Getting ready for your driving test at Ashford Driving Test Centre? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re feeling a bit nervous or just want to make sure you’ve got all the info you need, we’re here to help. From tricky roundabouts to bustling roads, we’ll walk you through everything you should know. And don’t forget the secret weapon for nailing your test routes: the RouteBuddy App. It’s the best tool for practising local routes, giving you a head start on what to expect on test day!

Why Ashford Driving Test Centre Stands Out

Ashford Driving Test Centre, located in Greater London, offers a diverse mix of routes to test your driving skills. From bustling city streets to quieter residential roads, and of course, some tricky roundabouts in between, you’ll get a true test of your abilities. The varied routes make Ashford a challenging yet rewarding place to take your driving test. But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through the key roads and how to best prepare for them.

If you’re considering other nearby test centres, areas like Morden and Tolworth are also popular alternatives. Let’s explore how they compare.

Easiest and Hardest Driving Test Centres in the Area

If you’re not quite sure where to take your test, here’s a quick rundown of pass rates at centres within 30 miles:

• Ashford Driving Test Centre Pass Rate: 50.3%
• Morden Driving Test Centre Pass Rate: 46.3%
• Tolworth Driving Test Centre Pass Rate: 51.7%

For whichever centre you choose, the RouteBuddy App is the go-to tool. It allows you to practise test routes specific to each centre, giving you a better idea of what to expect. You can easily check RouteBuddy for the routes available at each of these locations and get practising!

Pass Rates at Ashford Driving Test Centre

Ashford’s pass rate generally hovers between 45% and 50%, which is close to the national average. Not too bad, right? If you’re curious about the most recent statistics, the official DVSA pass rate publication has all the details. The most important thing is to prepare well – and that’s where RouteBuddy can really make a difference by familiarising you with local routes.

Top 10 Reasons for Failing Your Driving Test

Nobody likes the idea of failing, but it’s good to know the common mistakes that trip people up. Here are the top 10 reasons learners fail, and how you can avoid them:

1. Observation at Junctions: Always check your mirrors and blind spots.
2. Mirrors Before Manoeuvres: Don’t forget to glance at your mirrors before changing direction.
3. Incorrect Positioning: Stay in your lane, especially on roundabouts.
4. Reverse Parking: Practise in different environments to boost confidence.
5. Response to Traffic Lights: Anticipate changes and stop safely.
6. Steering Control: Keep both hands on the wheel unless changing gears.
7. Moving Off Safely: Always check your blind spots before setting off.
8. Response to Road Signs: Understand and follow all road signs.
9. Roundabout Control: Yield correctly and stay in the right lane.
10. Speeding: Stick to the speed limit, adjusting for weather or traffic conditions.

The RouteBuddy App helps you practise these exact scenarios on real test routes, so you can nail them on the day of your test.

Common Roads You’ll Encounter During Your Test

Knowing the roads that might come up during your test gives you an advantage. At Ashford, you’re likely to encounter roads like:

• A28 Simone Weil Avenue: A busy road with multiple roundabouts.
• Henwood Industrial Estate: A popular area for testing your parking and manoeuvring skills.
• M20 Junctions: Perfect for demonstrating your ability to handle high-speed roads and slip roads.

Using RouteBuddy, you can practise on these exact roads, helping you feel more confident when they come up during your test.

How to Prepare for Your Test

Here’s what you’ll need to bring along on the day of your test:

• Provisional driving licence
• Theory test pass certificate
• A suitable vehicle (with L plates, of course!)

What to Expect on Test Day

Your driving test will last around 40 minutes. Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

• Eyesight Check: You’ll need to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
• Vehicle Safety Questions: These will test your basic understanding of the vehicle.
• Independent Driving: You’ll be asked to follow sat nav directions or traffic signs for about 20 minutes.

Timing is important, too. Avoid peak traffic hours (like 8-9 AM and 4-6 PM), especially around Wotton Road, where congestion can get heavy. Mid-morning is usually a good time to aim for.

Local Traffic and Weather Advice

Ashford has its fair share of traffic hot spots. Wotton Road can get especially busy during rush hours, so be prepared for stop-and-go traffic. And watch out for the weather! Ashford experiences occasional flooding, especially near the Great Stour River, so be mindful of slippery conditions after rain.

What Happens If You Pass or Fail

If you pass – congratulations! You’ll receive your certificate and your full licence will be on its way. If things don’t go as planned and you fail, don’t worry. Your examiner will give you feedback on what went wrong, and you can rebook your test after 10 working days. The RouteBuddy App can help you practise any areas that need improvement, so you’re ready to ace it next time.

How to Check Test Availability and Make Changes

You can check for available test slots and book your test on the DVSA Gov.uk website. If you need to change your test centre or date after booking, it’s easy – just head back to the website and make the changes as long as there’s availability.

About Ashford Driving Test Centre

Situated in Greater London, the Ashford Driving Test Centre offers a range of diverse routes, from busy urban streets to challenging roundabouts, giving learners a well-rounded driving experience. Located on Church Road, Greater London, Ashford, it’s easily accessible and well-connected by public transport. Parking at the centre is limited, so arriving early to secure a spot is recommended. The centre also provides essential facilities, including toilets and disabled access, to accommodate all test candidates.

Address:
18/19 Fir Tree Place, Church Road, Greater London, Ashford, TW15 2PJ

Phone Number:
0178 4257179

Conclusion

Passing your driving test at Ashford Driving Test Centre is totally achievable with the right preparation. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the local routes and common challenges, and take advantage of the RouteBuddy App for practising the exact routes used in tests. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll feel on the day, so go ahead – give yourself the best chance at passing with flying colours. Good luck!