Learner drivers located in and around Sunderland don’t have to worry about heading far for their driving test—Sunderland test centre is only 10 minutes out from the city centre itself, near the Southwick Industrial Estate. If you’ve decided to put your newfound skills to the test here, we’d advise getting to know it better before your big day. Read on for more information!
Address
River Bank Road
North Hylton Road Industrial Estate
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR5 3JJ
Tests Offered at Sunderland
– Car
– ADI part 2
– ADI part 3
How To Get There
If you live in or around the city centre, it couldn’t be much easier to get to Sunderland test centre. Simply follow the A1231 and turn onto Castletown Way. Even if you live elsewhere, the close proximity of roads like the A19 and A1018 make it easy enough to reach Sunderland test 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 Sunderland
If you’re taking your practical at Sunderland test centre, you’ll have to test your mettle against a completely mixed bag of road conditions and types. Your test route will start off quietly enough. Once you move away from the industrial estate on Washington Road, it’s mostly residential estates. As the examiner takes you further afield down the A1231, however, you’ll start to encounter heavier traffic. This will undoubtedly increase as you move closer to the centre of Sunderland. With the proximity of Sunderland Royal Hospital and the University of Sunderland City Campus, you’ll want to keep a close eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.
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.
