Speke test centre in Liverpool is one of the most popular premises for driving tests. At Ashley Neal, we often use this test centre for our learner drivers, since it’s easy to access and has a high pass rate.
Why Speke (Liverpool) Test Centre?
Located in the centre of Speke, the Speke test centre is easily accessible for those who live in South Liverpool. With many test centres now closed, such as Garston Liverpool and Garston Speke in 2018, this test centre is the go-to for many learner drivers and instructors.
Located on Skyhawk Avenue (just off Banks Road) in Speke, this DVSA test centre is known to be a calm and friendly environment for beginner drivers. The examiners know how nerve-wracking a first test can be, so just know that you’re in great hands from the start.
However, it can experience lots of traffic, since it’s so close to the airport and train station, but don’t worry too much, as your route will also take you through quieter, residential areas.
Speke Test Centre Address and Contact Info
If you need help finding the test centre in Speke, we’ve included all of the information you need below.
Address
Unit 3 Dakota Business Park
14 Skyhawk
Speke
Liverpool
L19 2QR
Phone number
(general booking line; no direct number for the centre)
Parking and accessibility
The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible toilets available.
A limited number of car parking spaces are available on-site, but your instructor will show you where to park if you arrive with them on the day. If you’re in your own car, use one of the designated visitor bays marked for the DVSA; these are typically labelled “Customer Parking”.
If the car park is full, you can park on the street.
Toilets
Male, female, and disabled toilets are available on site for candidates and accompanying drivers.
Pass Rates and Difficulty
As one of the top choices for learner drivers in Liverpool, Speke’s pass rate has hovered in the mid-30% range since it opened.
However, it’s risen to around 38% in 2024/2025, meaning that more drivers are beginning to pass the test on their first time. While this centre does come with its challenges, it’s good to remember that your chance of passing relies on your own knowledge and how good your instructor is, rather than the average pass rate.
If you get to know the area well, practice the tricky sections, and go into your test with confidence, you can absolutely earn your licence at Speke on the first attempt. You can find out more about pass rates here.
Speke Test Centre Route
Since there’s a wide variety of road types and conditions, your test will most likely include a mix of high-speed dual carriageways and quiet residential streets. This can be challenging for most experienced drivers, but your examiner will put you at ease beforehand.
Some routes may take you through Speke Boulevard (A561), a fast dual-carriageway where the speed limit rises to 50–60 mph. You’ll need to be prepared to navigate these roads safely and confidently, and to slow down in residential areas.
You’ll be taken through various junctions, including large and small roundabouts, small side roads, and busy main roads. Expect to have all your knowledge and skills tested and challenged, and to reflect on everything you’ve covered in your lessons.
There’s no set route, so your driving examiner will just give you directions on the day rather than having to remember them all. If you want to be fully prepared for your test, our team of driving instructors can help you get there with our comprehensive driving lessons in Liverpool.
How to get there
Despite being roughly 7 miles from Liverpool city centre, it’s easy to find using a sat nav and shouldn’t take you too long to get there.
It’s situated between Garston and Speke, right next to the River Mersey shoreline and the A561 Speke Boulevard. If you get lost, look for an industrial and business park or the family martial arts gym and the Jersey beauty company, and you’ll soon be able to locate it.
If you’re driving by car from the A561 (Speke Blvd) heading east, take the Speke Hall Road turn-off toward the industrial areas. Skyhawk Avenue is a side road just off Speke Hall Road, and the DVSA “Driving Test Centre” signs will direct you to where you need to go.
If you’re arriving by public transport, Liverpool South Parkway rail station is about 2 miles away from the test centre. Or, you can get the 80A and 86A, as well as the 500 airport bus, from Liverpool city centre and get off near the Speke Estuary Commerce Park on Speke Boulevard.
From there, it’s just a short walk to the test centre (use Google Maps for directions).
Tests Offered at Speke Test Centre
- Car practical driving tests
- ADI part 2
- ADI part 3
Speke offers regular driving tests, as well as part 2 and part 3 exams, making it a great choice for beginner drivers and those looking to qualify as a driving instructor.
Each test allows 3 attempts and no more.
What to Expect on Test Day
You should aim to get to the Speke test centre around 10 to 15 minutes early, so you have time to park, collect your nerves, and use the bathroom.
Make sure to bring your provisional driving licence with you; otherwise, you won’t be able to sit the test. If you’re taking the test in your instructor’s car, they will handle parking for you. Please know that practice driving in the car park or on the road directly outside the centre is not allowed.
During the test, the examiner will:
- Check your ID and paperwork
- Perform an eyesight check by asking you to read a car number plate from 20 metres away.
- Ask you one of the vehicle safety ‘tell me’ questions.
- Take you on 20-30 minutes of guided driving on various roads and junctions with one reversing manoeuvre (such as parallel parking on the street, bay parking either at the test centre or a public car park, or pulling up on the right side of the road and reversing), and sometimes an emergency stop exercise is included.
- Ask you to do 20 minutes of independent driving following instructions from a sat nav and road signs.
Making a wrong turn doesn’t mean you’ll automatically fail. Just stay calm, observe carefully, and demonstrate the skills you’ve learned in your lessons (mirror checks, proper lane use, appropriate speeds, etc.)
After the test, the examiner will tell you whether you’ve passed or failed and provide any feedback.
Improve Your Chances of Passing with Ashley Neal
Get in touch with the form below: