic slowing around bends.
19. Join College Way
- Lane: Enter using the left side.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Ideal place to demonstrate hazard anticipation.
20. Head towards Fletcher Street
- Lane: Keep centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions come up quickly —check your mirrors often.
21. Follow Grecian Crescent
- Lane: Hold a steady position through gentle bends.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Narrower spacing means slower, smoother control.
22. Move along Rishton Lane
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Look out for cars squeezing into tight parking gaps.
23. Return to Weston Lane
- Lane: Keep left and prepare for the test centre entrance.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Use the final stretch to show calm, controlled driving.
24. Arrive back at Bolton Driving Test Centre
- Lane: Position for a safe entry into the car park.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph inside the premises.
- Tip: A smooth bay or reverse park wraps up the test well.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Bolton Driving Test Routes?
Understanding the Bolton Driving Test Routes is a huge advantage when preparing for your test. By learning the roads, identifying the tricky spots, and practising consistently with RouteBuddy, you’ll strengthen your driving skills and boost your chances of passing.
Keep practising, you’ve got this!