Based in the training and conference venue, The Tickfield Centre, Southend-on-Sea test centre can be found next to the lively Victoria Avenue. Not far from the city centre and London Southend Airport, the centre gets its fair share of learners visiting each year. If you’re looking to do the same, why not to get a head start? Familiarise yourself with Southend-on-Sea by checking out our guide below.
Address
The Tickfield Centre
Tickfield Industrial Estate, Tickfield Ave
Southend-on-sea
Essex
SS2 6LL
Tests Offered at Southend-on-Sea
– Car
How To Get There
Based in the training venue, The Tickfield Centre, Southend-on-Sea test centre is right in the middle of the city centre and a short walk from a few different train stations. It’s also just around the corner from the busy A127, meaning that local learners and those travelling from other areas in the county of Essex will be able to get there easily 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 Southend-on-Sea
Believe it or not, the locations of practical test centres are carefully chosen. Why? Test centres need to be surrounded by a diverse enough range of road types in order to test whether a candidate truly is ready to become a fully qualified driver. Southend-on-Sea certainly comes with enough challenges for even the most confident of learners—from the A127 to the pedestrian-heavy roads around the local train stations, you’ll have your entire set of driving skills put to the test.
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.
