Driving around Chippenham, a busy market town in Wiltshire, gives learners a balanced mix of residential estates, industrial zones, rural country lanes, and fast-moving A-roads. The Chippenham Driving Test Routes are designed to test hazard perception, clutch control on hills, and your ability to handle varied road types. Below are 20 FAQs specific to the test centre to help you prepare confidently.
👉 Practise the Chippenham Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Chippenham Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Chippenham Test Centre located?
📍 Unit 11, Cavalier Court, Bumpers Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LH. The centre is based on an industrial estate, providing immediate access to quiet lanes and busy connecting roads.
2. What types of roads are included on the Chippenham Driving Test Routes?
Expect:
- Narrow industrial roads at Bumpers Farm
- Residential streets with parked cars
- Busy town roads leading into Chippenham centre
- Rural country lanes around Allington and Langley Burrell
- A-roads such as the A420 and A350
3. What challenges should I expect on the Chippenham routes?
Common challenges include:
- Blind bends on rural lanes
- High-speed merging on the A350
- Mini-roundabouts in residential estates
- Tight turns within the industrial estate
4. Which local landmarks might appear on the test?
Possibilities include:
- Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate
- Chippenham town centre
- Pewsham area
- Allington country roads
5. What are the speed limits on Chippenham Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph on residential streets
- 40 mph on link roads
- 50–60 mph on rural sections and A-roads
Speed limit changes are frequent — examiners watch this closely.
6. What junction types will I encounter?
Expect to handle:
- Mini-roundabouts near local housing estates
- Larger roundabouts connecting to the A350
- T-junctions on narrow roads
- Busy crossroads heading into the town centre
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on Chippenham driving test routes?
Yes, especially the ones near the A350, where traffic moves quickly.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres might be required?
You may be asked to complete:
- Bay parking (common at the test centre)
- Parallel parking on narrow streets
- Pulling up on the right
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I manage busy town areas in Chippenham?
Be prepared for:
- Pedestrians at zebra crossings
- Cyclists along narrow roads
- Buses stopping unexpectedly
- Stop-start traffic near the centre
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Chippenham driving test?
Yes, the A350 and connecting routes may feature, requiring good lane discipline and confident merging.
11. Will I need to perform manoeuvres during the test?
Yes, the examiner will ask for one manoeuvre, such as:
- Parallel parking
- Bay parking
- Pull up on the right
- Emergency stop
- Reverse into a side road
12. How long is the Chippenham driving test?
Around 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise Chippenham Driving Test Routes beforehand?
Absolutely! Practising helps build confidence. RouteBuddy lets you rehearse the Chippenham Driving Test Routes with accurate turn-by-turn instructions.
14. How should I approach rural country lanes on the Chippenham driving test routes?
- Reduce speed on blind bends
- Watch for farm vehicles
- Keep to your side of the road
- Anticipate mud, animals, or cyclists
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Chippenham?
Frequent errors include:
- Over-speeding on A-roads
- Hesitation at busy roundabouts
- Poor mirror checks when changing lanes
- Clutch control issues on hills
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
Bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Corrective eyewear if needed
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does the weather affect the Chippenham routes?
Rain can make country lanes muddy and slippery.
Fog is common in rural sections.
Low sun can be an issue on A-roads during winter.
18. How should I handle cyclists, horses, or farm vehicles?
Chippenham has rural sections, so always:
- Slow down early
- Give wide clearance
- Avoid overtaking unless absolutely safe
19. What happens if I fail the Chippenham driving test?
The examiner will explain your faults.
Use RouteBuddy to practise those specific parts of the route before rebooking.
20. How do I book or amend my Chippenham test appointment?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test date.
Sample Guide of the Chippenham Driving Test Routes
- Starting Point: Chippenham Driving Test Centre
- Test Centre: Unit 11, Cavalier Court, Bumpers Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LH
1. Leave the test centre on Bumpers Way → Bumpers Farm Roundabout
- Lane: Keep to the left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Industrial traffic may be heavy — stay alert for larger vehicles.
2. Follow W Cepen Way → Brook Roundabout → W Cepen Way (northbound)
- Lane: Maintain left-lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Roundabouts appear quickly — prepare your positioning early.
3. Continue to Badger Roundabout → W Cepen Way → Malmesbury Roundabout
- Lane: Choose the correct lane on approach to each roundabout.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Smooth acceleration between roundabouts demonstrates good control.
4. Head along Kilverts Way → Maud Heath’s Causeway → Pew Hill
- Lane: Stay centred in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect bends and limited visibility — reduce speed where needed.
5. Follow Langley Road → New Road → Ivy Lane
- Lane: Keep left unless directed otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Residential and school traffic require careful observation.
6. Enter the Bridge Centre Gyratory → Avenue La Fleche → The Causeway
- Lane: Select lanes early within the gyratory.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Multiple exits mean thorough mirror checks are essential.
7. Travel through Market Place → Gladstone Road → Avenue La Fleche
- Lane: Hold a stable lane position.
- Speed Limit: 20–30 mph.
- Tip: Pedestrian activity is high — anticipate crossings.
8. Follow Bath Road → B4643 → W Cepen Way
- Lane: Keep to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Traffic flow increases on main roads — maintain safe spacing.
9. Return via Bumpers Farm Roundabout → Bumpers Way → Test Centre
- Lane: Keep left when approaching the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph inside the test centre grounds.
- Tip: Finish with a calm, controlled stop or parking manoeuvre.
Conclusion: Are you Ready to conquer the Chippenham Driving Test Routes?
The Chippenham Driving Test Routes offer a balanced mix of rural, suburban, and industrial driving — perfect for developing real-world confidence. With focused practice and support from RouteBuddy, you can familiarise yourself with these routes and boost your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Stay consistent! Every mile of practice brings you closer to a pass.