Birmingham (Garretts Green)

Somewhere real to practise

5 circuits from the test centre on Granby Avenue, Garretts Green, Birmingham, each one 62 minutes or more, taking in the junctions a Birmingham test actually uses. Turn by turn, with the roundabout exits numbered, and a manoeuvre to try on each one.

Swap your Birmingham 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 · Swan Island → Spitfire Island

Swan Island and Spitfire Island

North up to Castle Bromwich and back down through Yardley. The shortest here, which is not the same as short.

11.7 milesabout 63 minup to 30 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 70 yards 30?
2
Turn right into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
3
Turn right into Garretts Green Lane 300 yards 30
4
Turn left into Meadway 0.7 miles 30
5
Turn left into Queens Road 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn left into Church Road 0.5 miles 30?
7
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 290 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
8
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 0.3 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
9
At Swan Island, take the 4th exit onto Church Road 0.3 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
Turn left to stay on Church Road 340 yards 30
11
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Stoney Lane 0.7 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
12
Carry on into Station Road 0.8 miles 30
13
Turn right into A4040 50 yards 30
14
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A4040 340 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
15
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Stechford Lane 30 yards30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
16
Carry on into Stechford Road 0.9 miles 30?
17
At Coleshill Road, take the 2nd exit onto Newport Road
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
18
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Newport Road 0.5 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
19
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Newport Road 260 yards30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
20
Carry on into Chester Road 0.3 miles 30
21
At Spitfire Island, take the 3rd exit onto Tangmere Drive 370 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
22
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Tangmere Drive 370 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
23
At Spitfire Island, take the 1st exit onto Chester Road 0.3 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
24
Carry on into Newport Road 200 yards 30
25
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Newport Road 0.5 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
26
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bradford Road 160 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
27
Turn right into Heathland Avenue 0.3 miles 30
28
At Buckland End, take the 2nd exit onto Cole Hall Lane
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
29
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Cole Hall Lane 0.7 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
30
Turn left into Crossfield Road 260 yards 30?
31
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Eddish Road 0.3 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
32
Turn left into Folliott Road 260 yards 30?
33
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Mirfield Road 240 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
34
Turn right into Meadway 120 yards 30
35
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Garretts Green Lane 340 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
36
Turn left into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
37
Turn left into the test centre access road 70 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 · Swan Island → Clock Roundabout → Bird Island

Swan, Clock and Bird Island

Three named islands and a good many smaller ones between them, out towards the airport and back through Sheldon. Drive this one twice if exits and lane discipline are where the faults come from.

13.4 milesabout 66 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 70 yards 30?
2
Turn right into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
3
Turn right into Garretts Green Lane 300 yards 30
4
Turn left into Meadway 0.7 miles 30
5
Turn left into Queens Road 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn left into Church Road 0.5 miles 30?
7
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 290 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
8
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 0.3 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
9
At Swan Island, take the 2nd exit onto Yardley Road 330 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
At Yardley Road, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road
Approach in the right lane, signal right, then signal left once you pass the exit before yours. This exit takes you back the way you came, so it is most of the way round.
11
At Swan Island, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road 330 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
12
Turn right into Coventry Road 3.9 miles 30
13
Turn left into an unnamed road 350 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
14
Turn right to stay on an unnamed road 210 yards 40

The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
15
At Clock Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Lane 270 yards40
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
16
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Lane 230 yards40
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
17
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Airport Way 140 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 40.
18
At Bird Island, take the 2nd exit onto Airport Way 0.2 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
19
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Airport Way 0.2 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
20
At Bird Island, take the 1st exit onto Airport Way 130 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
21
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Lane 0.5 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 40 mph, up from 30.
22
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Lane 0.3 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
23
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Bickenhill Lane 70 yards40
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
24
Turn left to stay on Bickenhill Lane 0.3 miles 40
25
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Road 0.8 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
26
Carry on into Station Road 0.3 miles 20?

