Insider Tips on Chichester Driving Test Routes
Preparing for your driving test at Chichester Driving Test Centre? One of the best ways to increase your chances of passing is to familiarise yourself with the Chichester Driving Test Routes. Understanding the common roads, tricky roundabouts, and high-speed stretches in advance will help you feel more confident and in control on test day.
To get real-world practice, we highly recommend using Routebuddy. This tool allows you to explore and rehearse key test routes, ensuring you’re ready for any challenge the examiner might throw your way.
A Short Background on Chichester Driving Test Centre
Chichester Driving Test Centre is known for its varied road conditions, combining urban, rural, and high-speed road elements. Examiners here assess your ability to handle different situations, from navigating tight residential streets to joining fast-moving dual carriageways.
Location and Contact Details
- Address: York House, City Fields Business Park, City Fields Way, Chichester, PO20 2FR
- Contact Number: 0300 200 1122
Toilets and Disabled Access
- Toilets are available for candidates and visitors.
- The centre has disabled access, making it accessible for all learners.
How to Book Your Driving Test
Booking your driving test at Chichester is straightforward. Simply visit the DVSA website and select Chichester as your test location.
If you need to change your test centre or reschedule your test, you can do so via the same website. Ensure you make any changes at least three working days before your test to avoid losing your booking fee.
Exploring the Chichester Area and Test Route Overview
Chichester’s test routes include a mix of town centre roads, rural lanes, and high-speed carriageways. It’s essential to be comfortable driving in different environments.
- Busy town centre roads with pedestrian crossings
- Dual carriageways like the A27 requiring smooth merging
- Roundabouts that test lane discipline
- Residential streets with parked cars for manoeuvres
With Routebuddy, you can explore these test routes in detail, giving you an edge when it comes to practical test day.
Key Roads, Roundabouts, and Landmarks on Chichester Driving Test Routes
- A27 Dual Carriageway – Tests your high-speed driving skills and ability to merge safely.
- Fishbourne Roundabout – Requires clear lane discipline and observation.
- Oaklands Way – A busy urban road with multiple lane changes.
- Whyke Roundabout – A common route feature where candidates must judge traffic flow accurately.
- North Street and Southgate – Often used for independent driving sections.
Top Recommended Driving Test Routes via Routebuddy
Practising with Routebuddy ensures you get familiar with these commonly used routes:
- A27 to Fishbourne Roundabout and back through residential areas
- Oaklands Way and through the city centre roads
- Rural driving near Lavant and back via the A286
- Whyke Roundabout to the A27 dual carriageway
- Manoeuvre-focused route through quieter residential areas
Using Routebuddy lets you experience these routes as they appear on actual tests, boosting your confidence.
Pass Rates: How Does Chichester Compare?
Chichester’s pass rate is typically around 55-60%, which is higher than the national average. Compared to other test centres nearby:
- Portsmouth Driving Test Centre – 51%
- Worthing Driving Test Centre – 59.6%
- Burgess Hill Driving Test Centre – 44.4%
The Top 10 Reasons People Fail (And How to Avoid Them!)
- Not checking mirrors enough – Make mirror checks obvious.
- Poor observations at junctions – Look both ways and react early.
- Incorrect roundabout positioning – Stay in the correct lane.
- Failing to stop at red lights – Anticipate and plan ahead.
- Lane discipline errors – Follow road markings carefully.
- Not responding to signs properly – Learn road signs thoroughly.
- Nervous or hesitant driving – Stay calm and drive confidently.
- Driving too slowly or too fast – Adjust to road conditions.
- Manoeuvre errors (e.g., reverse parking) – Practice frequently.
- Ignoring examiner instructions – Listen carefully and clarify if needed.
Common Roads You’ll See on Chichester Driving Test Routes
- A27, Oaklands Way, Northgate Gyratory – Busy urban driving areas.
- Fishbourne Roundabout, Whyke Roundabout – Common multi-lane junctions.
- Rural roads towards Lavant – Tests ability to handle narrow lanes.
Test Day Preparation: What to Bring and What to Know
- Provisional licence
- Theory test pass certificate
- Car insurance details (if using your own car)
- Glasses/contact lenses (if needed)
How to Tell When You’re Ready
- Passing mock tests consistently
- Confidence in all manoeuvres
- Handling independent driving sections with ease
Choosing the Best Time to Take Your Test
- Avoid peak traffic times (8-9 AM and 4-5 PM)
- Mid-morning or early afternoon slots are best
- Check the weather forecast to avoid poor conditions
Local Challenges and Tips for Tough Spots
- Dual carriageway merging – Ensure correct speed and mirror use.
- Multi-lane roundabouts – Stay calm and choose the right lane early.
- Narrow rural roads – Be ready for oncoming traffic and tight bends.
Need to Change Your Test Centre?
If Chichester isn’t ideal, consider these nearby centres:
- Portsmouth Test Centre
- Worthing Test Centre
- Bognor Regis Test Centre
Changes can be made via the DVSA website.
What to Expect on Test Day
- Eyesight check (reading a number plate from 20m away)
- ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
- 40-minute drive, including independent driving
After the Test: What’s Next?
- Passed? Apply for your full licence online.
- Failed? Rebook your test and use Routebuddy to refine skills.
Final Thoughts
Success in Chichester’s driving test is about preparation. By using Routebuddy, practising key routes, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to earning your full licence. Good luck, and drive safely!