Barnet

Somewhere real to practise

6 circuits from the test centre on Raydean House, 15-17 Western Parade, Barnet, each one 39 minutes or more, taking in the junctions a Barnet test actually uses. Turn by turn, with the roundabout exits numbered, and a manoeuvre to try on each one.

Swap your Barnet test Straight to the routes

Before you drive any of these

Practising in your own car is legal and it is the cheapest way to get better. The rules are short:

Whoever sits beside you must be over 21, qualified to drive that type of car, and have held their full licence for three years.
The car needs L plates front and rear, and insurance that covers you as a learner. Some insurers also want the supervisor to be over 25.
No motorways. A learner can only go on one with an approved instructor in a dual-control car, so none of these routes touch one.

The rules on GOV.UK

These are not the examiner's routes, and nobody else's are either.

DVSA stopped publishing test routes in 2010 and refuses freedom-of-information requests for them. Since December 2017 four tests in five are led by a sat nav the examiner sets up, so even the examiner's route is not a fixed thing you could learn.

What these are: loops on the real roads around the centre, put together so you meet the junctions, speeds and road types the test actually assesses. Drive the roads, not a sequence.

You drive. Somebody else reads.

Nobody can read a numbered list at 30 mph, and a sat nav will not tell you which exit to take early enough to get in the right lane. So these routes are written for the person in the passenger seat: the supervising driver who has to be there anyway.

Two ways to do that: print the route and put it on their lap, or send it to their phone. Either way they call the turns and you drive.

About the Google Maps links

Google plots its own line between the corners we give it, so the written steps are the route and the map is for orientation and for getting the thing onto a phone.

Two things it will not tell you: its travel time assumes a confident driver in clear traffic, so expect ours to be closer; and it will happily route you down something a learner should not be on. Look at it before you set off.

The small map on each route is ours, drawn from the same data. It needs no permission, loads instantly and prints, which is why it is the one you see first.

Route 1 · Cat Hill Roundabout → Southgate Circus

Cat Hill and Southgate Circus

Two A road roundabouts through East Barnet, with town traffic the whole way and nothing fast about it. The one to drive first.

7.4 milesabout 39 minup to 30 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 150 yards 30
2
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
3
Turn right into Pricklers Hill 0.3 miles 30
4
Turn left into Lyonsdown Road 270 yards 30
5
Turn right into Longmore Avenue 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn right into East Barnet Road 200 yards 30
7
Turn left into Cat Hill 240 yards 30
8
Turn right to stay on Cat Hill 0.6 miles 30
9
At Cat Hill Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Chase Side 1.0 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Chase Side 0.3 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
11
At Southgate Circus, take the 2nd exit onto The Bourne 0.3 miles20
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30.
12
Turn right into Bourne Avenue 40 yards 20
13
Turn right to stay on Bourne Avenue 40 yards 20
14
Carry on into The Bourne 0.3 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20.
15
At Southgate Circus, take the 2nd exit onto Chase Side 0.3 miles20
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30.
16
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chase Side 1.0 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20.
17
At Cat Hill Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Cat Hill 0.6 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
18
Turn left to stay on Cat Hill 240 yards 30
19
Turn right into East Barnet Road 200 yards 30
20
Turn left into Longmore Avenue 0.6 miles 30
21
Carry on into Lyonsdown Road 300 yards 30
22
Turn right into Pricklers Hill 0.3 miles 30
23
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
24
Turn right into the test centre access road 150 yards 30

Add a manoeuvre

One will be chosen for you.

Suggested from the map, not from a visit. Look at the road and the signs before you commit to anything, and do not block a driveway or a junction.

Route 2 · Cat Hill Roundabout → Betstyle Circus

Cat Hill and Betstyle Circus

Out to Betstyle Circus by way of Cat Hill, through the busiest part of New Southgate. Slow going rather than quick, and the traffic is the whole difficulty.

7.8 milesabout 40 minup to 30 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 150 yards 30
2
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
3
Turn right into Pricklers Hill 0.3 miles 30
4
Turn left into Lyonsdown Road 270 yards 30
5
Turn right into Longmore Avenue 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn right into East Barnet Road 200 yards 30
7
Turn left into Cat Hill 240 yards 30
8
Turn right to stay on Cat Hill 0.6 miles 30
9
At Cat Hill Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Chase Side 0.7 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
Turn right into Osidge Lane 0.4 miles 30
11
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hampden Square 40 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
12
Carry on into Hampden Way 0.8 miles 30
13
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road 30 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
14
Carry on into Waterfall Road 0.4 miles 30
15
At Betstyle Circus, take the 2nd exit onto Friern Barnet Road 0.2 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
16
Turn right into Beaconsfield Road 0.6 miles 20

The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30.
17
Turn left into Oakleigh Road North 1.1 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20.
18
Turn right into High Road 0.8 miles 30
19
Carry on into Pricklers Hill 0.4 miles 30?

