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Sidcup Driving Test Centre

Provided are contact details for Sidcup Driving Test Centre, test route tips, test booking information and help passing the driving test in London.

TEST CENTRE CONTACT DETAILS

Practical Driving Test Centre Address
2 Crayside
Five Arches Business Estate
Maidstone Road
Sidcup
Greater London
DA14 5AG

Test Centre Details:  Reserved parking for test candidates is available although this is restricted to 10 minutes prior to the test. Please do not use parking bays for practicing. Male and female toilet facilities available.
Test Centre Provides Tests For: Car

THE DRIVING TEST IN Sidcup

Sidcup Driving Test Centre is situated in and around various road types, many of which will be taken during the driving test. The types of roads that form the test routes from Sicup Test Centre are high speed ‘A’ roads such as the A20 dual carriageway and busy town roads where traffic systems such as various roundabout types, crossroads and junctions.

An excellent knowledge of these systems from quiet unmarked to busy multi lane systems in essential. Residential streets are often a factor providing an ideal location for test manoeuvres.

 

The examiner also uses these roads to test your ability at negotiating oncoming traffic within narrow lanes – this usually involves passing parked cars whilst dealing with oncoming vehicles. The driving test will incorporate one of the four manoeuvres with the emergency stop procedure having a 1-in-3 possibility of being requested. The examiner will allow approximately 10 minutes of test time for independent driving. Test centre routes are designed by the examiners who conduct practical tests at their local test centre.




The routes are designed in such a way so to involve as many diverse roads and traffic systems as possible, often including very challenging parts. Gaining knowledge of the test routes provides valuable insight into the type of roads that will be taken during your test. Driving test routes may be available to view or a downloadable app for your mobile device in your area, including Sidcup Driving Test Centre.

BOOKING A DRIVING TEST AT Sidcup DRIVING TEST CENTRE

Practical tests can be taken during the daytime from Monday to Friday. Many test centres in busy areas often operate during Saturdays during busy periods of the year. Saturday test bookings cost slightly more than weekday bookings. Many test candidates benefit by booking their test so that it takes place over the quieter times of the day, avoiding peak traffic times.




Book a driving test by phone
Practical driving tests can be booked over the telephone via an automated service. To book a test at Sidcup Driving Test Centre, see the book a driving test section for booking contact telephone numbers. Although this is an automated service, a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) assistant can be reached by following the prompts.

Book your driving test online
The majority of test candidates book their driving test over the internet as the available free test slots are made visible to be taken. To make a test booking at Sidcup Driving Test Centre, see the book a driving test section.

Rescheduling or cancelling the driving test
Driving Tests can be rescheduled or cancelled. Changing your driving test date can be done providing three working days’ notice is given. To cancel your test and receive a full refund from DVSA bookings, three working days’ notice must also be provided. Saturdays are also classed as a working day.

Sidcup DRIVING TEST CENTRE PASS RATES

Sidcup Driving Test Centre

Sidcup Driving Test Centre

Throughout the UK practical driving test centres, pass rates vary. Certain centres, often in very busy areas may have a slightly lower pass rate and in this situation, some test candidates decide to take their test at an alternative test centre. The driving test pass rates section may show driving test pass rate statistics for your practical test centre.

Sidcup TEST CENTRE TELEPHONE NUMBER

Please note that direct contact with driving test centres cannot be made for test booking, cancelling or rescheduling. this can only be made directly with the DVSA (see above). Practical test centres can be contacted directly (including Sidcup Driving Test Centre) for reasons such as to inform the test centre manager you may be slightly late, or any issues you have with the test such as if it is still to proceed due to bad weather (see driving tests in bad weather for further information). See the driving test centre contact numbers section for further information.

REVIEWS FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST CENTRE

Tell others about your experience at Sidcup Driving Test Centre and let us know how your test went, did you pass or fail, how was the test centre, were there toilets or parking facilities? Were the test routes difficult? How were the test examiners? It’s quick and simple – no signup necessary and only your nickname will be displayed. To ensure your review meets our guidelines, please read our Terms and Conditions prior to submission.




