Atherton

Based in a relatively large building, Atherton test centre is located across from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training School on Gibfield Park Avenue. Atherton is a go-to option for many learners in Greater Manchester. If you're one of the many learners heading here, we'd recommend you get to know the centre better. You can do this by reading on for directionspass ratestest routes and much more about Atherton.


Address

Gibfield Park Avenue Atherton Manchester Greater Manchester M46 0SU

Tests Offered at Atherton

  • Car
  • Motorcycle module 1
  • Motorcycle module 2
  • Lorries, large vehicles and buses
  • ADI part 2
  • ADI part 3

Parking

Parking spaces are available at this centre

Toilets

Male, female and disabled toilets are available

Disabled Access

You can get into the test centre in a wheelchair

Phone Number

0194 2882176

Check the book your driving test service for availability.

How To Get There

Situated right near the centre of Atherton itself, the test centre rests close to the A577 Atherleigh Way, making it easily accessible for learners across Greater Manchester. If you've not yet had the chance to check out Atherton test centre, just use these directions.

A Bit More About Atherton

The area around Atherton test centre, and the area of Wigan itself, offers examiners a wide variety of road types and features. From A routes like the A58 and A577 to quieter residential streets near Hag Fold—there's more than enough to truly test whether a learner is ready to ditch the L plates and become a fully qualified driver. Not sure what else you might need to know about the area of Atherton itself? Check out a few useful links below:

Atherton Test Route

The DVSA no longer publishes test routes, but that doesn’t mean you have to worry! If you're taking driving lessons with a local ADI, you'll be introduced to most of the roads that will feature on your test route—from local roundabouts to crossroads to one-way systems. By the time you head to Atherton test centre for your practical, you'll be familiar with most of your test route. For a better idea of what to expect, why not check out videos of Atherton test routes on YouTube? 

Atherton Test Pass Rates

Interested in driving test pass rates? The national average pass rate in the UK currently stands at 45.9%. But what about Atherton? Take a look at pass rates from the last five years below...

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
50.5% 50.3% 50.3% 50.1% 46.5%


Ultimately, it’s all down to personal effort and practice—not just pass rates. If you’re well-prepared, you have every chance in the world of getting your licence. 

What If I Can't Go To Atherton? 

Atherton is one the many practical test centres in Greater Manchester. If you can’t—for whatever reason—head to Atherton, the nearest alternate test centres are Bolton and Salford.

What To Expect On The Day

So you’re ready to take your test. By this point you should be familiar with Atherton test centre and its surrounding area. Now all you need to do on the day of your test is get there 10 minutes, with your provisional. The test will then 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:
  • Twenty minutes of independent driving, during which you’ll either follow sat nav directions or sign posts to reach a set destination

Once you get back to Atherton test centre, you'll get your result almost immediately. The examiner will give you a feedback sheet which shows you what faults you made during your test (if any), along with additional verbal comments. Successful candidates will also be given a test pass certificate and the chance to send off for their full licence. 

But What If I Fail?

If you fail your practical, you’ve always got the option to book another. Plenty of learner drivers have had to retake their test. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, learn from them by using the feedback given to you by your examiner—you’ll get the hang of it eventually! If you'd like to get booked in ASAP, give PassMeFast a ring on 0333 123 4949 or  contact us via our website. 

Got questions about our process? Head on over to our FAQs

Improve Your Chances With PassMeFast

PassMeFast covers a variety of practical test centres and areas across the UK. Instead of offering single lessons, we offer a range of crash courses tailored to suit learners with any level of experience. With our DVSA-approved instructors and fast-track practical tests, you could be on the road in a matter of weeks or even days!

Interested? Check out our course prices to find out which course is best for you. Contact us on 0333 123 4949 to find out more or book a course online to take one step closer to getting on the road.