Driving in Southampton, a busy port city on the south coast, presents a mix of urban roads, residential streets, and fast A-roads. The Southampton Driving Test Routes are designed to test your awareness, lane discipline, and confidence in real-world traffic conditions. This guide answers 20 key FAQs about the Southampton Test Centre, helping you prepare thoroughly and drive with confidence.
👉 Practise the Southampton Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the Southampton Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the Southampton Test Centre located?
📍 Green Lane, Maybush, Southampton, SO16 9FP. The test centre is located near residential and commercial areas, giving access to both quiet roads and busier main routes.
2. What types of roads will I encounter on the Southampton Driving Test Routes?
Expect a variety of roads including:
- Residential streets with parked cars
- Busy suburban roads like the A33 and A335
- Industrial estate roads around Maybush
- Dual carriageways and multi-lane roundabouts
3. What challenges are common on Southampton routes?
Common challenges include:
- Large, multi-lane roundabouts on the A33
- Fast-moving traffic on dual carriageways
- Narrow residential roads
- Pedestrian crossings and cyclists in suburban areas
4. What landmarks might appear during the test?
You may drive past:
- Maybush Industrial Estate
- Southampton City Centre outskirts
- Southampton Football Club area (St Mary’s vicinity)
- Residential roads around Bitterne and Shirley
5. What are the typical speed limits on Southampton Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential zones
- 40 mph on main roads like the A335
- 50–60 mph on dual carriageways
Always watch for changing speed limits, especially near the city centre.
6. What junction types will I encounter?
Expect:
- T-junctions in suburban estates
- Mini-roundabouts
- Large multi-lane roundabouts
- Signal-controlled crossroads on busy routes
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on Southampton driving test routes?
Yes, particularly on the A33 and at junctions leading to the M27.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres should I prepare for?
You may be asked to complete:
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Parallel parking on narrow streets
- Pull up on the right
- Reverse into a side road
- Emergency stop
Read more: DVSA Manoeuvres
9. How should I handle busy roads like the A33?
Be prepared for:
- High traffic flow
- Pedestrians at crossings
- Cyclists in shared lanes
- Sudden stops and lane changes
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the Southampton test?
Yes, sections of the A33 and connecting roads are dual carriageways where lane discipline and safe merging are essential.
11. Will I need to perform a manoeuvre during the test?
Yes, you will be asked to complete one manoeuvre, such as:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Emergency stop
12. How long is the Southampton driving test?
Approximately 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise Southampton Driving Test Routes before the test?
Absolutely! practising is key. RouteBuddy provides turn-by-turn navigation to help you familiarise yourself with the Southampton Driving Test Routes.
14. How should I approach roundabouts in Southampton?
- Give way to traffic from the right
- Maintain your lane and speed
- Signal early for exits
- Watch for cyclists and motorbikes
15. What common mistakes do learners make in Southampton?
Common faults include:
- Hesitation at busy roundabouts
- Lane drift on multi-lane roads
- Over-speeding on A-roads
- Failing to check mirrors when changing lanes
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
Bring:
- Provisional driving licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses/contact lenses if required
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does weather affect the Southampton driving test routes?
Rain can make dual carriageways slippery.
Fog and low sun may affect visibility, especially on A-roads and roundabouts.
18. How should I deal with cyclists, buses, or lorries?
- Give extra space
- Anticipate wide turns
- Avoid overtaking unless safe
- Check mirrors frequently
19. What happens if I fail the Southampton driving test?
The examiner will provide feedback. Use RouteBuddy to focus on areas where you struggled and practise before rebooking.
20. How do I book or change a Southampton driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
A Sample Guide of the Southampton Driving Test Routes
- Southampton Driving Test Route
- Test Centre: Green Lane, Maybush, Southampton, SO16 9FP
1. Leave the test centre on Green Lane → Romsey Road
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Expect residential traffic, watch for parked cars.
2. Travel through Lordshill Roundabout → Lords Hill Way → Lordswood Road
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Busy roundabout, keep a close eye on other road users.
3. Head onto Hill Lane → Winchester Road → Bassett Avenue
- Lane: Keep left unless signs direct otherwise.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Be prepared for busier traffic in this area.
4. Move along The Avenue → Dorset Street → Charlotte Place Roundabout
- Lane: Follow lane markings carefully.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Roundabout approach, position for your exit well ahead.
5. Continue onto Commercial Road → Hill Lane → Landguard Road
- Lane: Maintain your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions can be tricky, anticipate early.
6. Travel down Atherley Road → Howard Road → Shirley Road
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Watch for pedestrians crossing the road.
7. Follow Vincent Road → Victor Street → Anglesea Road
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential streets, expect tight turns and side roads.
8. Move onto Medina Road → Winchester Road → Tebourba Way
- Lane: Maintain a steady lane.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Keep an eye on cyclists and slower-moving vehicles.
9. Continue through Millbrook Roundabout → Green Park Road → Parkside Avenue
- Lane: Keep in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Roundabout control is key, prepare for different exits.
10. Travel along Brookwood Road → Cuckmere Lane → Kendal Avenue
- Lane: Stay left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential roads, stay alert for crossing traffic.
11. Move onto Mansel Road West → Anderby Road → Colne Avenue
- Lane: Stay steady.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Bends and tight corners, ensure safe positioning.
12. Continue along Seafield Road → Atherfield Road
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions can be quick, plan ahead for turns.
13. Return to Green Lane → Test Centre
- Lane: Position left for the entrance.
- Speed Limit: 5–10 mph within the test centre.
- Tip: Complete the route with a controlled final parking manoeuvre.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the Southampton Driving Test Routes?
The Southampton Driving Test Routes provide a realistic mixture of city and suburban driving challenges, from dual carriageways to narrow residential streets. Consistent practice with RouteBuddy will help you familiarise yourself with these roads, improve your skills, and give you the confidence to pass your test.
Stay calm, stay confident, and keep practising!