Newbury (Hambridge Lane)

If you’re looking to get your hands on a full driving licence in Newbury, your journey will start at a test centre found on Hambridge Lane in a small industrial estate. Like every other driving test centre, Newbury has its own range of challenges that will make your goal of becoming a fully qualified driver a bit more difficult. Don’t take any chances—get to know Newbury test centre like the back of your hand with our useful guide. You can find directionspass ratestest routes and much more below.


Address

Hambridge Lane Newbury Berkshire RG14 5TZ

Tests Offered at Newbury (Hambridge Lane)

  • Car
  • ADI part 3

Parking

Parking is available at this test centre

Toilets

Male and female toilets are available

Disabled Access

N/A

Check the book your driving test service for availability.

How To Get There

With its close proximity to the town centre, learners in Newbury and the Berkshire area certainly won’t struggle with reaching Newbury test centre—especially with the bustling A339 being mere minutes away. If you’re not entirely certain where the centre is, simply use these directions. Please be aware that the test centre’s car park has a one-way system in place. You also won’t be allowed to practice manoeuvres in this car park, but don’t worry: your instructor will take you elsewhere.

A Bit More About Newbury

On the day of your test, you’ll be pitted against the most challenging road types and conditions that Newbury has to offer. Examiners will use everything they have at their disposal in order to truly test how safe and confident you are when driving. Newbury test centre certainly has plenty of difficult features, from the busy A339 to the numerous roundabouts in the nearby vicinity—not to mention the quieter residential roads which are the perfect location for manoeuvres or a surprise emergency stop. Looking for more general information about Newbury? Check out the resources below.

Newbury Test Route

The DVSA doesn’t publish test routes anymore, so you won’t be able to find an exact one for Newbury. Before you start panicking, though, you can still get ahead of the game by watching videos of Newbury test routes on YouTube or by downloading our sample Newbury driving test routes. If you tend to learn better with a hands-on approach, your driving lessons with a DVSA-approved ADI will give you all the experience you need to tackle your test route on your big day.

Newbury Test Pass Rates

Due to public interest, the DVSA frequently releases the latest driving test pass rates. We like to keep an eye out for them to share with our learners—from pass rates by area to average attempts to pass the driving test, we’ve got plenty for you to sink your teeth into. Did you know, for example, that the current average pass rate in the UK is 45.9%? As for those taking their test at Newbury, check out pass rates from the last five years below...

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
55.4% 51.2% 50.1% 51.4% 51.5%

With pass rates higher than the national average, there’s definitely not much to complain about with Newbury test centre. Of course, just because they’ve got good pass rates doesn’t mean you’ll definitely pass your test. The outcome of your test is entirely down to how you perform on the day. As long as you practice and brush up on the areas you’re weakest in, you should be more than prepared.

What If I Can’t Go To Newbury?

Is Newbury test centre no longer an option? Or are you looking for a backup just in case you’re looking at long waiting times? In either case, your closest alternative option in Berkshire is Reading test centre.

What To Expect On The Day

Here it is—your big day has finally arrived! After hours of driving lessons and building up your experience on the roads of Newbury, you’re finally ready to take your practical test. Feeling a bit nervous? That’s to be expected—just keep a level head and remember that your instructor wouldn’t let you take your test if they didn’t think you were ready.

On the day of your test, get to Newbury test centre around 10 minutes before your test is due to start. Don’t forget to bring your provisional—you won’t be able to take your test otherwise. The layout of the practical is fairly simple, and 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’re back at Newbury test centre, your practical will officially end. Your examiner will tell you your result and then walk you through their feedback sheet. If you fail, make sure you pay close attention here, as their comments will help you when you next go in for your test. If you pass, you’ll also get your hands on a nice pass photo accessory: a test pass certificate.

But What If I Fail?

This is a question we get asked a lot by our learner drivers. The answer is pretty simple—you try again. The worst thing you can do is give up! If you’re feeling particularly disenchanted, a refresher course might give you the perfect confidence boost—and help you iron out those bad habits.

If you’re ready to get back behind the wheel, don’t bother with waiting times. Instead, get PassMeFast to book you a fast-track practical test. To get started today, give us a ring on 0333 123 4949 or contact us online.

Improve Your Chances With PassMeFast

If you’re tired of traditional hourly lessons, why not try something a bit more efficient? PassMeFast specialises in intensive and semi-intensive courses that help learners get on the road faster. Working with one of our DVSA-approved instructors, you’ll slot your lessons around your schedule and at a pace you prefer. Before you know it, you’ll have mastered the roads around Newbury and will be heading in for your practical test!

Don’t drag your feet. Instead, check out our course prices to see what’s on offer. Debating between two courses? Get a definitive answer with our course recommender. Once you’re ready, give us a call on 0333 123 4949 to book in. Alternatively, book your course online.