Impress the Driving Examiner in Swindon. Here’s how to Boss your drive!

Are you preparing for your Swindon driving test in 2025? This realistic full driving test route video gives you detailed insight into what to expect on the day of your test.

We follow a complete route starting and ending at the Swindon DVSA Driving Test Centre, covering key local areas and common examiner pathways.

Areas covered in this route:
Hillmead
Withymead
The Meads
Barnfield
North Star
Rodbourne Cheney
Ferndale
Haydon Wick
Akers
Purton Road
Sparcells
Pepperbox

This route includes:
Over 10 roundabouts (including multi-lane roundabouts)
Dual carriageways and single carriageways
Speed limit zones of 20mph, 30mph, 40mph, and 50mph
Residential areas and busier urban junctions
This driving test route video helps you:
Recognise common hazard perception areas
Practice appropriate speed limit awareness

Understand real DVSA examiner routes
Improve mirror checks, lane positioning, and roundabout technique
We also provide real-time commentary, focusing on:
Dual carriageway entry and exit techniques
Traffic light management
Positioning for complex junctions
Residential hazard scanning
Avoiding common learner driver mistakes
Test-day tips to stay calm and drive confidently

This video is perfect for:
Learner drivers
Driving instructors
Anyone looking to refresh their driving skills ahead of their test

Learn how to bay park with confidence

Learn what the number one driving test fault is, and how to avoid making easy mistakes

Mirrors are the most common fault on the driving test, avoid this easy mistake

Video Timeline: Swindon Driving Test Route with Commentary
00:00 – Introduction to the Swindon Driving Test Route
Overview of the route, what to expect during the test, and essential tips.

01:03 – Starting the Route: Turning Right at Hillmead Roundabout
Beginning the route with an important roundabout—focus on correct signaling and approach.

03:29 – Approaching Withymead
Navigating residential roads—watch for changes in speed zones and early observations.

04:04 – Westmead Traffic Lights
Managing signal-controlled junctions with good anticipation and lane control.

05:16 – Turning Left at The Meads Roundabout
Key roundabout on local test routes—practice safe lane selection and exit handling.

06:39 – Barnfield Roundabout
Large roundabout requiring full mirror checks and good speed management.

08:30 – North Star Dual Carriageway
Entering and driving on dual carriageways—speed control and mirror use are key.

09:34 – Ferndale Roundabout: Turning Left
A simple left turn—ideal opportunity to demonstrate safe and smooth driving.

11:00 – Residential Driving Practice
Tight roads with hazards such as parked cars, cyclists, and crossing pedestrians.

13:20 – Vicarage Road Roundabout
Compact roundabout requiring good timing and decision-making.

14:06 – Rodbourne Cheney Roundabout
Multi-lane roundabout—focus on early positioning and safe exit.

18:00 – Haydon Wick Residential Segment
Practice clutch control and hazard anticipation in quiet, narrow streets.

21:02 – Akers Way Roundabout: Turning Right
Planning and priority judgment at a busy junction.

22:13 – Purton Road Roundabout
Understanding signage and clear exit decisions at a fast-flowing roundabout.

23:24 – Sparcells Roundabout
Navigating this frequently used test point—observe for proper mirror-signal-manoeuvre timing.

24:10 – Pepperbox Roundabout
One of the final complex junctions—stay composed and aware of lane markings.

25:01 – Return to DVSA Swindon Driving Test Centre
Re-entering the test centre—careful speed control and parking tips.

25:20 – Final Recap & Driving Test Tips
Review of route challenges and key advice to help pass your test confidently.

