Learners heading to Portsmouth test centre for their driving test won’t have too much trouble finding it. Situated on James Callaghan Drive opposite Fort Southwick, the test centre is in close proximity to the M27 and around 20 minutes away from the centre of Portsmouth itself. If you’re testing your mettle here, might we suggest getting to know your chosen test centre a bit better? The best way to do this is by reading our in depth guide below.
Address
Opposite Fort Southwick
James Callaghan Drive
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO17 6AR
Tests Offered at Portsmouth
– Car
– ADI part 3
How To Get There
Learners in Portsmouth are looking at a 20 minute journey following the M27 or A3, turning onto the B2177 towards James Callaghan Drive. If you’re not so perfectly located, the nearby A3(M) or A27 will get you on the right path soon enough. Of course, if you’re still uncertain, we’d advise you to use a sat nav to find your way.
A Bit More About Portsmouth
If you’re keen to become a qualified driver in the Portsmouth area, be prepared to face a variety of difficult traffic conditions and road types. Whilst the driving examiner isn’t looking to fail you, they are trying to make sure you’re actually ready to ditch the L plates. As such, they’ll try to pit you against all of the challenges Portsmouth has to offer. With a mix of residential roads and busier, congested areas the closer you get to local motorways like the M27, you’ll need to be comfortable with moving through different speed limits.
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.