Signed Great North Road along the way, and it is the same road.
20
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
21
Turn right into the test centre access road 150 yards 30

Add a manoeuvre

One will be chosen for you.

Suggested from the map, not from a visit. Look at the road and the signs before you commit to anything, and do not block a driveway or a junction.

Route 3 · Cat Hill Roundabout → Southgate Circus → Betstyle Circus

Cat Hill, Southgate and Betstyle

The three big roundabouts east of the centre, one after another. Drive this one twice if exits and lane discipline are where the faults come from.

8.4 milesabout 46 minup to 30 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 150 yards 30
2
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
3
Turn right into Pricklers Hill 0.3 miles 30
4
Turn left into Lyonsdown Road 270 yards 30
5
Turn right into Longmore Avenue 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn right into East Barnet Road 200 yards 30
7
Turn left into Cat Hill 240 yards 30
8
Turn right to stay on Cat Hill 0.6 miles 30
9
At Cat Hill Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Chase Side 1.0 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Chase Side 0.3 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
11
At Southgate Circus, take the 3rd exit onto High Street 0.6 miles20
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30.
12
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road 20 yards20
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
13
Carry on into Waterfall Road 0.6 miles 20

Signed The Green along the way, and it is the same road.
14
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto an unnamed road 30 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20.
15
Carry on into Waterfall Road 0.4 miles 30
16
At Betstyle Circus, take the 2nd exit onto Friern Barnet Road 0.2 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
17
Turn right into Beaconsfield Road 0.6 miles 20

The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30.
18
Turn left into Oakleigh Road North 1.1 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20.
19
Turn right into High Road 0.8 miles 30
20
Carry on into Pricklers Hill 0.4 miles 30?

Signed Great North Road along the way, and it is the same road.
21
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
22
Turn right into the test centre access road 150 yards 30

Add a manoeuvre

One will be chosen for you.

Suggested from the map, not from a visit. Look at the road and the signs before you commit to anything, and do not block a driveway or a junction.

Route 4 · Stirling Corner → Apex Corner

Stirling Corner and Apex Corner

West across the top of the borough to the A1, which is the first of these to leave town speeds behind. Drive it when holding a lane and reading the signs early are what you want the practice on.

11.2 milesabout 45 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 80 yards 30
2
Turn left into Great North Road 50 yards 30
3
Carry on into Barnet Hill 0.7 miles 30

Signed High Street along the way, and it is the same road.
4
Turn left into Wood Street 0.8 miles 30
5
Carry on into Barnet Road 1.9 miles 30
6
At Stirling Corner, take the 1st exit onto Barnet Way 1.5 miles50
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
7
Carry on into Watford Way 0.6 miles 50

Signed A1 along the way, and it is the same road.
8
At Mill Hill Circus, take the 4th exit onto Watford Way 0.5 miles50
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
9
At Apex Corner, take the 3rd exit onto Barnet Way 1.5 miles50
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
At Stirling Corner, take the 4th exit onto Barnet Road 1.9 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
11
Carry on into Wood Street 0.8 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40.
12
Turn right into High Street 350 yards 30
13
Carry on into Barnet Hill 0.5 miles 30
14
Turn left into Western Parade 110 yards 30
15
Turn left into the test centre access road 50 yards 30

Add a manoeuvre

One will be chosen for you.

Suggested from the map, not from a visit. Look at the road and the signs before you commit to anything, and do not block a driveway or a junction.

Route 5 · Stirling Corner → Mill Hill Circus → Apex Corner

Stirling, Mill Hill Circus and Apex

The A1 out to Mill Hill Circus and back by Apex Corner, most of it on dual carriageway. Worth driving once the speed itself has stopped being the hard part.