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Okay. So, today we’re in Swindon, uh, looking at one of the driving test routes, a typical driving test route for this area. Um, driving test centers just on my left hand side. Um, didn’t want to pull in there cuz although it’s a nice size car park, I didn’t want to interrupt anyone actually coming back in from their test or going out on their test. There’s only a short road. This left turning up ahead. It’s only a little short road and there’s double yellow lanes so I didn’t want to park on them. So, we’re going to look at this uh driving test route and I hope this helps you if you taking your test in Swindon, but also if you are just looking at um adapting your skills and trying to better yourself, try to work out what are what you need to do out on the roads. Um, so when you eventually pass your tests, um, and you venture out further and further from where you’ve been driving, this will give you an idea of what types of roads that you may be going on. So, usual thing before we move away, we have a good look around because I’m pulling out from the right hand side of the road. Check to the left. Final check and we’re going to start this test route. So, coming up ahead, we have a roundabout and we’re going to be turning right. 100 y go right on the roundabout second exit. So you can most probably hear the satnav. So this is a recorded roundabout second exit. This is a recorded route. So you can actually start to work out what satnav will actually do on a driving test. Now Swindon is known for roundabouts. So just be aware this route has probably got a lot of roundabouts on it and as soon as you come out the test center whether you turn left or right as you come out the test center you are on roundabouts. So rear and left mirrors left indicator to come off and again I’ve got another roundabout straight away after 100 y cross the roundabout second exit and we taking the second exit. So right and left mirrors roundabout second exit. No indicators on approach because we’re going straight ahead. Checking to the right. All clear. Rear left mirrors as as I enter the roundabout. Left indicator to come back out. Now, what I do like on this test road so far, I know it’s only just started, but it’s nice to see that you’re allowed to get up your speed. So, we’re on a 40 mph road. As soon as we start the driving test, I’m doing 36 37 mph. So being based in card if everything is 20 mph until you get out on the faster road. So it’s it’s nice to see that 400 yards cross the roundabout second exit. So it’s nice to see that you’re actually allowed to get up to speeds. So roundabout coming up second exit straight ahead. So again, rear and left mirrors on approach. I’m going to start to change my position slightly in a gentle brake. Check my mirrors again as I get a bit closer. cross the roundabout and I’m going to pick second gear. Check into my right rear left mirrors as I enter. Left indicate to come out. Uh don’t forget after 200 y cross the roundabout second exit. Every time you enter a new road, don’t forget to check your rear and potentially your your right hand mirror just so you know what’s behind you and make sure nothing’s coming around you. Going straight ahead again. So, rear and left mirrors on approach. Rear, left, left indicator. Checking behind. Checking the right. So, lower roundabouts. As soon as you actually come out on these test routes, we’re now in a 30 mph zone. And I got traffic lights up ahead. So, lights are currently on red. I’m catching up the vehicle. So, I’m starting to come off my gas pedal. I’m doing 20 mph at the moment. As I get a little bit closer, I’m going to go a gentle brake. Six cars away. Clutch goes down three cars away and picking first gear because the lights are still on red. Now, I’m not a big fan of traffic lights. I prefer roundabouts. But take the time when you’re on these traffic lights, try and recompose yourself. Try and forget what you’ve already done. Um, it’s it’s all about being relaxed on these drives. So, if you do get traffic lights, just take that time out to just breathe and make sure that you compose for when you’re ready to move away again. So, lights have changed. I’m checking all three mirrors. And I can see there’s a 40 mph zone coming up. So, checking behind before I change my speed. And I can see there’s another roundabout coming up. 300 y go left up the roundabout first exit. So I’m going to be taking the first exit towards Barnfield is a B46. So rear left mirrors, left indicator as I get a bit closer. There are traffic lights on this one as well. First exit. Three cars away again. Clutch goes down. Picking first gear because of the traffic lights. Again, compose yourself. Now the lights up ahead have changed. So, I’m assuming that these are going to change next in front of me. Now, they are changing. I’m still going to check right just in case somebody’s jumping a red light. And I got temporary 