Driving in York, a historic city in North Yorkshire, offers learners a variety of challenges, from busy city streets to quiet suburban lanes and fast-moving A-roads. The York Driving Test Routes are designed to test your ability to drive safely through city traffic, roundabouts, and rural lanes. This blog answers 20 key FAQs about the York Test Centre to help you prepare confidently for your test.
👉 Practise the York Driving Test Routes with RouteBuddy!
20 FAQs About the York Driving Test Routes
1. Where is the York Test Centre located?
📍 Arabesque House (Unit 2), Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GW. The test centre is located on a business park just outside the city centre, providing easy access to both suburban and main roads.
2. What types of roads will I encounter on the York Driving Test Routes?
Expect a variety of roads, including:
- Residential streets with parked cars
- Busy A-roads such as the A64
- Multi-lane roundabouts
- Quiet country lanes on the outskirts of York
3. What challenges are common on York routes?
The main challenges include:
- Multi-lane roundabouts near the A64
- Sudden changes in speed limits
- Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Narrow lanes and tight turns in residential areas
4. What landmarks might I pass during the test?
You may drive past:
- Monks Cross Shopping Park
- Huntington Village
- York Racecourse
- The A64 near the city outskirts
5. What are the typical speed limits on York Driving Test Routes?
- 20–30 mph in residential areas
- 40 mph on roads like Monks Cross Drive
- 50–60 mph on A-roads such as the A64
Always stay alert to speed limit changes, especially in the more urban sections of York.
6. What types of junctions will I encounter?
You’ll face:
- T-junctions in residential areas
- Mini-roundabouts in suburban roads
- Large, multi-lane roundabouts
- Crossroads near busy routes like the A64
7. Are there difficult roundabouts on York routes?
Yes, especially on the A64 where large, multi-lane roundabouts are common.
Read more: DVSA Roundabout Guidelines
8. What parking manoeuvres might be required?
You may be asked to perform:
- Bay parking at the test centre
- Parallel parking on residential 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 A64 near York?
Be prepared for:
- Heavy traffic flow
- Lane changes at busy roundabouts
- Pedestrian crossings in high-traffic areas
- Cyclists in shared lanes
Read more: DVSA Road Safety – Pedestrians & Cyclists
10. Are dual carriageways included in the York test?
Yes, the A64 is a dual carriageway that will require safe lane discipline and merging.
11. Will I need to perform a manoeuvre during the test?
Yes, the examiner will ask for one of the following:
- Bay parking
- Parallel parking
- Pull up on the right
- Emergency stop
12. How long is the York driving test?
The test lasts around 40 minutes, including independent driving and one manoeuvre.
13. Can I practise York Driving Test Routes before my test?
Absolutely. RouteBuddy provides accurate, turn-by-turn guidance to help you familiarise yourself with York Driving Test Routes before test day.
14. How should I approach roundabouts on York routes?
- Give way to traffic on the right
- Check mirrors frequently
- Signal clearly when exiting
- Maintain your lane throughout the roundabout
15. What common mistakes do learners make in York?
Common faults include:
- Hesitating too long at busy roundabouts
- Lane drift on multi-lane roads
- Speeding in residential areas
- Not checking mirrors when changing lanes
16. What should I bring to the driving test?
Make sure to bring:
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Glasses/contact lenses (if required)
- A roadworthy car with L-plates
17. How does weather affect the York routes?
Rain can cause slippery conditions on roundabouts and A-roads.
Fog and low sun may affect visibility, especially on open roads like the A64.
18. How should I deal with cyclists and buses during the test?
- Always give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking
- Be cautious around buses stopping at bus stops
- Check your mirrors regularly
- Wait for safe gaps when overtaking large vehicles
19. What happens if I fail the York driving test?
The examiner will provide feedback. Use RouteBuddy to focus on areas where you struggled and re-practise before your next test.
20. How do I book or change my York driving test?
Use the DVSA online booking service to book, reschedule, or cancel your test.
Sample Guide of the York Driving Test Routes
- York Driving Test Route
- Test Centre: Arabesque House (Unit 2), Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GW
1. Leave the test centre on Monks Cross Drive → Jockey Lane
- Lane: Keep left.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Quiet residential start, good time to adjust mirrors and clutch control.
2. Turn onto Malton Road → A1237 → Haxby Road
- Lane: Stay in your lane.
- Speed Limit: 40 mph.
- Tip: Watch for merging traffic, anticipate any lane changes early.
3. Travel along Hawthorn Terrace → Link Road → Huntington Road
- Lane: Maintain lane discipline.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Residential areas, be ready for pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Head onto Heworth Green → Malton Road
- Lane: Keep left for the next roundabout.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Junctions can be tight, maintain smooth steering.
5. Return to Jockey Lane → Monks Cross Drive → Test Centre
- Lane: Position left for entrance.
- Speed Limit: 30 mph.
- Tip: Prepare for a controlled final park or stop.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Conquer the York Driving Test Routes?
The York Driving Test Routes provide a true representation of city driving conditions, from busy dual carriageways to residential streets with parked cars. By practising with RouteBuddy, you’ll become familiar with the routes and build the confidence needed to pass your test.
Stay focused, stay confident, and keep practising!