🚗 Everything You Need to Know

📍 Preparing for Your Driving Test in Bristol? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you’re learning to drive in Bristol, one of the most important steps before taking your practical driving test is knowing where the test centres are and what the most common test routes include.

Understanding the area where you’ll be tested can increase your chances of passing, as you’ll be more familiar with potential challenges such as busy roundabouts, tricky junctions, and speed limit changes.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The nearest driving test centres in Bristol.
✅ A breakdown of popular Bristol driving test routes.
✅ Key hazards and tricky areas to prepare for.

Let’s get you test-ready! 🚦

🏢 Bristol Driving Test Centres – Where to Take Your Test

There are currently two main driving test centres in Bristol, both offering practical driving tests for learner drivers.

1️⃣ Avonmouth Driving Test Centre

📍 Address: Portway, Avonmouth, Bristol, BS11 9XD
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM
🛣 Best for Learners From: Avonmouth, West Bristol, and surrounding areas

What to Expect:
✔ Industrial roads with large roundabouts and stop junctions.
✔ Dual carriageways with high-speed zones.
✔ Tight residential areas with parallel parking challenges.

2️⃣ Brislington Driving Test Centre

📍 Address: Flowers Hill, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5JJ
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM
🛣 Best for Learners From: East Bristol, Brislington, and surrounding areas

What to Expect:
✔ High-traffic areas and narrow roads.
✔ Complicated one-way systems.
✔ Busy junctions requiring good mirror-checking and decision-making.

💡 Which Test Centre Should You Choose?

• If you’re comfortable with higher-speed roads and industrial routes, Avonmouth is a good choice.
• If you prefer urban areas with more stop-start traffic, Brislington might be better.
• Always practice near your chosen test centre to get familiar with the roads.

🛣 Popular Bristol Driving Test Routes

Although the DVSA does not publish official driving test routes, instructors and learners have identified some of the most common roads and challenges examiners use.

🚦 1. Avonmouth Test Routes

✅ Portway & M5 Junctions – Expect high-speed merges and large roundabouts.
✅ Shirehampton & Lawrence Weston – Tight residential streets, parked cars, and priority decisions.
✅ King Weston Lane – Often used for the pull-up and reverse exercise.

🚦 2. Brislington Test Routes

✅ A4 Bath Road & Hicks Gate Roundabout – Heavy traffic and multi-lane positioning.
✅ St Anne’s & Brislington Village – Narrow roads and unexpected give-way situations.
✅ Callington Road & Wells Road – Frequent speed limit changes (30–40 mph).

🔹 What to Expect on Your Bristol Driving Test

Examiners want to see you:
✔ Following road signs & sat nav directions correctly.
✔ Using the MSM (Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre) routine.
✔ Handling junctions, roundabouts & pedestrian crossings smoothly.
✔ Performing one of the required manoeuvres (e.g., parallel parking, bay parking).

🚗 How to Prepare for Your Bristol Driving Test

✅ Take driving lessons near your chosen test centre to familiarise yourself with the area.
✅ Practice independent driving (following road signs or a sat nav).
✅ Ask your instructor to take you on a mock test around common test routes.
✅ Stay calm & confident – examiners want to see safe, controlled driving!

💡 Need expert tuition in Bristol? Book professional Bristol driving lessons today to ensure you’re fully prepared for your test.

🎯 Final Thoughts – Get Test Ready in Bristol!

Understanding your test centre and common routes can significantly boost your confidence before test day. By practicing in key areas, working on your weak spots, and staying calm, you’ll be in the best possible position to pass your driving test in Bristol quickly.

🚀 Want the best chance of passing? Book your Bristol driving lessons today and train with expert instructors who know the local test routes inside out!

🚦 Good luck, and happy driving! 🚗💨