Name
Rating
Review

★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“I utterly gutted with the male examiner that conducted my test. It seem so concerned about mirrors than the whole driving test itself. He faulted me for not following the M-S-M religiously which I did do almost simultaneously. He was rude, unfriendly and turned himself to a mini god.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Dont take your test here, there rude and want to fail you!”
★★☆☆☆
2 5 1
“I failed here twice. The first time the guy was lovely and gave me ample opportunity to pass and I agree that it was my own fault. The second time, the guy was cold and rude, I would'nt go back here.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“i had my driving test with Bonnie she was really rude and i felt that she was also being racist, my English is not that good, she kept telling me that i need to learn better English and then during the driving test she was trying to teach me English.”
★★☆☆☆
2 5 1
“I am not disputing the result I got here, but i still think the examiner was way too rude and lacked people's skills. I've had 3 tests here and only one examiner has been tolerable...really am dreading going back for my 4th!!”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Th examiners at Sidcup are rude, they don't make you feel comfortable driving. It looks like they are on a mission to just fail people”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Today I failed miserably in a car I had never driven in. Totally my fault that I failed. I had my test with Bonnie twice and I felt she purposefully tries to intimidate you. Not only did I fail she kept rolling her eyes and just displayed such a rude and cold attitude afterwards. Im a learner driver, I am going to make mistakes. She has totally put me off going back to that centre. I am trying to pass my test to help my dad to and from hospital. I know I am a decent driver as the first test with her I had very few minors and and one unlucky major. Have a heart and stop trying to intimate learner drivers.”
★★★☆☆
3 5 1
“I gave test first time, my instructor was middle aged guy seems vrey polite and gentle to me . He took me to motor way 70 mph road which was bit tricky if you are unfamiliar to that roads .He took me from swanley to central london route via A20 but only few part of road is 70 MPH so if you miss you that sign while joining the motor way as you are looking to right side mirror you fail and the other side of a20 is 50 MPH so i was going 50 mph that was my mistake .”
★★★★☆
4 5 1
“Passed test there from 2-d attempt. Personally I believe key points to pass your test (a part of being decent driver and be prepared): it's your confidence (nerves unfortunately give massive impact on you performance) and your examiner who can put your confidence down or may be even make his mind up and you won't pass it even if you did well. First time I had gentleman-called Ashley, from beginning he did not introduce himself, I had to ask his name, he sat as "stone" all way round, not a single word, and periodically made faces like his director of a private school and heard something inappropriate. I don't think I gave serious reasons for that sort of reactions and it confused me of few occasions and put me on edge. I understand you do monotone work- many people, same routes, same mistakes but you have chosen this job- not them. You don't have to tell them your bio or offer them cookies, but at least you can introduce yourself and may be try to smile- at least once?... You'll see they do way better- unless you have discreet pleasure of failing people.... On my 2-d time, I had very nice, positive and polite examiner called Mark. Mark thank you very much - you are very nice, positive, polite and human. I gave 4 stars just bcs people like you should be promoted and appreciated more as you make people to show their best performance! Thank you! Even If I would not pass today, I would not change my opinion about you! )))”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“I passed here the first time I took a test (November 2016). This test center is close to a town center and also the highway and hence has a mix of all types of roads including dual carriageways, quiet residential neighbourhoods, complicated roundabouts and loads of hill starts. I got Karen as my examiner and she was quite helpful and instructions were very clear if one listens. During my test I was tested on reverse bay parking, independent driving on 30, 40 and 70 speed limit roads and 3-4 stopping safely (pulling over). I got 3 minors - 2 during the procedure and 1 for not planning ahead and getting in the right lane in the roundabout. Not very stressful if one has good control and is observant.”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“Tricky location to find but excellent young lady examiner, warm and friendly approach, polite conversation during test. Reassured to pass. Had read many negative reviews of Sidcup so pleasantly surprised.”
★★★★☆
4 5 1
“I gave my first driving test in sidcup on 4 jan 2017 and i failed with 7 minors and 2 serioys faults i would like to say my female examinor karen for very pleasant and made me calm down too”
★★★★☆
4 5 1
