Driving in Colwick, located near Nottingham, offers a mix of busy roads, narrow industrial estate lanes, and fast-moving A-roads. The Colwick Driving Test Routes are designed to test your awareness, lane discipline, and ability to handle varied driving conditions. In this blog, you’ll find 20 frequently asked questions specifically related to the Colwick Test Centre to help you prepare confidently.
👉 Practise the Colwick Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Colwick Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Colwick Test Centre located?
📍 Private Road No 5, Colwick Industrial Estate, Nottingham, NG4 2JU. This test centre is in an industrial area, giving learners access to both busy roads and quieter estate lanes.
2. What types of roads will I drive on during the test?
Expect:
- Residential streets near Colwick
- Busy main roads like the A612
- Narrow lanes around the industrial estate
- A-roads like the A52 with fast-moving traffic
3. What challenges will I face on Colwick Driving Test Routes?
The key challenges include:
- Tight, narrow lanes on the industrial estate
- High-speed traffic on main roads
- Multi-lane roundabouts near the A52
- Parking and manoeuvres in residential areas
4. What landmarks will I pass during the test?
You might encounter:
- Colwick Industrial Estate
- Nottingham Racecourse
- The A612 road connects to the city
- Colwick Park
5. What are the speed limits on Colwick Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas
- 40 mph on main roads like the A612
- 50 mph on certain sections near the A52
Always watch for changing speed limits along the routes.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions in residential areas
- Mini-roundabouts around Colwick Estate
- Larger roundabouts near the A52
- Crossroads in the busy town centre
7. Are there any complex roundabouts on Colwick routes?
Yes, particularly around the A52, where you’ll encounter larger, multi-lane roundabouts.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking situations should I expect during the test?
You’ll need to manage:
- Parallel parking on narrow residential streets
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Manoeuvring around parked vehicles in industrial estate lanes
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I handle busy roads near Colwick Industrial Estate?
Expect:
- Sudden stops due to traffic
- Vehicles coming in and out of industrial sites
- Pedestrians crossing in industrial areas
Read more: Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways part of the Colwick driving test?
Yes, you’ll likely drive on parts of the A52, a dual carriageway that requires good lane discipline, merging, and overtaking.
11. Will I be required to complete manoeuvres?
Yes, you’ll perform one of the following:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Emergency stop
- Reverse into a side road
12. How long is the Colwick driving test?
The test lasts around 40 minutes, including 20 minutes of independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise Colwick Driving Test Routes beforehand?
Definitely! Practising is key. Use RouteBuddy to simulate Colwick Driving Test Routes and get familiar with the roads and junctions.
14. How should I approach roundabouts on Colwick routes?
- Give way to the right unless directed otherwise
- Signal early for your exit
- Watch for cyclists and vehicles in the adjacent lanes
15. What are the most common mistakes learners make in Colwick?
Common errors include:
- Hesitation at busy junctions
- Over-speeding on narrow residential roads
- Failure to check mirrors when changing lanes
- Poor lane discipline at roundabouts
16. What should I bring on my test day?
Make sure you have:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses/contact lenses if needed
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does weather affect the Colwick test?
Rain can make roads slippery, especially in industrial areas.
Fog and low sun can make driving on A-roads like the A52 difficult.
18. How do I handle farm vehicles or cyclists on rural sections?
In rural areas near Colwick, expect to encounter:
- Farm vehicles and large lorries
- Cyclists sharing the road
Always give them plenty of space, slow down when necessary, and only overtake when it’s safe to do so.
19. What happens if I fail the Colwick driving test?
The examiner will explain your mistakes, and you can use RouteBuddy to focus on areas where you need improvement before your next attempt.
20. How do I book or change my Colwick driving test?
Visit the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the Colwick Driving Test Routes
- Starting Point: Colwick Driving Test Centre
- Location: Private Road No 5, Colwick Industrial Estate, Nottingham, NG4 2JU
1. Leave the test centre on Private Road No 5
- Lane: Keep left as you exit.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Industrial vehicles may enter and exit, so stay cautious.
2. Turn onto Private Road No 3
- Lane: Stay centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Road narrows — smooth steering and speed control are essential.
3. Follow Colwick Loop Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: This is a busy road; be ready for sudden lane changes.
4. Head along Mile End Road
- Lane: Maintain a steady lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect parked vehicles and side roads.
5. Continue onto Daleside Road East
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions can be tricky — anticipate turns early.
6. Travel onto Daleside Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for cyclists and sudden turns.
7. Turn onto Meadow Lane
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential streets mean potential crossings and parked cars.
8. Join County Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Traffic can slow here — stay aware of surrounding vehicles.
9. Continue onto Cattle Market Road
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect sharp bends — reduce speed in advance.
10. Travel along London Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30–40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for buses and pedestrians around busy sections.
11. Move onto Bellar Gate
- Lane: Stay centred in the lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Narrowing roads require smooth lane changes.
12. Head onto Belward Street
- Lane: Maintain a steady lane position.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential side streets require heightened awareness.
13. Turn onto Cranbrook Street
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: This area can be tight — check mirrors before turning.
14. Continue to Glasshouse Street
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential traffic increases — be alert for slow-moving vehicles.
15. Follow Huntingdon Street
- Lane: Stay centred.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Traffic often changes lanes—stay alert.
16. Move along Mansfield Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for buses and crossing vehicles.
17. Turn onto Thackeray’s Lane
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Tight sections require patience and reasonable control.
18. Continue along Arno Vale Road
- Lane: Stay steady in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect parked cars along the road.
19. Follow Somersby Road
- Lane: Keep to the left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions and side roads can cause delays — be prepared.
20. Head onto Plains Road
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential traffic requires extra attention.
21. Move to Westdale Lane West
- Lane: Maintain a steady lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Tight bends and local traffic call for good judgment.
22. Continue on Cavendish Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Narrow roads with parked vehicles make this section tricky.
23. Travel down Burton Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Approach this section with caution — watch for pedestrians.
24. Return to Colwick Loop Road
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Smooth driving is crucial to staying within the flow of traffic.
25. Join Private Road No 3
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Final approaches require calm, steady driving.
26. Arrive back at Private Road No 5 and the Colwick Driving Test Centre
- Lane: Position correctly for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph inside the car park.
- Tip: A controlled final park wraps up the route smoothly.
Conclusion: Are you Ready to conquer the Colwick Driving Test Routes?
The Colwick Driving Test Routes offer a true reflection of everyday driving conditions in the Nottingham area. From busy A-roads to narrow industrial lanes, the test will help assess your ability to drive safely in diverse conditions. Using tools like RouteBuddy for extra practice can help you become more confident and improve your chances of passing.
Stay calm, stay focused, and keep practising!