Driving Theory Test Centres in Southampton

Arriving at Southampton Theory Test Centre

By public transport

One of the most appealing aspects of this particular theory test centre is that it is extremely easy to get to by public transport. Those planning to take the train to Southampton will be particularly pleased, because the test centre is a mere 3-minute walk from Southampton Central Station.

If you want to get even closer to the test centre, take a bus instead. The Four Post Hill bus stop drops you off just 2 minutes away from the test centre. There are also bus stops outside the train station, which would be the best place for those coming from the opposite direction to disembark.

For more information about the transport options in Southampton, go to the Southampton City Council website.

By car

Perhaps someone will be kind enough to drive you to your theory test. If this is the case here, get the driver to put SO15 3EU into their sat nav and hit the road! The test centre is located just off the A33, so look out for your exit when you’re on this road.

The test centre itself is situated at the end of a row of buildings where the A3057 merges with Shirley Road. It’s a large red brick building with steps leading up to the entrance.

Parking

The only issue people tend to run into when they drive to test centres is that there is no parking available on site. We’re sorry to inform you that this is indeed the case here. Don’t worry, though; we’ve scoured the local area to find the nearest available car parks.

The closest options are Southbrook Road North car park (SO15 1GQ) and Southbrook Road South car park (SO15 1GP). Both are a 6-to-7-minute walk away from the test centre and charge £2.50 for 2 hours of parking. The only potential problem is that they have a fairly limited number of spaces—25 and 60, respectively.

If you do struggle to get a parking space, the next closest option is the Southampton Central Station car park (SO15 1AL). The good news? It has 200 spaces. The bad news? It won’t come cheap! This car park charges a fairly extortionate £9.30 for 2 hours of parking. That bus is looking pretty inviting now, eh?

Pass Rates by Year

The pass rates at the Southampton theory test centre certainly ain’t what they used to be, but this is probably down to a change in location and the national downward trend in pass rates. To be fair, though, 49.4% is still better than the national average! Plus, these statistics aren’t really an indication of how well you’re likely to do on the day. Everyone’s different, but the theory test remains the same—wherever you take it!

Guides and Tips

What does affect the likelihood that you’ll pass the theory test is how much work you put in beforehand. This is not something that you can just fluke. There is quite a lot of material to learn and not all of it is basic road knowledge. You’ll also need to be well-prepared for the hazard perception section.

To ensure you’re test-ready, we recommend doing plenty of revision and practicing with some mock tests. You may find some of the resources listed below useful for your study plan.

• Official DVSA Theory Test App for Android
• Official DVSA Theory Test App for iOS
• Safe Driving for Life
• Theory Test Rundown: What to Expect on the Day

Ready to Go?

Nearby Theory Test Centres

• Fareham
• Portsmouth

Hotels

Some people choose to spend the night in a hotel close to the theory test centre before the big day. This is a great idea if you’re visiting Southampton from out of town. Check out a few options to suit a range of budgets below.

Ibis Budget Southampton ★★☆☆☆

This purse-friendly accommodation is ideally located for those travelling in and out of Southampton by train. It sits just behind the central station, a 13-minute walk away from the test centre. Rooms are available at a very reasonable price and you can still expect great amenities like free WiFi and satellite TV!

Moxy Southampton ★★★☆☆

Heading towards the seafront, you could also try this offering from the Marriott chain. The Moxy hotel is stylish and modern, so you can enjoy a very relaxing stay in cool surroundings. There’s food and drink available 24/7 and each room comes fitted with motion-activated LED guidelights to set a cool, calming atmosphere. Getting to the test centre from here requires either a 15-minute walk or 5-minute car ride—your choice!

Novotel Southampton ★★★★☆

Just around the corner from the Ibis you’ll find this much fancier alternative. The Novotel is chic, comfortable and welcoming. As well as a tastefully-decorated room with high-quality linens and toiletries, you’ll have access to a range of top-notch amenities including a heated indoor pool and gym facilities. The cherry on the cake is that it is only a 12-minute walk from the test centre. Hurrah!

Places to Celebrate

If you have some time to spare after the theory test is done, you should check out some of the sights and sounds of Southampton. Top of your list of priorities by this point will probably be something to eat and/or drink. Check out some of these great local haunts:

The Vestry Restaurant and Bar

Stroll down the road for around 6 minutes and you’ll come to this rather impressive church-turned-drinking-establishment. The decor inside is just as beautiful as you’d expect it to be and the staff are friendly and welcoming. This is a bar and restaurant, so start with a tipple to whet your appetite and then make your way upstairs for a bite to eat.

Sadler’s Bar & Smokehouse

If you’re a fan of both meat and beer, this place will definitely tickle your fancy. It’s a bar with a traditional pub vibe, offering a range of tasty craft beers to pair with their delightful range of smoked food. Go for the IPA, stay for the Louisiana BBQ.

The Scholar’s Arms

Those looking for a classic pub with some great deals should head to The Scholar’s Arms on Above Bar St. There’s tasty food to be scoffed, incredible bargains on offer and a lively atmosphere to help you kickback and relax after a long day (or morning!). Sports lovers will also appreciate the variety of different games on the televisions surrounding the bar!

What Happens Next?

The Southampton theory test centre is an excellent place to sit the written element of your driving test. As far as we can see, everything from the location to the local amenities is pretty great! Many people also find that they can secure a test date here in less than a week. What’s not to love?!

Once you’ve wrapped up this stage of your driving journey it’s time for the practical test. Make sure you take enough lessons to get yourself test-ready. If you need help with this, have a go on our course recommender tool—it’s free and easy to use.

It’s also a good idea to get a practical test date in the diary nice and early, otherwise you could find yourself waiting months for a suitable appointment. In Southampton, there are two practical test centres to choose from: Forest Hills and Maybush.

If you didn’t actually manage to pass your theory test this time around, try not to let it get you down. Work out where you went wrong, book a new test and keep studying! Trust us, it’s much easier the second time, when you know exactly what to expect. Good luck!

No matter your experience level, if you’re eager to earn a driving licence PassMeFast can be of service. We have 9 courses available, each designed to suit a different type of learner. Our team can also book you a fast-tracked practical test, so you don’t have to contend with those pesky wait times!

For more information, give us a ring on 0333 123 4949. Or, to get started right now, hit the button below!

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