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Portsmouth Driving Test Routes : Maps, Fail Spots & Test-Day Tips (2025/26)

Prepare for your practical driving test at Portsmouth Driving Test Centre by understanding how local test routes are structured, where common faults occur, and which road types often cause problems for learner drivers.

This guide explains the Portsmouth driving test area layout, examiner-marked faults, common hazard locations and example route structures. Full Google Maps practice routes are provided separately in a downloadable PDF.

This guide is based on common issues reported by learner drivers and driving instructors practising in the Portsmouth test area.

What examiners commonly mark faults for in Portsmouth

Ineffective observation at junctions, particularly when emerging or turning
Incorrect mirror use when changing direction or position
Poor road positioning on wider roads or near junctions
Moving off without sufficient observation or control
Late or missed response to road signs, signals and markings

Why the Portsmouth driving test area can feel challenging

Many learners find Portsmouth challenging because test routes often transition quickly between residential streets and main roads. It is common to encounter speed limit changes, busy junctions and multi-lane sections within a short distance.

Examiners also assess how well candidates adapt to traffic flow on main routes while maintaining safe positioning and observation in residential areas. Understanding this pattern can help reduce surprises on test day.

Portsmouth driving test area – map overview

This map provides an overview of the Portsmouth driving test area, showing the general layout of roads commonly used during practical driving tests.

The test area includes residential districts such as Cosham, Paulsgrove, Drayton and Farlington, along with surrounding roads near Portsdown Hill. Main roads and key locations are highlighted to help learner drivers understand the structure of the test area before practising.

How to use this map when preparing for your test

When reviewing the map above, focus on how routes often move between residential streets and main roads within short distances. Pay attention to areas where lane changes, speed adjustments and junction planning are likely to be required, rather than trying to memorise a specific route.

Portsmouth driving test area map showing main roads and common risk points

Several of the hazard spots discussed below are located along or near the main routes shown on this map.

Temporary driving test centre location update (2025/26)

Due to the closure of the original Portsdown Hill test site, driving tests in Portsmouth are currently conducted at a temporary location:

Temporary Driving Test Centre: Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

Address: Southampton Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 4SH

Important practical note for test day:

Candidates must park in one of the designated driving test spaces within the hotel car park and register their vehicle registration number at the hotel reception before the test. Failure to do so may result in parking charges.

⚠️ Hazard spots to watch in Portsmouth

A3 Southampton Road — This is a busy main road with multiple junctions and traffic signals. Learners often need to manage lane positioning carefully while responding promptly to traffic lights and changes in traffic flow.
M27 / A27 slip roads — JJoining higher-speed traffic from slip roads can be challenging, particularly during busy periods. Early observation, smooth acceleration and confident merging can help reduce hesitation.
Portsbridge Roundabout and nearby hospital roundabouts — These multi-lane roundabouts require clear lane selection and timely signalling. Planning ahead and checking mirrors early can help avoid late lane changes.

Practising in this area before your test helps you become familiar with the exact road types examiners often choose. The more confidently you handle these situations, the higher your chance of passing on the first attempt.

Driving test area route example – Portsmouth

This map image shows an example driving route used to illustrate the typical road types and layout found in the Portsmouth driving test area. It is not an official or exact test route.

Use this route example to understand how driving tests in Portsmouth often move between residential roads, main roads and roundabouts. Focus on lane planning, speed changes and observation rather than memorising the route.

Example driving test route map illustrating road types in Portsmouth

Download Portsmouth driving test practice routes (PDF)

This downloadable PDF includes realistic Portsmouth driving test practice routes designed to help learner drivers prepare before test day.

Portsmouth test route pack details (2025/26 edition):

Test area: Portsmouth Marriott Hotel
Format: Google Maps links
Typical route duration: 30–45 minutes

Key features include:

Based on real test-area roads
Designed around common examiner routes
Focus on roundabouts, tricky junctions and speed changes
Open directly in Google Maps (links provided in the PDF)

（Last Route Review: December 2025）

How to Use The Routes

After downloading, open each route in Google Maps and practise with an instructor or supervising driver.

Download the PDF routes

Price: £8.99 (one-time purchase)

Suitable for learner drivers preparing for a practical test at Portsmouth Driving Test Centre.

Portsmouth driving test routes – FAQs

Are these official DVSA routes?

No. DVSA does not publish official routes. These are realistic practice routes based on common local roads and typical test conditions.

Can I practise these routes on my phone?

Yes. Each route opens directly in Google Maps, so you can practise easily on your phone or tablet.

Is Portsmouth driving test hard for first-time learners?

Portsmouth can be challenging for first-time learners due to frequent changes between residential roads and main routes. Practising local road layouts and common hazard areas can help improve confidence before test day.

Do Portsmouth driving tests include dual carriageways?

Yes, some tests may include sections of higher-speed roads or slip roads, requiring confident lane joining and speed control.

Disclaimer

Driving Test Assistant is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). While we strive to keep our routes updated for 2026, test routes are subject to change by examiners at any time due to roadworks or traffic conditions. These routes are for practice purposes only and do not guarantee a pass.

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Laindon Driving Test Centre

Wanstead Driving Test Centre

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