Based in a relatively large building, Atherton test centre is located across from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training School on Gibfield Park Avenue. Atherton is a go-to option for many learners in Greater Manchester. If you’re one of the many learners heading here, we’d recommend you get to know the centre better. Read on for more information!
Address
Gibfield Park Avenue
Atherton
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M46 0SU
Tests Offered at Atherton
– Car
– Motorcycle module 1
– Motorcycle module 2
– Lorries, large vehicles and buses
– ADI part 2
– ADI part 3
How To Get There
Situated right near the centre of Atherton itself, the test centre rests close to the A577 Atherleigh Way, making it easily accessible for learners across Greater Manchester. Of course, if you’re still uncertain, we’d advise you to use a sat nav to find your way.
A Bit More About Atherton
The area around Atherton test centre, and the area of Wigan itself, offers examiners a wide variety of road types and features. From A routes like the A58 and A577 to quieter residential streets near Hag Fold—there’s more than enough to truly test whether a learner is ready to ditch the L plates and become a fully qualified driver.
What To Expect On The Day
After hours of driving lessons, your test date is finally upon you. Talk about nerve-wracking. If your confidence isn’t quite where you hoped it would be, we’d advise you to read up on our top six ways to relax before your driving test.
Before you jet out of the front door on your big day, there’s one important question you need to ask yourself: do you have your provisional licence? If the answer’s no, you can wave goodbye to taking your test. You need to have your provisional licence with you to take the driving test, otherwise you will be turned around, so double-check you’ve got it before you leave. Additionally, you’ll want to get to the test centre 10 minutes before your test is due to start.
Your driving test will consist of:
– An eyesight test, where you’ll need to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres
– Two “show me, tell me” questions covering vehicle safety and maintenance
– Twenty minutes of general driving, where you’ll be guided by the examiner, and will also need to perform one of the following manoeuvres:
– Parallel parking
– Bay parking
– Pulling up on the right
– Twenty minutes of independent driving, during which you’ll either follow sat nav directions or sign posts to reach a set destination
Once you get back to the test centre and park your car, the test will officially end. The examiner will then walk you through the feedback sheet and list any driving test faults, whether they are minors or majors, that you may have accumulated. If you fail, keep hold of this sheet as it can be used to help you figure out which areas you need to improve on for your next test attempt. If you pass, you’ll also be handed a test pass certificate.
But What If I Fail?
Like any other test you take in life, if all doesn’t go according to plan with your driving test and you end up failing, it’s as simple as trying again. Of course, we don’t recommend just heading back in without any preparation. Instead, take some time to improve on the areas in which you picked up the most faults in. The best way to do this is by taking a refresher course with an instructor. They’ll be able to give you pointers to ensure you don’t trip up on them again.