“I had my test just day before yesterday and i am pleased i cleared it with 2 minors. I was a pretty nervous in the beginning but the examiner was very good and gave me clear instructions. I had the independent driving in the first 10 mins of the test and it went well. Also i was asked to do reverse round the corner, which i messed up a little it but got there at the end. I got one minor for that. Overall good experience”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“How on earth are you supposed to pass your test when the signs are covered over with trees? Daughter failed test due to not being able to see the signs & missed the turning”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“I failed my first time a few weeks ago but I totally believe it was unjust. I had 4 minors and she Failed me as she said I was to close to a bolard when turning. She claimed I nearly hit it but it didn't hit either the wing mirror, or the car did not mount or touch the pavement. To make matters worst she basically screamed as I turned the corner While freaking out and hitting the clutch on her side instead of the brake. She actually admitted she slammed on the clutch and not the brake. Apparently taking a corner in first gear and at 12MPH is dangerous!? I will now be taking my test elsewhere. If I was in the wrong I would say as I am not like a bad work man blaming his tools but she totally dramatised the situation and actually made me jump when she screamed. She may have been polite but her attitude to the situation was very dramatic when really there was no need.”
★★★★☆
4 5 1
“Did not pass yesterday but I found Karen was Friendly and understanding. Next time for sure I will pass, well fingers crossed!”
★★★★☆
4 5 1
“Passed my test today, Lesley Examiner was very nice and her smile gave me comfort to drive nicely.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Awful test site, very strict on the tiniest of things. Omg I was so shocked after I failed my test for something so pathetic!!! It was my second test and the first one was better. I definatly think it's more of a business than it is anything else and they do have an allocation of how many they are to pass and fail each day, I heard it was a rumour but I believe it now. You could be perfect but your likely to fail just because! My instructor left scratching his head in shock! If you plan on booking your test for sidcup, read reviews first, and unless your Micheal Schumacher you got no chance at this place!”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“I failed 3 times. First time was going to slow on the carriage way as I had a slow truck confront and my turn off was coming up. The second time was my fault cause I messed up at the roundabout.... 3rd time I had to enter a 40mile and hr junction... i stopped by the white line and could not see the cars coming as the road was blocked by trees and a parked car on the pavement to i went a bit forward to get a proper view and had a serious fault issued as the instructor said i was too far out in the road but no car coming from the left hooted or had to change lanes to pass me... they look for fault where there isn't.... I thought it was about safety!!!! Next time I will speed away without having a proper view of oncoming cars and then he can tell me if that's better. Won't be going back there... it's all about the wage pack!!!!!”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“Had my test with Lesley. She was really nice and made an effort to make polite chit-chat. Be sure to practice critalls corner roundabout as chances are it'll be on your test and it's quite confusing if you don't know it well (look it up on YouTube).”
★★★★☆
4 5 1
“I appeared for my first driving test at Sidcup, and FAILED! My examiner was a pleasant lady, Karen. I had 6 minors and 2 majors. Well deserving report! I was asked to start the test with the independent driving test to follow signs to Swanley. I did well by the time I reached Ruxley Corner roundabout and stalled three times before merging the roundabout. The test lasted 35 mins, including parallel parking. All went well except stalling and over-speeding at A20! The examiner was very clear in giving directions well in advance. I look forward to reappearing for the second test soon:) All the best to other ones who unfortunately have had bad luck with their test!”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“Passed my driving test at Sidcup centre on Nov 3. The examiner was an old aged gentleman, very cold and unresponsive but not rude. He tool me straight ahead on the Ruxley roundabout to Swanley. The traffic was moving slow so he seemed impressed (he did mention after the test) with my clutch control and patience during busy traffic. He took to various roads of 30,40,70,20 miles. Asked me to stop uphill, down hill, angled. I got reverse in the road manoeuvre, emergency stop and drive through quite residential narrow streets which was very challenging. Finally he asked me to do forward bay parking in the centre which went alright. He passed me with three minors.”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“Failed my test on leaving the test centre. There's a hill to leave the test centre and unfortunately I had two car wanting to come in as I was leaving. I pressed the accelerator to harsh which made me jerk the car forward going to close to a car waiting to come in. I had a person called mark that was peasant and clear in instructions sadly it was my nerves that got the better of me. Have booked for retest at same place.”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“I passed with a very nice examiner Peter very polite, engages with you during the test thanx peter you are the reason i have given the centre five star”
★★☆☆☆
2 5 1
