Driving in Chichester, a historic city in West Sussex, offers a variety of road conditions, from busy town centre streets to quiet rural lanes. The Chichester Driving Test Routes challenge learners with everything from multi-lane roundabouts to narrow country roads. This blog provides 20 essential FAQs about the Chichester Test Centre to help you prepare thoroughly for your test.
👉 Practise the Chichester Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
1. Where is the Chichester Test Centre located?
📍 York House, City Fields Business Park, City Fields Way, Chichester, PO20 2FR. This test centre is situated on a business park, offering access to both quiet lanes and busy main roads in the Chichester area.
2. What types of roads will I encounter on the Chichester Driving Test Routes?
Expect a mix of:
- Residential streets with parked cars
- Busy town centre roads
- Rural lanes on the outskirts of Chichester
- A-roads such as the A27 and A259
- Multi-lane roundabouts
3. What challenges are common on Chichester routes?
Common challenges include:
- Heavy traffic in Chichester town centre
- Navigating large roundabouts on the A27
- Narrow country lanes with limited visibility
- Sudden speed limit changes
4. What landmarks might I drive past during the test?
- Possible landmarks include:
- Chichester City Centre
- Chichester Cathedral
- The A27 roundabouts
- Fishbourne Roman Palace
5. What are the typical speed limits on Chichester Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas and around schools
- 40 mph on main roads like the A259
- 50–60 mph on A-roads such as the A27
Always be alert to speed limit signs, as they can change frequently.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions in residential areas
- Mini-roundabouts around suburban estates
- Large multi-lane roundabouts on the A27
- Crossroads near busy areas
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on Chichester routes?
Yes, particularly on the A27 and A259, where multi-lane roundabouts are common.
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 in 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 Chichester town centre?
Be prepared for:
- Pedestrian crossings
- Buses stop at designated stops
- Cyclists sharing lanes
- Sudden lane changes due to traffic
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Chichester test routes?
Yes, parts of the A27 and A259 are dual carriageways, requiring safe lane changes and good merging skills.
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 Chichester driving test?
The test lasts approximately 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise the Chichester Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely. RouteBuddy provides turn-by-turn navigation to help you get familiar with the Chichester Driving Test Routes before your test.
14. How should I approach roundabouts on Chichester routes?
- Give way to traffic from the right
- Check your mirrors frequently
- Signal clearly when exiting
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Chichester?
Common errors include:
- Hesitating at busy roundabouts
- Lane discipline issues on dual carriageways
- Speeding on residential roads
- Not checking mirrors when changing lanes
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
Make sure to bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses or contact lenses (if required)
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Chichester routes?
Rain and fog can make roads slippery, especially on the A27 roundabouts.
Low sun and fog can affect visibility, particularly on rural roads.
18. How should I deal with cyclists, buses, and large vehicles?
- Give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking
- Be cautious when passing large vehicles or buses
- Always check mirrors regularly
- Wait for clear gaps before overtaking
19. What happens if I fail the Chichester driving test?
The examiner will explain your faults. Use RouteBuddy to focus on areas where you struggled and practise before rebooking.
20. How do I book or change my Chichester driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Chichester Driving Test Routes
- Chichester Driving Test Route
- Test Centre: York House, City Fields Business Park, City Fields Way, Chichester, PO20 2FR
1. Leave the test centre on City Fields Way → Meadow Way
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Quiet residential road — good for adjusting mirrors and clutch control.
2. Turn onto Boxgrove Roundabout → Arundel Road
- Lane: Stay left as you exit the roundabout.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Roundabouts require early lane positioning and smooth acceleration.
3. Continue on Westhampnett Bypass → Portfield Way → Westhampnett Road
- Lane: Keep centred in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for junctions and pedestrian crossings.
4. Travel down Spitalfield Lane → Adelaide Road → St Pancras
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential areas, anticipate parked vehicles and cyclists.
5. Head onto Needlemakers → The Hornet → Market Road
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Narrower sections — good to demonstrate smooth steering and parking.
6. Continue onto Market Avenue → Basin Road → Stockbridge Road
- Lane: Keep steady lane positioning.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential traffic may slow; watch for emerging vehicles.
7. Move along Stockbridge Roundabout → Chichester Bypass
- Lane: Follow roundabout lanes closely.
- Speed Limit: 40–50 mph.
- Tip: Maintain a safe following distance on this faster road.
8. Head onto Whyke Roundabout → Chichester Roundabout → Bognor Road Roundabout
- Lane: Position early for your exit.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Stay calm in traffic-heavy roundabouts.
9. Return along Chichester Bypass → Stane Street → Arundel Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Adjust speed for vehicles and cyclists entering.
10. Re-enter Boxgrove Roundabout → Meadow Way → City Fields Way
- Lane: Position left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Prepare for smooth parking when re-entering the test centre.
11. Arrive back at the Test Centre
- Lane: Stay left for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph inside the test centre.
- Tip: A clean, controlled final park completes the route.
Conclusion: Chichester Driving Test Routes
The Chichester Driving Test Routes reflect the unique blend of city, suburban, and rural driving that makes Chichester a great place to develop your driving skills. By practising with RouteBuddy, you’ll become more familiar with the routes, reduce test-day nerves, and improve your chances of passing.
Stay focused, stay confident, and keep practising!