Chelmsford (Hanbury Road)

How To Get There

Chelmsford test centre really couldn’t be any easier to get to for learner drivers—whether they’re local or based further away in the wider Essex area. Situated in the midst of a small industrial estate, the centre is minutes from the city centre and can be found next to London Road and the A12. Haven’t looked around the test centre yet? Not to worry: simply use these directions and you’ll get there easily enough.

A Bit More About Chelmsford

The final hurdle towards you getting your full licence is the practical test, and whilst it’s not as impossible to pass as people say it is, it’s still pretty tricky—examiners will incorporate as many road types and conditions as possible. Chelmsford certainly has plenty of tricks up its sleeves, from the A12 and A414 to the narrow town roads closer to the city centre. Learners taking their practical here will certainly have their newfound skills put to the test! Looking for information on the Chelmsford area in general? Take a look at the resources below.

• National Rail
• Bus
• Council
• BBC Weather
• More about Chelmsford

Chelmsford Test Route

Though the DVSA no longer publishes recent test routes, you can still get a rough idea of what might crop up on your test by watching videos of Chelmsford test routes on YouTube or by downloading our sample Chelmsford driving test routes. If you’re more of a hands-on learner, you don’t have to worry—your instructor will have you honing your skills on these roads. By the time your big day arrives, it’s likely that you’ll be familiar with most of the roads on your route.

Chelmsford Test Pass Rates

If you’re wondering how other learners fare on the practical test, you’re in luck—using the DVSA’s stats, we’re able to sate your curiosity. The current national average pass rate stands at 45.9%. If you’re located in the East of England, your chances stand at 46.3%. Wondering how pass rates vary according to factors like gender or age? Head on over to our driving test pass rates for the full lowdown.

As for learners at Chelmsford test centre, get pass rates from the last five years in the table below...

As you can see, Chelmsford’s pass rates aren’t that far from the average pass rate. Still convinced the odds aren’t in your favour? Forget stats and pass rates—they’re not going to get you through your driving test. Pay attention during your lessons, ask your instructor to take you on a mock test or two and you should be more than prepared for your practical.

What If I Can’t Go To Chelmsford?

Chelmsford isn’t the only practical test centre available in the Essex area. Whether you’re looking for a backup or have given up on Chelmsford entirely, you’ve got plenty of options. The centres closest to Chelmsford include Basildon and Brentwood.

What To Expect On The Day

In what seems like the blink of an eye, your practical test date will be upon you. Don’t feel ready? Very few learners truly feel test-ready when they go in for their practical. It’s important that you remember that your instructor wouldn’t let you take the test if they didn’t think you were ready to do it—they’ve got your best interests at heart after all.

Nerves aside, you don’t have much to worry about with the practical, it’s pretty straightforward. For starters, you need to get to Chelmsford 10 minutes early. You also have to bring your provisional, otherwise you won’t be able to take the test. Your practical will follow this format:

• 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

The practical test will officially end once you’ve parked back up at Chelmsford test centre. After a few minutes, the examiner will tell you how you fared. They’ll walk you through any driving test faults you picked up with their feedback sheet—offering additional verbal advice to help you improve your driving in some way. It’s always a good idea to bring your instructor on your test, as, if you do fail—and you’re too upset or shocked to listen properly—they’ll be able to listen to the feedback. If you’re successful in your endeavour, you’ll get your hands on the perfect pass photo accessory: the test pass certificate.

But What If I Fail?

In case the pass rates didn’t clue you in, not all learner drivers pass their test first time. In fact, the average number of attempts it takes to pass the driving test varies for most. Like any other test in life, sometimes it takes a few tries to get it just right. Instead of dwelling on it, we’d recommend you and your instructor decide on a course of action according to your feedback sheet. A refresher course, for example, can give you time to work on your weakest areas, e.g., control, use of mirrors or manoeuvres.

If you’re ready to get back out there, forget long waiting times and let PassMeFast fast-track your test for you. All it takes is a quick phone call on 0333 123 4949 or online query and we’ll have you booked in in no time!

Improve Your Chances With PassMeFast

If your aim is to get on the road as soon as possible, PassMeFast should be your next port of call. Specialising in intensive and semi-intensive courses, PassMeFast lets students determine the pace of their lessons. Learners can fit their courses around their schedules and don’t even have to worry about meeting their instructor anywhere—PassMeFast offers home and work pickups! Your instructor will help you build up your driving experience in the Brentwood area and have you raring to go for your practical test in no time.

You can take a look at our 9 tailored course packages on our course prices page. Already had some experience, but not entirely sure which course would be most suitable for you? Simply answer a few questions and our course recommender will give you your ideal course! To get booked in today, give us a ring on 0333 123 4949 or book in online.