Learner drivers taking their test at Basingstoke test centre will likely have to put up with heavy traffic during busier hours of the day, on account of the centre’s close proximity to the M3. About ten minutes out from the town centre itself, Basingstoke test centre can be found on Sullivan Road off Brighton Way. If you’d like to get to know the centre itself before you head in for your practical, you’ll find everything you need in our test centre guide below.
Address
Brighton Hill Centre
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG22 4LR
Tests Offered at Basingstoke
– Car
– ADI part 3
How To Get There
Learner drivers coming in from the centre of Basingstoke simply have to follow Winchester Road until they reach Brighton Way and turn onto Sullivan Road. If you’re not as conveniently located, you’ll be able to reach Basingstoke by using the A339, A33 or M3. Of course, if you’re still uncertain, we’d advise you to use a sat nav to find your way.
A Bit More About Basingstoke
To say Basingstoke test centre comes with a mixed bag of road types and conditions would be an understatement. For starters, learners who fear roundabouts should probably brush up on them before heading in—there’s a roundabout right outside the centre, not to mention Brighton Hill Roundabout further up Winchester Road. There’s also a high volume of narrow roads close to the centre, complete with a few tricky junctions, that will take you onto slightly busier traffic systems as you move closer to the town centre.
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.
