Elswick

This practical driving test centre is now permanently closed. The nearest alternatives are Gateshead and Gosforth.

Like many other test centres in the UK, Elswick test centre can be found in the midst of a local industrial estate. Situated on Amethyst Road, right near the River Tyne and Hadrian’s Wall Path, Elswick isn’t far from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne—which means it can get hectic during rush hour. If you’ve decided to test your mettle at this particular centre, one of the best ways you can prepare is by getting to know it properly. Read up on our essential guide below for directionspass ratestest routes and much more!


Address

Unit 2 Sirius House Asama Court, Amethyst Road, Elswick Newcastle-upon-tyne Tyne and Wear NE4 7YL

Tests Offered at Elswick

  • Car
  • ADI part 2
  • ADI part 3

Parking

Car parking spaces are available

Toilets

Male, female and disabled toilets are available

Disabled Access

Phone Number

0191 2738731

Check the book your driving test service for availability.

How To Get There

Learner drivers heading to Elswick test centre from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne simply have to follow the A695 until they reach Amethyst Road. Don’t live in the heart of the city? You’ll still be able to find the test centre with convenient A roads like the A1, A69 and A19. Of course, if you’re a bit shaky with your directions, your best bet might be to simply use these directions with your sat nav.

A Bit More About Elswick

To make sure learner drivers are truly ready to take to the roads unsupervised, driving examiners try to incorporate as many challenging road types and features into the test route as possible. As a result, you can expect no stone to go unturned during your test at Elswick. With the test centre lying so close to the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, it’s likely you’ll encounter heavy traffic regardless of the time you’re taking your test at. You’d best make sure your observation skills are up to scratch here—the close proximity of Newcastle University and the Royal Victoria Infirmary means you’ll likely have to deal with pedestrians and cyclists. You can also expect to be taken on A roads like the A167 and A186, before switching to quieter residential roads to complete your driving test manoeuvre.

If you’ve already got the roads around Elswick sorted, you might be more interested in getting to know the local area itself. If that’s the case, the resources below should be just what you need…

Elswick Test Route

In order to make sure the driving test is unpredictable, and a good reflection of what real-life driving will be like when you take to the roads unsupervised, the DVSA doesn’t publish its test routes. Of course, if you’ve had lessons in the Elswick area, the route won’t be entirely unfamiliar anyway. Plus, you can still make a few educated guesses as to what might appear on your test by watching videos of Elswick test routes on YouTube. Alternatively, you can try downloading our sample Elswick driving test routes.

Elswick Test Pass Rates

If, like most learners, you want to figure out just how hard the practical test is, then pass rates will certainly be of interest to you. As it so happens, the national average for the UK currently stands at 45.9%. More concerned with how learners fare at Elswick test centre? Get pass rates from the last five years in the table below…

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
45.5% 46.7% 45.3% 43.1% 41.4%

Whilst we can understand your apprehension towards heading to Elswick after seeing its less-than-appealing pass rates, it’s important to not get too preoccupied with the stats. After all, even if Elswick had a pass rate of 99%, that’s not to say you’ve got a guaranteed pass in the bag! So, instead of wondering about your chances, concentrate on refining your skills and listening to your instructor.

What If I Can’t Go To Elswick?

With a wide range of test centres available in the Tyne and Wear area, you won’t have a problem switching test centres if Elswick is no longer an option for you. If you’re staying close to your original choice, your closest options are Gateshead and Gosforth.

What To Expect On The Day

In what seems like the blink of an eye, your driving lessons will finally be over and you’ll be staring down your test date. That means you’ve only got one more step to take before you become a fully qualified driver: the practical test.

The first thing to remember on the big day is to bring your provisional. If you forget it, you won’t be able to take the test! You’ll also want to get to Elswick 10 minutes before your test is due to start. Any earlier, and you run the risk of getting in the way of other learners taking their test.

Your driving 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

After around 40 minutes on the road, the examiner will lead you back to Elswick test centre. Once you’ve parked up, you’ll have a moment to relax before the examiner tells you your result. You’ll get a full breakdown of any driving test faults you’ve accumulated on a physical feedback sheet, or by email via the driving test app.

But What If I Fail?

The last thing any learner driver wants is to end up failing the driving test. Unfortunately, it does happen—even to the most confident of us. The key, however, is not to give up, but to get back behind the wheel and try again. Together with your instructor, look at your feedback sheet and work on the areas you picked up the most faults in. That way, you’ll be more than prepared for what comes your way.

Decided you’re ready to take to the roads again, but don’t fancy waiting months for the next available test date? Get PassMeFast to fast-track a test for you. We’ll find you a test earlier than standard DVSA waiting times and have you ready to pose for your pass photo in no time. To get things started, give us a bell on 0333 123 4949, or contact us online.

Improve Your Chances With PassMeFast

Does it feel like it takes ages to gain new skills? Are weekly lessons slowing you down? Try a different approach with PassMeFast’s intensive and semi-intensive courses. We specialise in helping learners reach pro standard in just weeks of booking in. You’ll even get to decide when your lessons take place, and how long each session lasts.

If you’re ready to build your own driving course, start things off by looking at our course prices. If you’d like a more in depth look at what our courses entail, our driving courses rundown will do the trick. Once you’ve picked out a course, book online or over the phone on 0333 123 4949.

Had driving lessons in the past? Not sure how many lessons you’ll need to get up to test standard? Answer a few simple questions and our course recommender will do the rest!