30 mph signs. Because it’s in red circle, it says speed limit. You have to follow the speed limit. So, I’m doing 29 mph and I’m going to go for fourth gear. If I can see, there’s a lot of traffic up in the distance. They’re not breaking. They are moving. The the odd car is actually breaking, but it’s not. It doesn’t look like it’s actually slowing the traffic down. So, we got the end of this zone now where the road works were, but I’m still going to continue to do 30 mph. Cross the roundabout. Second exit. And I got another roundabout coming up. Second exit straight ahead. So, rear and left mirrors on approach. I’m going to check for road markings. And I’m going into a 30 zone. So, I’ll pick third. No road markings. Second exit. So, I’m taking the left hand position. Checking to my right. Rear left mirrors as I go in. Left indicator. Checking my rear and my right mirrors again. So, we’re still in the 30 zone. And I can see there’s another roundabout come out. There’s a lot of roundabouts. 300 y. Cross the roundabout. Second exit. So, if you’re not a fan of roundabouts, Swindon’s not the place for you for your driving test. And we’re going straight ahead. Second exit. So, I can see that I can use either lane. So, I’m using my default position, which is a left hand lane. Checking behind before I break. And then I got a pedestrian crossing and I’ve got traffic lights. I’m just going to wait patiently for the lights to change. Pedestrian crossing lights are changing. The traffic lights have changed as well. So I’m checking all three mirrors again because I’m going straight ahead. I’m going to go for the middle lane now. the right mirror. Checking my right just in case. I’m just following this lane around and I’m coming off to the next exit. So, check my rear, my left mirrors, left signal. And we’re now heading towards North Star. Now, if you’re watching this video and you’re from Swindon, you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. So, we’re heading for the B4289. And there’s another roundabout coming up in 800 yards. So, so far this this test routes is actually a very nice test route. It’s everything’s flowing. It’s keeping you going. It’s it’s not stopping you too much apart from the traffic lights. So if I was take my test in Swindon and I roundabouts don’t phase me then I’d be happy with this route so far. So I can see the sign for the roundabout the roundabout first exit and I’m taking the first exit off the roundabout. So rear and left mirrors gone into 30 mph zone as well. Gentle braking. I can see things are starting to move slowly. So, I’m going to pick second gear first exit and I’m taking the first exit. So, check my mirrors again. Signal. Checking my right. It is safe to go. And now we’re into a residential area. It’s a 30 mph zone because we’re in England. Roundabout up ahead. I can see the satnav’s telling me to turn left. Roundabout first exit. Checking my right. Nothing coming. Exit road is nice and clear. Now I got a school patrol crossing which has got a flash number light and it says 20 mph. So it is advisory. So I’m going to go to at 20 mph because the lights are flashing and check my right mirrors to come around park cars and left if I need to come back in. So, at the moment I’m on Ferndale Road. 200 y on the roundabout. Second exit. So, another roundabout coming up and I can see the sign. It’s a mini roundabout and I’m taking the second exit to the right. So, I can see there’s a bit of a dog leg road marking in front. So, I’m going to check my left mirror and then rear and right mirrors and right signal. It’s very, very faded this roundabout. Car in front’s waiting for me. It’s a rear, left mirrors, left indicator. Checking behind, checking right. So, built up areas. Now, as I said a moment ago, cuz I’m in England, 200 y, cross the roundabout, second exit. Because I’m in England, then there is a 30 mph zone. Lights have stopped flashing on the school signs now. Going straight ahead. Rear left mirrors. Left position. Just a gentle brake so I can see around this black car on my right. And I’m going to follow the roundabout all the way around. Rear, left mirrors, left indicator as I come out. Checking rear and right mirrors. Starting to build my speed up. 200 yit. And I can see that there’s a roundabout coming up. Turn left. So, I’m going straight ahead. So, rear, left, mirrors, gentle brake, left position, secondit, checking to the right. At the end of the road, turn left. Rear, left mirrors, left indicator, rear and right mirrors as I come out just so I know what’s around me. And I going into a 20 mph zone. So, I’m on Northern Road at the moment. right mirror to come out. Not going to check my left to come back in because I’m going to stay out. Then go right on the roundabout. So going left at the end of the road. I can see the giveway sign. So check my rear, my left mirrors. Now I’m going to recheck. Turn left. Left signal. Go right on the roundabout. Got a good view