Shirley test centre in south Birmingham takes you through Solihull's residential streets, the A34 Stratford Road, roundabouts on the Shirley bypass and country lanes towards Earlswood and Hockley Heath.
Solihull residential streets
Wide suburban roads with driveways, speed bumps and mini-roundabouts. The examiner checks your awareness of vehicles reversing out of drives. Use the MSPSL routine at every junction and check your mirrors before any change of speed or direction. Watch for pedestrian crossings and keep your speed-limit awareness sharp.
The A34 Stratford Road
A major corridor with multiple traffic lights, bus lanes and pedestrian crossings. Lane discipline approaching the Robin Hood roundabout is critical. Maintain a safe following distance using the two-second rule and use our roundabout guide for multi-lane exits.
The Shirley bypass
Fast-moving traffic and large roundabouts that require correct lane selection well in advance. If you encounter a dual carriageway stretch, build speed confidently and stay left unless overtaking.
Earlswood and Hockley Heath
Country lanes with blind bends, narrow bridges and the occasional horse rider. These roads require confident country-road driving skills and a secure hill start on gradients.
Independent driving
The independent driving section lasts around ten minutes. Read the road ahead while following the sat nav — a wrong turn is not penalised.
Show-me, tell-me questions
Revise the full list of show-me, tell-me questions until the answers are automatic.
How to prepare
Use SteerClear to explore test routes around Birmingham Shirley and practise each junction, roundabout and lane change until the roads feel familiar. Browse all UK test centres to compare pass rates. Strong clutch control and confident progress will serve you well on test day.