The Southport test centre is the centre that learner drivers who live in Southport or the surrounding area will use for their test with Ashley Neal. 

We have used this test centre with many of our students, so we know exactly what it entails and how to prepare you for the test. If you’ve already booked your test, we’ve included a short guide on everything you need to know for the day.

Why choose Southport Test Centre?

Located on Eastbank Street, the Southport test centre is located just off the A570, so it’s easy to get to on the day of your test.

Since it’s a seaside town, the test route is a bit different, and in some ways, more challenging than test centres located in a city. You’ll face a blend of busy town driving, residential streets, roundabouts, and faster-limit roads, so it’s a strong test of everyday driving.

The Southport test centre is great for preparing you for the reality of everyday driving in the town, so you feel ready to drive independently once you pass.

Southport Test Centre address and contact info

Here are all the important bits of information you need for the day of your test.

Address

Eastbank House, Eastbank Street

Southport

Merseyside

PR8 1HE

Phone number 

01704530616

Parking and accessibility 

There is limited on-site parking, so we recommend arriving early for your test to secure a spot.

The building is also wheelchair accessible.

Toilets 

There are male, female, and disabled toilets available for the public.

Pass rates and difficulty 

In the UK, the average pass rate is around 48.7%, and the Southport test centre has an average pass rate of around 58.9%. 

The pass rates for the Southport test centre have been excellent in recent years, showing a steady increase in learners passing on their first attempt. Due to its high pass rate, it’s considered easier than average compared to many UK test centres.

That shows that while the route may be challenging, with enough lessons and a great driving instructor, you can easily pass the first time.

At Ashley Neal, we have a team of patient, knowledgeable driving instructors dedicated to getting you on the road and offering driving lessons for nervous drivers.

Southport Test Centre route

DVSA no longer publishes test centre routes; however, there are many YouTube videos you can find online that give you a rundown of the things you’ll most likely encounter on your test.

Since you usually start in the town centre, you’ll encounter ​​busy A-roads, shopping streets, residential areas, and coastal stretches. Doing so gives you plenty of opportunities to show calm observation and smooth control in stop–start traffic. 

You’ll also likely encounter Kew Roundabout, as it tests lane choice, timing, and reading road markings early. You may also find yourself heading along routes that include Scarisbrick New Road, Roe Lane, and Marine Drive/A565.

Our driving instructors at Ashley Neal will take you along common routes for the Southport test centre, so you feel confident on the day of your test. Book now to get started.

How to get there

Eastbank Street sits just off Southport’s main roads into town, and it’s very close to Lord Street. If you put PR8 1HE into your SatNav, it should bring you right to Eastbank Street, close to the town centre.

The test centre is located near local businesses, including Kwik Fit and Southport Motorcycles. If you’re travelling in from outside Southport, approach via the M58 and then follow signs towards Southport/the A570 into town, continuing towards the centre before peeling off for Eastbank Street.

The nearest station is Southport railway station (Merseyrail/Northern services). From there, it’s roughly 0.6 miles on foot to the test centre (we recommend using Google Maps to get there).

Buses also run along/near Eastbank Street, such as the Arriva 47 and Stagecoach X2.

Tests offered at Southport Test Centre

  • Car
  • Motorcycle module 2
  • ADI part 3

The Southport test centre provides the standard learner car practical test, plus the on-road stage of the motorcycle practical (Module 2). They also offer the ADI Part 3 exam.

For the ADI route, you get 3 attempts.

What to expect on test day

Being prepared is truly the key to success when taking your driving test. It’s natural to feel nervous on the day, but knowing what to do and what’s expected of you will make you feel more confident behind the wheel.

Aim to arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your test to find out where you need to be and secure a parking space. Make sure you bring your provisional licence with you; otherwise, you won’t be able to take the test.

Once the test has begun, the examiner will:

  • Check your ID and paperwork.
  • Conduct an eyesight check by getting you to read a number plate 20 metres away
  • Ask you a vehicle safety ‘tell me’ question.
  • Provide 20-30 minutes of guided driving, during which you will be asked to perform certain manoeuvres (such as parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right). 
  • Ask you to do 20 minutes of independent driving to assess how well you can manage without direction.

The test will take you back to the Southport test centre, where the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed and take you through any faults. 

A couple of minor driving faults won’t automatically fail you, so if you make a small mistake, the best thing you can do is acknowledge it, reset, and keep driving safely.