12.2 milesabout 51 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 80 yards 30
2
Turn left into Great North Road 50 yards 30
3
Carry on into Barnet Hill 0.7 miles 30

Signed High Street along the way, and it is the same road.
4
Turn left into Wood Street 0.8 miles 30
5
Carry on into Barnet Road 1.9 miles 30
6
At Stirling Corner, take the 1st exit onto Barnet Way 1.5 miles50
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
7
Carry on into A1 0.6 miles 50
8
At Mill Hill Circus, take the 3rd exit onto The Broadway 0.2 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50.
9
Turn right into Millway 0.5 miles 30
10
Turn left into Watford Way 230 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
11
At Apex Corner, take the 2nd exit onto Watford By-pass 190 yards50
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
12
Carry on into Stoneyfields Lane 340 yards 30

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50. Signed Edgware Way along the way, and it is the same road.
13
Turn left into Stoneyfields Gardens 150 yards 30
14
Turn left into Gibbs Green 260 yards 30
15
Turn left into Selvage Lane 220 yards 30
16
At Apex Corner, take the 2nd exit onto Barnet Way 1.5 miles50
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
17
At Stirling Corner, take the 4th exit onto Barnet Road 1.9 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
18
Carry on into Wood Street 0.8 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40.
19
Turn right into High Street 350 yards 30
20
Carry on into Barnet Hill 0.5 miles 30
21
Turn left into Western Parade 110 yards 30
22
Turn left into the test centre access road 50 yards 30

Add a manoeuvre

One will be chosen for you.

Suggested from the map, not from a visit. Look at the road and the signs before you commit to anything, and do not block a driveway or a junction.

Route 6 · Holders Hill Circus → Mill Hill Circus → Stirling Corner

The long way west

Out to Holders Hill Circus, back through Mill Hill and home by Stirling Corner, which makes it a good deal longer than a real test. Worth driving once in the fortnight before the date, because tiredness is what turns a good drive into a careless fault.

13.2 milesabout 60 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 150 yards 30
2
Turn left into Raydean Road 50 yards 30
3
Turn right into Pricklers Hill 0.3 miles 30
4
Carry on into High Road 0.7 miles 30

Signed Great North Road along the way, and it is the same road.
5
Turn right into St. Margaret's Avenue 0.2 miles 30
6
Turn left into Naylor Road 0.2 miles 30
7
Carry on into Ridgeview Road 0.3 miles 30
8
Turn right into Holden Road 0.6 miles 30
9
Carry on into Westbury Road 240 yards 30
10
Turn right into Argyle Road 180 yards 30
11
Carry on into Frith Lane 1.2 miles 30

Signed Lullington Garth along the way, and it is the same road.
12
Turn left into Bittacy Hill 120 yards 30
13
At Holders Hill Circus, take the 3rd exit onto Devonshire Road 0.6 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
14
Carry on into Pursley Road 210 yards 30
15
Turn right into Milespit Hill 340 yards 30
16
Turn left into Wise Lane 0.8 miles 30
17
Turn left into Daws Lane 0.3 miles 30
18
Turn right into Watford Way 140 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
19
At Mill Hill Circus, take the 2nd exit onto Lawrence Street 310 yards30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50.
20
Carry on into Uphill Grove 0.2 miles 30
21
Turn right into Tretawn Gardens 0.3 miles 30
22
Turn left into Marsh Lane 0.4 miles 30
23
Turn left into Barnet Way 70 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
24
At Apex Corner, take the 4th exit onto Barnet Way 1.5 miles50
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
25
At Stirling Corner, take the 3rd exit onto Barnet Bypass 0.3 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
26
Turn left into Stirling Way 0.3 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40.
27
At Stirling Corner, take the 2nd exit onto Barnet Road 1.9 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 40 mph, up from 30.
28
Carry on into Wood Street 0.8 miles 30

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40.
29
Turn right into High Street 350 yards 30
30
Carry on into Barnet Hill 0.5 miles 30
31
Turn left into Western Parade 110 yards 30
32
Turn left into the test centre access road 50 yards 30

Add a manoeuvre

One will be chosen for you.

Suggested from the map, not from a visit. Look at the road and the signs before you commit to anything, and do not block a driveway or a junction.

Before you drive it

Watch somebody else drive Barnet first

Instructors film these roads constantly. Watch for the roads: which roundabout, which multi-lane approach, where the limit drops. Not for a sequence to memorise, because the sequence is the one thing that changes.

Find more Barnet route videos

Opens a YouTube search for this centre. A video only goes on this page once somebody here has watched the whole thing.

Where the roads come from

Every road, speed limit, roundabout and car park named on this page comes from OpenStreetMap, used under the Open Database Licence. A speed shown with a question mark is our inference from the road type rather than a signed limit in the data. Trust the signs, not us.

Distances and times are calculated, not driven. The turns between the junctions are worked out by OSRM, an open source router running on that same map data. The times assume town-centre averages, so treat them as a rough guide.

Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it, or fix it in OpenStreetMap and it corrects itself everywhere.