When preparing for your driving test, it’s natural to wonder: how to find driving test routes. While the DVSA doesn’t release exact test routes, you can still prepare effectively by familiarising yourself with common local areas, practising key skills, and using the right tools. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find driving test routes, how to prepare properly, and how RouteBuddy can support your practice.
How to Find Driving Test Routes: The Basics
The DVSA does not publish official test routes, but each driving test centre follows set areas that allow examiners to assess essential skills. These include lane positioning, hazard awareness, speed control, and safe decision‑making in real traffic conditions. Even without the exact route, there are several reliable ways to practise in the same areas used during a test.
1. Local Driving Schools and Instructors
One of the most effective ways to find driving test routes is by asking a local driving instructor. Instructors know the common roads used around each test centre and can guide you through the areas most likely to appear during your test. They also understand which junctions, roundabouts, and residential zones learners often find challenging, and they’ll help you practise these safely.
2. Check Your Local Test Centre Information
Although the DVSA doesn’t publish routes, each test centre page on the DVSA website offers useful guidance about what to expect during the practical driving test. For example, the official page explains the test structure and confirms that driving test routes are not published. This page also covers the different sections of the test, such as eyesight checks, ‘show me, tell me’ questions, general driving ability, reversing your vehicle, and independent driving.
3. Online Communities and Learner Forums
Many learners share their test experiences online, often describing the areas they drove through. Communities on Reddit, Facebook groups, and learner‑driver forums often discuss specific test centres. While routes vary and no one can guarantee exact accuracy, this shared insight can still help you build awareness of common roads and tricky spots.
4. Use RouteBuddy to Practise Driving Test Routes
RouteBuddy makes route practice much easier. The app offers real‑world, crowdsourced routes created by local instructors—meaning you can drive the same areas typically used during tests. It helps you become familiar with:
- Commonly used junctions
- Busy roundabouts
- Narrow residential roads
- Dual carriageways and higher‑speed stretches
With turn‑by‑turn navigation, RouteBuddy lets you practise independently, build confidence on the roads, and prepare under more realistic conditions.
5. Expect Specific Road Features on Your Test
Even without an exact route, you can expect certain road types during your test, as outlined in the DVSA’s guidance on the practical test.
Typical features include:
Residential roads
Narrow streets, parked cars, oncoming vehicles, and an increased need for hazard perception.
Main roads
Busier areas require safe speed control, lane discipline, and strong awareness.
Roundabouts and junctions
You may face mini, single‑lane or multi‑lane roundabouts, as well as a variety of junctions.
Independent driving
You’ll follow road signs or a sat‑nav provided by the examiner. This part of the test evaluates your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently. The DVSA guidance also explains how independent driving is an integral part of the test.
Final Thoughts: How to Find Driving Test Routes
Although exact DVSA routes aren’t published, you can still prepare thoroughly by using local insights, speaking with instructors, checking DVSA guidance, and practising with tools like RouteBuddy. Understanding the types of roads and conditions you’ll face puts you in a strong position on test day.
Preparation brings confidence, and the more you practise, the more natural the test will feel.
FAQs
1. How can I find driving test routes?
Ask your instructor, look at learner forums, or use route‑practice tools like RouteBuddy to explore the areas commonly used for tests.
2. Does RouteBuddy help with test routes?
Yes. RouteBuddy provides instructor‑created, real‑world routes designed to help you practise the same areas used during tests.
3. Can I get the exact test routes for my driving test?
No. The DVSA does not release exact routes. Their official guidance states that driving test routes are not published.
4. How do I prepare for my driving test?
Practise essential driving skills, get familiar with local roads using tools like RouteBuddy, check the DVSA’s official test guidance, and stay calm and focused.
Practice driving test routes with RouteBuddy!