Driving in Sale, a vibrant town in Greater Manchester, comes with its own set of challenges. From busy urban streets to residential areas and roundabouts, learners often face route-specific hurdles on their test day. To help you succeed, we’ve put together 20 in-depth FAQs focused specifically on the Sale Driving Test Routes.
Read More: Insider Tips on Sale (Manchester) Driving Test Routes
20 Essential FAQs About Sale Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Sale Driving Test Centre?
📍 The Sale Test Centre is located at 36 – 38 Poplar Grove, Sale, M33 7ER. The centre is situated in a residential area, offering easy access for learners from Sale and the surrounding towns.
2. What is the Sale Driving Test Routes like?
The Sale Driving Test Route consists of a mix of residential streets, busy junctions, and local roundabouts. You’ll encounter a variety of road types, from narrow streets with parked cars to wider main roads. The route tests your ability to navigate urban areas and handle busy intersections.
3. Which roads should I focus on when practising for the Sale Driving Test Routes?
Focus on practising the A56, Chester Road, and Marsland Road. These are frequently part of the route, along with smaller residential roads around the test centre. Understanding the flow of traffic in these areas will help you prepare for the test day.
4. What types of roads will I drive on during the test?
You will experience:
- Narrow residential streets
- Main roads like the A56 and Chester Road
- Roundabouts and busy junctions
- Some rural lanes surrounding Sale
5. What should I be cautious of on residential roads in Sale?
Residential roads like Marsland Road often feature parked cars, tight corners, and narrow lanes. Keep your speed under control and be prepared to use the full width of the road to avoid hazards.
6. Are there roundabouts on the Sale Driving Test Routes?
Yes, roundabouts are a common feature of the Sale Driving Test Routes, especially around the A56 and Chester Road junctions. Ensure you know how to approach and exit them safely, signalling correctly and adjusting your speed.
7. What speed limits should I expect on the Sale route?
- 30 mph in residential areas, particularly around the test centre
- 40 mph on roads like Chester Road
- 50 mph on wider roads like A56
👉 Practise the Sale Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
8. Will I encounter any traffic lights during the test?
Yes, the route includes several busy junctions with traffic lights, especially near Marsland Road and Chester Road. Be ready to stop and start smoothly and observe any special signals for cyclists and pedestrians.
9. What manoeuvres are typically tested in Sale?
- Three-point turn on narrow streets
- Parallel parking or bay parking
- Emergency stop
- Pulling up on the left at a safe location
10. How should I approach busy junctions?
Junctions like Chester Road and A56 can get quite busy. Approach them with caution, use your mirrors, signal in advance, and be ready to give way if necessary. Practice at peak times to get used to traffic flow.
11. What type of weather conditions should I prepare for?
Sale, being a part of Greater Manchester, experiences variable weather. Prepare for rain, fog, and wind. These conditions can affect your visibility and handling, especially on busier roads and junctions.
12. What are common mistakes learners make on the Sale Driving Test Routes?
- Failing to use mirrors correctly before turning or changing lanes
- Not adjusting speed when approaching junctions or roundabouts
- Hesitating on roundabouts or making unnecessary stops
- Incorrect lane discipline on dual carriageways
13. What should I bring to the Sale test?
- Provisional license
- Theory test pass certificate
- Car with L-plates, insured, and roadworthy
- Glasses or contact lenses if required
14. How can I practise the Sale Driving Test Routes?
Use RouteBuddy to practise the Sale Driving Test Routes with GPX-guided features. This will help you get familiar with the local roads and routes. You can try out the routes at your own pace to improve your skills and confidence.
15. How long does the Sale driving test last?
The test typically lasts around 40 minutes, covering urban roads, roundabouts, residential streets, and all necessary manoeuvres. You’ll also be required to complete independent driving for part of the test.
16. How should I deal with cyclists on the Sale Driving Test Routes?
In urban areas like Chester Road, you will encounter cyclists. Always maintain a safe distance, especially when overtaking, and be aware of cyclists at junctions and roundabouts.