“Failed my test with Bonnie, she was extremely condescending, would huff and sigh at things and was generally just not very nice. She would ask me questions then say nothing when I would respond, which made me so uncomfortable and I wouldn’t be surprised if she does this on purpose. I understand that as examiners they’re supposed to be impartial but she showed absolutely no kindness or patience which just made my overall experience awful. Dreading having to retake.”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“I took my test at 09:07am today (8th May 2018) and passed on my first attempt with one minor (I was pleasantly shocked) My examiner was a female named 'Jo' who was very pleasant. Jo introduced herself to me and asked for the required credentials. Upon walking to my test vehicle I was asked if I wanted an explanation of the testing process, which I accepted. Without drowning this out with a moment by moment review. I found Jo kept things relaxing and we managed to converse throughout a majority of the examination, Stopping or interrupting me in good time to give instructions in a clear manner. Our conversation consisted of her experience, my experience, my job, driving in general. I found I would, at time (in small portions), commentate on my driving (as I was going). Overall, contrary to the reviews posted by other people about the test centre, and not being able to comment about other examiners, I found the experience very professional and relaxing. My advise, is be yourself, and if you feel you can talk and drive then do so. Keep your awareness level in a fashion that you are regularly scanning your front, mirrors and don't forget to look over your shoulders before making a turn. Remember they are not looking for perfection, BUT good awareness, and safe driving on the road. If 'Jo' ever see's this message then I want to thank you for your professionalism and making my driving experience quite relaxing. Well done. Paul D”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Dear Sir/ Madam, Good afternoon. I'd like to complain about my driving test on the 6/6/18. Whenever I think of it, I feel like that it is unfair to me. At the entrance of the driving test centre, I saw another car coming in (blue in color, I think) . I stopped the car and waited for her car, but she hit my car, making her car a scratch. That's why, I move my car a little bit to the left. But, the examiner said that I hit her car. Because my driving instructor did not come along with me, I could not argue who hit the car. If it's possible, I wonder you can check it from CCTV or not. I won't never book that Sidcup Driving Test Centre! Thank you. **Note from administrator - Please contact the DVSA regarding this.**”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“I had my test a few days ago and my experience was overall positive. I had been very stressed about the negative reviews regarding examiners. However, I ought to say that my examiner was very polite, professional and friendly. Some small talk here and there made me comfortable. When I finished the test, two other people were finishing at the same time. I could overhear the feedback they were giving to their respective learner drivers and there were all very very friendly and giving advise for the future (whether they had passed or not) In regards to the test itself, there is a bit of everything. You have narrow roads, dual carriage ways and a bit of the A20 with the national speed limit (70mph) which can be scary but all you have to do is relax. If you're not comfortable with roundabouts make sure to practise different exits of Crittalls Corner. Mostly I had to drive following a GPS, which I found helpful. Maneuvers included pulling on left and right, reversing, parallel parking, emergency stop and to finish the test you have to do bay parking in the test centre. I would definitely recommend choosing Sidcup to do the driving test.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“These people are here just to make money! The failure rate amongst black people is high, they are rude and if I could give them a zero I would! They have a set number of people to pass on the day which is wrong!”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“the examiner was rude, failed me on the first thing and then kept asking me what I'm doing later - knowing full well that I've failed. Bullying if you ask me.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Bonnie was my examiner at sidcup dtc. She's extremely rude and very impatient. She didnt even respond to my good morning greeting. Makes it very uncomfortable during the test. Hard to believe how miserable are. Dvsa/dvla should train these examiners to atleast smile and have some sort of social skills.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“I’m really disappointed with the female examiner called Jo, with her a posh accent, she thinks she’s better than other ethnic groups. Very disappointed, she wasn’t friendly at all. I will write a complaint letter about her.”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“I met the most wicked examiner, her name is Jo, pray you don’t have her, no smile, no humanity in her, I wonder how DVSA recruits their examiners,”
★☆☆☆☆
1 5 1
“Staff are rude and patronising. Bad attitude and not friendly. Do not recommend.”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“I wish I had read the Google reviews before my test instead of these reviews. If you have a test at sidcup please dont be put of by these reviews like I was. These people are not your friends, they are examiners and they are solely there to make sure you are a competent driver, after all they are giving you a licence for life. I was a total wreck, I had a examiner called Tim and I knew he could tell I was a bag of nerves but he kept me calm gave clear instructions in plenty of time and I passed with three minors and I knew exactly as I'd done them too. We made small talk but I think he could tell that I just wanted to concentrate so he left me to do my thing. As long as you drive as your instructor has taught you, your going to pass!”
★★★★★
5 5 1
“Peter was a thoroughly decent examiner, he was calm and friendly, would recommend Sidcup over Belvedere every day of the week. The route had a good mix of dual carriageway, main road, country road and residential.”
Sidcup Driving Test Centre Overall rating: ★★★☆☆ 2.7 based on 36 reviews
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