St Helens Test Centre is one of the most commonly used driving test centres for learner drivers in Merseyside due to its proximity.
We use this test centre for some of our learner drivers at Ashley Neal. If you’re set to take your test here, we’ve included everything you need to know, from the address and contact info to the pass rates.
Why Choose St Helens Test Centre?
If you live nearby, then St Helens Test Centre is perfect for learner drivers taking their test.
It’s located on Navigation Road in the centre of St Helens, just off Pocket Nook Street, near the A580 East Lancs road and a short walk from Broadway shops. If you’re struggling to find it, it’s right next to Ayrshire Metals Limited and Aspects of Glass.
The location for this test centre was chosen to ensure a mix of residential areas and dual carriageways during the driving test. That means there is a range of challenging road conditions and quiet streets so that learner drivers can showcase a range of skills.
St Helens Test Centre Address and ContactInfo
We’ve included everything you need to know to find your way to the St Helens Test Centre on the day of your test.
Address
1 Navigation Road
St Helens
WA9 1NS
Phone number
Parking and accessibility
There is a range of available parking spaces at St Helen’s Test Centre, ideal for those being dropped off by a family member or arriving with their instructor.
The main building also has disabled access for wheelchair users, with automatic doors and a lift to the second floor.
Toilets
Public toilets are available for male, female, and disabled visitors.
Pass rates and difficulty
The standard past rate for the North West is 47.3%. As one of the most popular test centres for drivers in Merseyside, St Helens has had a general pass rate of around 45% in the past few years, give or take.
It’s fluctuated between 48% and 45%, but it’s still meeting the average pass rate in the North West. This shows that many drivers pass the first time. However, it’s important to remember that these statistics are just averages, and whether you pass or fail depends on how prepared you are on the day.
The route is designed to be challenging, with traffic, multi-lane junctions, and complex roundabouts, but it’s not one of the most difficult locations to do your test in Liverpool. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the area and do some driving lessons in St Helens to prepare for its unique conditions.
St Helens Test Centre Route
Since the DVSA no longer publishes test routes, your best bet is to drive around St Helen’s on your lessons and learn how to navigate various roads, areas, and roundabouts.
You’ll likely deal with tighter access roads, busy junctions, and parked vehicles along the road, so focus on these skills beforehand. You may be taken onto routes such as Linkway West (A58), Prescot Road, and Dentons Green Lane to test lane discipline on multi-lane approaches and handle different speed limits.
The route may also include larger connections, such as the Rainford Bypass (A570) or the East Lancashire Road. If you want to get a visual of what the route may look like on the day, search for ‘St Helens test routes’ on YouTube.
Your instructor will take you through everything that should come up on your test so you feel confident behind the wheel. Our driving instructors in Liverpool can help you fully prepare, so you feel at ease on test day.
How to Get to St Helen’s Test Centre
The centre is at 1 Navigation Road, just off Pocket Nook Street, in the Sutton area of St Helens. It’s located in an industrial estate, so if you’re arriving by car, aim for the A58 (Linkway West) and then drop down towards Pocket Nook Street.
It sits next to firms such as Ayrshire Metals Limited and Aspects of Glass, but if you put WA9 1NS into your sat nav, it will lead you directly there. If you’re coming via the M62, the simplest approach is usually Junction 7 (Rainhill Stoops).
For those arriving by public transport, the closest train station is St Helens Central. It’s around a half-mile walk to the test centre from there, but there are also local bus services that run out towards the Linkway West corridor, leaving you with a shorter walk to Navigation Road.
Some buses you can take include the 20, 28, 28A, 137, 297, and 320 to Pocket Nook Street.
Tests offered at St Helens Test Centre
- Car practical driving tests
- Motorcycle module 1
- Motorcycle module 2
- ADI part 2
- ADI part 3
St Helens runs the standard learner car practical test, plus both stages of the motorcycle practical (modules 1 and 2). It also hosts ADI Part 2 and Part 3 exams for people qualifying as approved driving instructors.
You have 3 attempts to pass the ADI tests.
What to Expect on Test Day
Aim to get to the St Helens test centre around 15-30 minutes before your driving test, so you have enough time to get prepared and calm your nerves.
Make sure you bring your provisional driving licence, otherwise you won’t be able to take the test. If you’re using your instructor’s car, they’ll normally take care of getting you parked safely.
Practising driving in the car park or directly outside the test centre isn’t allowed, so treat the area as test conditions from the moment you arrive. During the test, the examiner will:
- Check your ID and confirm a few details before you start, then explain how the test will work.
- Get you to read a number plate from a car parked 20 metres away to test your eyesight.
- Ask you one of the vehicle safety “tell me” questions before you move off, and a “show me” question while you’re driving.
- Take you through 20-30 minutes of guided driving on a variety of roads and junctions while asking you to perform one reversing manoeuvre (this could be a parallel park at the side of the road or a bay park) or an emergency stop.
- Ask you to do around 20 minutes of independent driving, following a satnav or traffic signs.
If you take a wrong turn, you won’t automatically fail. Stay calm, continue safely, and focus on the essentials: good observations, correct lane use, safe speeds, and clear decision-making.
After the test, the examiner will tell you whether you’ve passed or failed and talk you through any faults, including anything that could be improved for next time.