17. What is the best time of day to take the test in Sale?
To avoid the busiest traffic times, book your test for mid-morning or early afternoon. This will help you avoid rush hour traffic, particularly around A56 and Chester Road.
18. How can I prepare for the Sale Driving Test Routes before my test day?
Practising with RouteBuddy will help you get familiar with the specific routes used for the Sale Driving Test Routes. The app lets you follow GPX-guided routes, improving your ability to navigate tricky areas with ease.
19. What happens if I fail the test in Sale?
If you fail, the examiner will provide feedback on areas to work on. Focus on your weak spots and practise with RouteBuddy to improve your skills before retaking the test.
20. What happens after I pass the Sale driving test?
🎉 Pass: You can apply for your full driving licence online.
📋 Fail: Review the examiner’s feedback, practise your weak areas with RouteBuddy, and take the test again.
Sample Guide of the Sale Driving Test Routes
Starting at the Sale Test Centre
Location: 36 – 38 Poplar Grove, Sale, M33 7ER (The test centre is near Part Street).
1. Turn onto West Grove
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of any parked vehicles along the street.
2. Proceed onto Marsland Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and tight corners.
3. Head towards Washway Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch out for traffic and side streets.
4. Turn onto Cross Street
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be aware of parked vehicles and pedestrians.
5. Continue onto Chester Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Be prepared for busy junctions and heavy traffic.
6. Navigate the Roundabout at Chester Road
- Lane: Yield to traffic on the roundabout and exit safely.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Signal early when exiting the roundabout.
7. Head towards Edge Lane
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Look out for cyclists and other road users.
8. Turn onto High Lane
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of oncoming traffic and side roads.
9. Take a Right Turn onto Cross Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
10. Turn Left onto Beech Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Keep an eye on narrow lanes and parked vehicles.
👉 Practise the Sale Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
11. Proceed onto Barlow Moor Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of residential traffic.
12. Head down Princess Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for side streets and pedestrians.
13. Continue onto Princess Parkway
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Prepare for faster traffic and junctions.
14. Navigate the Roundabout and Turn onto Altrincham Road
- Lane: Yield to traffic on the roundabout and exit safely.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Signal early and stay in the correct lane when exiting.
15. Proceed onto Shaftesbury Avenue
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of parked vehicles and pedestrians.
16. Turn onto Thorley Lane
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of any cyclists and side roads.
17. Continue onto Delahays Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for vehicles pulling out of driveways.
18. Turn Left onto Hale Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Keep a safe distance from parked cars and junctions.
19. Turn Right onto Hawthorn Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians.
20. Turn onto Stamford Park Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
👉 Practise the Sale Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
21. Continue onto Manor Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for residential traffic and pedestrians.
22. Turn onto Oakfield Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be aware of parked cars and cyclists.
23. Continue onto Stamford Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch out for tight corners and parked cars.
24. Head onto Woodlands Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of cyclists and pedestrians.
25. Turn onto Barrington Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for any vehicles entering from side streets.
26. Turn onto Manchester Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for heavy traffic and cyclists.
27. Continue onto Washway Road
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Be mindful of side roads and pedestrians.
28. Turn Back onto Marsland Road
- Lane: Stick to the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be cautious of parked cars and cyclists.
29. Head Back onto West Grove
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be aware of tight turns and residential traffic.
30. Return to Poplar Grove (Sale Test Centre)
- Lane: Stay in the left lane.
- Speed Limit: 20 mph near the test centre.
- Tip: Prepare for a bay park—align your car carefully with the parking bay.
Conclusion: Are you Ready to Conquer the Sale Driving Test Routes?
The Sale Driving Test Routes offer a variety of challenges, from busy junctions to narrow streets. With the right preparation, especially using tools like RouteBuddy to practise the routes, you can approach your test with confidence and improve your chances of success.
👉 Practise the Sale Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!