If you’re situated in the Gateshead area, your nearest test centre isn’t far away. Found in the Waterside Drive industrial estate, Gateshead test centre is conveniently located close to the A1, making it easy for candidates across Tyne and Wear to get here. Looking to learn more about the test centre and local area? Read on for more information!
Address
Waterside Drive
Dunston
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE11 9HU
Tests Offered at Gateshead
– Car
– Motorcycle module 1
– Motorcycle module 2
– ADI part 2
– ADI part 3
How To Get There
Though you might not be familiar with Waterside Drive, you can reach it fairly easily by following signs towards Dunston or the nearby MetroCentre. Head along the A1 if you’re coming from the west, or the A184 if travelling from the town centre. Of course, if you’re still uncertain, we’d advise you to use a sat nav to find your way.
A Bit More About Gateshead
As with any other test centre in the UK, the area around Gateshead test centre comes with its own challenges and quirks. For starters, any learner with a strong dislike of roundabouts had best get over it quickly—there are quite a few scattered along the A1114 on either side of the test centre. The test centre itself is also situated next to MetroCentre, so expect it to get slightly busier during rush hour. Of course, your route won’t be entirely fast and furious. The driving examiner will incorporate some of the quieter residential roads into the mix. So, keep your eyes peeled for changes in speed limit!
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.
