The driving test routes in Northampton offer a real mix of challenges, from busy dual carriageways to quiet residential areas and complex roundabouts. Whether you’re a learner practising for the first time or about to take your test, understanding the roads and conditions can make all the difference.
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20 FAQs About the Driving Test Routes in Northampton
1. Where is the Northampton Driving Test Centre located?
📍 Gladstone Business Centre, Gladstone Road, Northampton, NN5 7QA. The test centre is situated close to key main roads, such as the A45 and A428, making it ideal for examiners to assess a full range of driving skills — from urban driving to high-speed routes.
2. What are the Northampton driving test routes like?
The driving test routes in Northampton include a mix of residential streets, busy roundabouts, dual carriageways, and rural roads. Expect to be tested on all aspects of driving — from clutch control on hilly roads to dealing with tight corners and merging traffic on the A45.
3. Which areas or roads are commonly included in the Northampton driving test?
Learners often encounter:
- Gladstone Road (start and end of most routes)
- A45 and A5076 dual carriageways
- Sixfields and Duston residential areas
- Weedon Road, Harlestone Road, and Lodge Farm Industrial Estate
These areas combine a variety of driving conditions and speed zones.
4. Are there any major roundabouts in the Northampton driving test routes?
Yes — Northampton has several large and complex roundabouts that often feature in tests, including:
- Lodge Farm Roundabout
- Sixfields Roundabout
- Harlestone Road Roundabout
You’ll be tested on lane positioning, signalling, and confidence when entering and exiting these.
5. Are rural roads part of the Northampton test routes?
Yes. Some driving test routes in Northampton extend into rural sections around Harlestone and Weedon, where you’ll face narrower lanes, blind bends, and oncoming traffic. Stay in a lower gear for better control and use passing places when necessary.
6. What manoeuvres might be tested in Northampton?
The most common manoeuvres include:
- Bay parking (forwards or reverse) — often at the test centre car park
- Parallel parking on quieter roads in Duston or St. James
- Pulling up on the right and reversing two car lengths
- Emergency stop — usually tested randomly on one in three tests
7. Is there a dual carriageway section in the Northampton driving test routes?
Yes. Most routes include a section of the A45 or A5076, both of which are dual carriageways. Examiners use these sections to assess your awareness, speed control, and ability to make safe lane changes.
8. How busy are the roads around the Northampton test centre?
Traffic varies throughout the day. Morning and late afternoon slots tend to be busier due to school and commuter traffic, especially around Weedon Road and Harlestone Road. Mid-morning or early afternoon slots are generally calmer.
9. What are the speed limits on the Northampton driving test routes?
Typical limits include:
- 20–30 mph in residential areas like Duston
- 40 mph on urban dual carriageways such as A5076
- 50–60 mph on rural stretches like Harlestone Road
Be aware of changing speed limit signs, especially when exiting built-up areas.
10. Are there any tricky junctions to be aware of?
Yes — junctions along Weedon Road and Gladstone Road can be challenging due to merging traffic and restricted visibility. Practise mirror-signal-manoeuvre (MSM) routines consistently and anticipate other drivers’ actions.
11. Will I have to deal with pedestrian crossings in Northampton?
Yes. The test routes include multiple pedestrian crossings, especially around Sixfields Shopping Park and St. James. Always slow down early and watch for pedestrians waiting to cross.
12. Are there any uphill or downhill sections in the Northampton routes?
Yes. The Duston and Harlestone areas feature minor inclines and declines. You’ll need to show good clutch control during hill starts or when stopping at junctions on an incline.
13. What time of day is best to take the driving test in Northampton?
Tests conducted between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM tend to have steadier traffic, giving you a better chance to focus on observation and control rather than congestion.
14. How long does the Northampton driving test take?
The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes, including about 20 minutes of independent driving, which may utilise satellite navigation (sat-nav) directions or road signs.
15. Will the examiner ask for a specific independent driving route?
Yes. The examiner might instruct you to follow the sat-nav through parts of Sixfields, Lodge Farm, or A5076. Alternatively, you might be asked to follow road signs toward M1 South or Northampton Town Centre.
