Choosing the right driving test centre is an important step in preparing for your test, and it’s worth considering a centre that’s close to where you live or in an area you’re familiar with.
Being tested on roads you’ve practised on can make a big difference to your confidence and increase the chance of you passing your test. In Manchester, there are several test centres. Your driving instructor will work with you to help choose the best test centre based on your location, the routes you’ve been practising on, and where you feel most comfortable driving.
Here’s an overview of some of the test centres in and around Manchester to help you get started.
Jump to:
Cheetham Hill Driving Test Centre
West Didsbury Driving Test Centre
Cheetham Hill Driving Test Centre
Close to the city centre, Cheetham Hill provides a mix of bustling urban roads and quieter residential streets. The test routes often involve quite a bit of traffic and lots of junctions, making it a great choice for confident city drivers.
West Didsbury Driving Test Centre
Known for its varied routes, West Didsbury includes suburban streets, dual carriageways and a few roundabouts. Its quieter location can help reduce nerves, but you’ll need to be ready to tackle diverse driving conditions.
Sale Driving Test Centre
Sale offers a balanced combination of rural and urban driving scenarios. Routes typically feature residential streets, dual carriageways and town centres, making it suitable for those comfortable with a range of road types.
Atherton Driving Test Centre
Located near the A577 Atherleigh Way, Atherton Test Centre serves learners across Greater Manchester. The routes often include A-roads like the A58 and A577 alongside quieter residential streets near Hag Fold, providing a well-rounded driving experience.
Bredbury Driving Test Centre
Situated near Stockport, Bredbury is known for its suburban routes and proximity to motorways. Test routes here may feature a mix of rural roads, residential streets, and high-speed areas, ideal for drivers ready to demonstrate versatility.
Northwich Driving Test Centre
This test centre, located in a residential area near the A533 and A559, offers a range of driving conditions. With a combination of quiet residential streets and busier roads, Northwich is ideal for testing various driving skills.
Warrington Driving Test Centre
Warrington offers a mix of driving environments, including town centres with traffic lights and roundabouts, quiet residential streets for manoeuvres and larger A-roads like the A49 and A50 for faster driving.
Bolton Driving Test Centre
A popular choice for learner drivers in Greater Manchester, Bolton features challenging routes that combine urban and residential roads. Expect roundabouts, hilly areas and varied driving conditions to prepare you for real-world scenarios.
Regardless of the test centre you choose, practising on the surrounding roads beforehand can make a big difference to your confidence.
Your driving instructor can offer valuable advice on which test centre might suit you best, considering your driving strengths and the routes you’ve practised on.
Remember, while selecting the right test centre is important, the key to passing your driving test lies in building strong driving skills through consistent practice and preparation.