on this one. My exit road’s clear and I can see there’s nothing coming from my right. Checking behind. Checking right again just in case there’s something overtaking me. After 100 y, go right on the roundabout. Third exit and another roundabout. So, third exit to the right. So, rear and right mirrors. Right indicator. Third exit. Gentle brake. I got to pick first gear because I’ve got a car coming around. Now I got another car coming around, but after this one is it’s fine to go. Staying to the right because I’m turning right as I go past the second exit. Rear left mirrors left indicator. Checking rear, checking right one to go around the park cars. And again, making sure nothing’s overtaking. And now on Cherry Mana Road. Right mirror to come out again. And then I’m going to check my left mirror to come back in. So we’re still in the 30 mph zone. Right mirror to come back out. And I can see on the sat nav is telling me that there’s another roundabout coming up. And I’m going to be turning right. After 200 y, go right on the roundabout third exit. So again, it looks like a mini roundabout. So rear, right mirrors. Go right on the roundabout. Third exit. Checking behind before I break. Pedestrian crossing lights have just changed. And now I’m going to do rear, right mirrors, right signal. Hold back up before the pedestrian crossing and then move over. Bus is waiting. Try to go around these painted roundabouts. Rear on that right mirror again. Still in the 30 mph zone. So I’m just building building my speed up gradually. Right m to come out. After 200 y go left on the roundabout first exit. So, we’ve got another roundabout coming up. Left mirror to come back in. Rear left mirrors. Left signal just after this turn here. So, I’m going to do a gentle brake first. Go left on the roundabout. Picking second gear. So there’s a lot of junctions now in this second half of the the actual um test route and there’s a lot in the residential area. So it’s actually a very very nice route. The roads are quite nice as well. There’s not potholes everywhere. So it’s it’s not causing us major issues. So we got the 20 sign again with a flashing light. So we’re only going to do 20. Just following this road around because I’m going a little bit slower than what I can go if if if those lights weren’t showing. I’m just going to keep check my rear and right just in case somebody’s a bit impatient and they’re going to try and get around me. So, I got a priority coming up. So, I’m going to check my left mirror to come in because the road markings tell me to get over and it’s my priority. I’ve got another priority come up and the bus coming through quite quick. So I’m just going to come off the gas pedal to let them through. Right mirror to come back out. Left mirror to come back in. So yeah, I’m doing about 25 mph at the moment and the vehicle behind is actually looks like it wants to try and get around me. So I’m just going to build that speed back up now and go for third gear cuz I am in a 30 zone of the the school patrol crossing signs in the 20s. They knocked down here so I can build my speed back up. And I’m on Temp’s Avenue at the moment. 300 y. Go left on the roundabout. First exit, then take the second left. Right mirror to come out. Another roundabout coming up. Left mirror to come back in. And I’m taking the first exit to the left. So, rear, left mirrors. I’m going to do a gentle brake first. Then signal, second gear. Everything’s all good to go. Bit of congestion up ahead. So, I’m just coming off the gas pedal. Car’s pulling itself. Check my rear and my right as I come in. But I’m going to check again now because I want to go around these parked cars. And now I got the flash number lights again for the 20 zone. Left mirror to come in so I can see right mirror to come back out. After 200 y, turn left. Then take the second left. Check my right mirror to come around this parked car. Vehicle in front’s going a little bit slow. So, I’m going to check my rear and my right to go around this orange van. Right mirror again. And there’s a bad bend coming up. So, rear and left mirrors. The second left. So, sat nav said turn left then, but it’s not a turn left. It’s a it’s just a left bend. Be careful on that on your satnav that that if it says that it’s a turn, it could just be a bend in the road and vice versa. Y turn left. So as you hear on the satnav, then I’m going to be going left at the end of the road, but right mirror to come around this van. Left mirror to come back in. Junction’s coming up. I can see the bolards in the road. So rear left mirrors, left indicator. Going to go for first gear cuz I can’t see to my right properly. Now it’s clear. And now I’m on a road called the street. And lo and behold, I got another roundabout coming up. So rear right mirrors to come around to park cars cuz I couldn’t see over the brow of the hill. And the roundabout is coming up in 400 yards. So after just to go past this gray car, I’m