16. What are common mistakes learners make on the Northampton routes?
- Approaching roundabouts too fast
- Misjudging safe gaps when joining the A45
- Failing to maintain the correct lane position near Sixfields Roundabout
- Forgetting to check mirrors before lane changes
17. Are weather conditions a big factor in the Northampton test?
Yes. Northampton roads, particularly rural sections near Harlestone, can become slippery in wet weather. Be cautious of surface water and adjust braking distance appropriately.
18. Is parking at the test centre easy?
Yes. The Gladstone Business Centre has marked bays, which are often used for the bay parking manoeuvre during your test. Practising at this location with RouteBuddy is recommended to get familiar with the layout.
19. What happens after the driving test?
🎉 Pass: You’ll be congratulated and can apply for your full licence online.
📋 Fail: The examiner will give written feedback on key areas to improve. Focus on practising those using RouteBuddy before rebooking.
20. How can I best prepare for the Northampton driving test routes?
The most effective way to prepare is to practise the driving test routes in Northampton using RouteBuddy’s GPX-guided routes. This lets you experience real-world navigation, practise tricky junctions, and build confidence ahead of your test.
👉 Start practising the driving test routes in Northampton with RouteBuddy today!
Sample Guide of the Driving Test Routes in Northampton
Starting Point: Northampton Driving Test Centre
Location: Gladstone Business Centre, Gladstone Road, Northampton, NN5 7QA.
1. Exit the test centre and head towards Heathfield Way
Lane: Keep in the left lane while exiting the test centre.
Speed Limit: 20 mph near the centre.
Tip: Check mirrors carefully—vehicles and pedestrians often move through the business estate.
2. Proceed onto Gladstone Road
Lane: Stay left for a smooth merge.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Expect parked cars along this stretch; be prepared to slow down and yield if necessary.
3. Turn onto Mill Lane
Lane: Shift into the left lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Keep a close eye on cyclists and traffic emerging from side streets.
4. Head along Lincoln Street
Lane: Remain central in your lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: This is a narrow residential area—maintain steady control and anticipate oncoming traffic.
5. Join Harborough Road (A508)
Lane: Move into the right lane to merge safely.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Accelerate smoothly to match traffic and watch for changing light signals.
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6. Follow Welford Road (A5199)
Lane: Keep to the left.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: This stretch can be busy during the day—maintain a safe distance and steady pace.
7. Continue through Redland Drive and Leyland Drive
Lane: Stay in the left lane through both roads.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Ideal area for potential manoeuvres such as parallel parking—stay calm and aware of driveways.
8. Join Sandy Lane and proceed to Harlestone Road (A428)
Lane: Keep left as you merge onto Harlestone Road.
Speed Limit: 40–50 mph.
Tip: Observe the changing limits closely and be ready for multi-lane roundabouts ahead.
9. Take Whites Lane leading into Port Road and Main Road
Lane: Remain in the left lane.
Speed Limit: 50 mph.
Tip: These semi-rural roads may have sharp bends—slow before entering corners.
10. Continue onto Meadow Close and Firsview Drive
Lane: Stay central within your lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Be aware of parked vehicles and side junctions.
11. Return via Harlestone Road
Lane: Keep to the left.
Speed Limit: 40 mph.
Tip: Use the mirror–signal–manoeuvre routine frequently; visibility can be limited in this section.
12. Head through Warren Road and Dallington Road
Lane: Stick to the left-hand side.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: These residential areas are often used for hill starts and manoeuvres—maintain clutch control.
13. Proceed onto Merthyr Road
Lane: Stay central in your lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: This road can be narrow; anticipate oncoming traffic and use passing points sensibly.
14. Rejoin Gladstone Road
Lane: Use the left lane.
Speed Limit: 30 mph.
Tip: Maintain low speed and prepare to re-enter the business area.
15. Turn into Heathfield Way
Lane: Stay in the right lane.
Speed Limit: 20 mph near the test centre.
Tip: Reduce speed as you approach; examiners may ask you to bay park upon return.
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16. Return to Northampton Driving Test Centre
Lane: Keep to the right lane when entering the car park.
Speed Limit: 20 mph.
Tip: End your route smoothly with controlled steering and accurate parking.
Conclusion: Are you Ready to Conquer the Driving Test Routes in Northampton?
The driving test routes are designed to challenge every skill you’ve learned — from roundabout navigation to safe overtaking. With consistent practice and familiarity through RouteBuddy, you’ll approach your test confidently and be ready to succeed.
Get started now and experience the driving test routes in Northampton with RouteBuddy!