going to check my left mirror to come back in. Third gear. I got a pedestrian crossing coming up and I can see it’s a zebra crossing. Go right on the roundabout. Second exit. Checking behind cuz I got to slow the car down. So I’m picking second gear cuz the hill has slowed me down and the roundabout is up ahead now. So I’m going to be turning right. So, I can see that it’s a mini roundabout. Go right on the roundabout. Second exit. So, I’m going to go rear, right mirrors, right position, right signal. Car to my right is turning in. Rear, left, mirrors, left signal. rear and right mirrors are join the new road. Now, a lot of instructors say that you don’t need to indicate a left when you’re turning right on a mini roundabout. I always try and practice that we do indicate because it’s it’s better to have a good habit and it’s good practice to actually tell people where you’re going after 200 y. So, if anyone’s going to benefit from that indicator, you should be using it. So roundabout coming up. Taking the second exit right. So rear right mirrors. Second exit. Gentle brake position signal. Picking first gear cuz I think these cars are coming straight across which they are. Opportunity to go. Rear left mirrors. Left indicator. Checking rear, checking right as I come off the roundabout. Now I got another roundabout up ahead. After 100 yards, go left on the roundabout. First exit. Left first exit. Some mirrors, signals. Checking about right. Coming around here in third gear. Car’s pulling nicely. If this was back in Cardiff, I would have come up there in second gear because the speed limits would be 20 here. But because the speed limits are a little bit higher, 200 y, turn left. I know the car can take it. So that’s that’s no problem. Right. So sat nav said in 200 y turn left. It’s not this left turn. It’s the next one which is purton and west Swindon. And it’s a filter lane coming around with traffic lights. Checking to my right just to make sure. So, back on a dual carriageway now. Going into a single carriageway. So, check my right to make sure nothing’s overtaken. I can see the bike in front is breaking really hard and being a bit aggressive with the vehicle pulling out. So, I’m actually going to give myself some space here just in case that bike does something silly again. 300 y, go left on the roundabout. Second exit. Okay, so the satnav said second exit left on the roundabout, but the sign is telling me the second exit is straight ahead. So, I’m going to pick a second gear cuz I’m under 20 mph and just creeping up this hill. So, I’m going to take a left position. So, rear left mirrors. I’m back on Pinter. Checking my mirrors again. And again, the satnav says second exit left. It’s not a second exit straight ahead. So, I’ve got a nice left position. Checking my right. Vehicles coming round. First gear. Another vehicle coming from my right. It’s safe after this one. Rear left. Mirrors. Left signal. Check my rear. Checking my right. After 200 y, cross the roundabout. Second exit. So now there’s another roundabout. Second exit straight ahead. So rear left mirrors. Cross the roundabout. Second exit. Gentle brake with a left position. And I’m going to take this run about in third to rear left mirrors. Left signal. Checking rear. Checking right as I join the new road. And I’m on a 40 mph road. So I’m just going to build my speed up again. Go right on the roundabout. So I’m on midway. You have reached your destination. And it’s saying that I’ve reached the destination. So that’s the end of the test route. So rear, right mirrors, right signal, break in, second gear. There’s a lot of traffic coming towards this roundabout. Second exit, then it’s fine for me to go. Destination. And I’m going to check my rear, my left mirrors, left signal. Checking rear, checking right as I come off cuz I got to go around the park vehicles as well. And the test centers on the right hand side. You have reached your destination. So overall, I I think that was a very very nice test route. It’s a shame that a lot of Wales is all 20 m an hour now because you’re not able to drive a car as well um with with his old 20 mph zones. And that’s why the trial in some test centers now are asking for faster routes so that examiners can see you drive. Um, but overall there’s a lot of roundabouts on this test route. Me personally, I like roundabouts, but for somebody who doesn’t like roundabouts and they’re taking the test in Swindon, be aware of it. Um, the route has taken approximately 30 minutes. So, where you would have pulled over once or twice, maybe done a hill start, um a reverse maneuver, that would have brought you up to your 40 minutes. But overall, I believe that was a really really good test route and I’ll be doing some more around the M4 area in in the coming months. So, thanks for watching and I hope you’ve learned something from this video and you can take something away from it. Thanks for watching. See you on the next video.