The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
27
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Station Road 160 yards20
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
28
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Holly Lane 0.3 miles20?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
29
Carry on into Bell Lane 0.3 miles 30?

The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
30
At St Giles Road, take the 2nd exit onto Mackadown Lane
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
31
Carry on into Mackadown Lane 260 yards 30?
32
Turn left into Meadway 0.4 miles 30
33
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Garretts Green Lane 340 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
34
Turn left into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
35
Turn left into the test centre access road 70 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 · Clock Roundabout → Bird Island

Clock Roundabout and Bird Island

The airport end, on roads that are busy rather than fast for all of it. Patience is most of what it asks for.

13.8 milesabout 62 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 70 yards 30?
2
Turn right into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
3
Turn left into Garretts Green Lane 0.5 miles 30
4
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheldon Heath Road 0.5 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
5
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 0.7 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
6
Carry on into Sheaf Lane 0.3 miles 30
7
Turn left into Coventry Road 2.4 miles 40

The limit here is 40 mph, up from 30.
8
Turn left into an unnamed road 350 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 40.
9
Turn right to stay on an unnamed road 210 yards 40

The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
10
At Clock Roundabout, take the 4th exit onto an unnamed road 250 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
11
Turn right into Coventry Road 70 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
12
Carry on into A45 1.1 miles 50
13
Turn right into an unnamed road 300 yards 40

The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
14
Turn right to stay on an unnamed road 10 yards 30?

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
15
Turn right to stay on an unnamed road 50 yards 30?
16
Turn left to stay on an unnamed road 50 yards 30?
17
Turn right into Coventry Road 1.1 miles 40

The limit here is 40 mph, up from 30.
18
Turn left into an unnamed road 350 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 40.
19
Turn left to stay on an unnamed road 0.3 miles 40

The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
20
Carry on into Bickenhill Lane 150 yards 40
21
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Airport Way 140 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 40.
22
At Bird Island, take the 2nd exit onto Airport Way 0.2 miles30
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
23
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Airport Way 0.2 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
24
At Bird Island, take the 1st exit onto Airport Way 130 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
25
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Lane 0.5 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 40 mph, up from 30.
26
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Lane 0.3 miles40
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
27
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Bickenhill Lane 70 yards40
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
28
Turn left to stay on Bickenhill Lane 0.3 miles 40
29
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bickenhill Road 0.8 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
30
Carry on into Station Road 0.3 miles 20?

The limit here is 20 mph, down from 30, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
31
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Station Road 160 yards20
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
32
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Holly Lane 0.3 miles20?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
33
Carry on into Bell Lane 0.3 miles 30?

The limit here is 30 mph, up from 20, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
34
At St Giles Road, take the 2nd exit onto Mackadown Lane
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
35
Carry on into Mackadown Lane 260 yards 30?
36
Turn left into Meadway 0.4 miles 30
37
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Garretts Green Lane 340 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
38
Turn left into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
39
Turn left into the test centre access road 70 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 · Swan Island → Clock Roundabout

Swan Island and Clock Roundabout

Out through Yardley on the A4040 and across to the Clock, taking in the junctions a Garretts Green test keeps returning to. Something to negotiate every half mile.

14.4 milesabout 68 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 70 yards 30?
2
Turn right into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
3
Turn right into Garretts Green Lane 300 yards 30
4
Turn left into Meadway 0.7 miles 30
5
Turn left into Queens Road 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn left into Church Road 0.5 miles 30?
7
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 290 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
8
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 0.3 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
9
At Swan Island, take the 2nd exit onto Yardley Road 330 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
At Yardley Road, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road
Approach in the right lane, signal right, then signal left once you pass the exit before yours. This exit takes you back the way you came, so it is most of the way round.
11
At Swan Island, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road 330 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
12
Turn right into Coventry Road 3.9 miles 30
13
Turn left into an unnamed road 350 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
14
Turn right to stay on an unnamed road 210 yards 40

The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
15
At Clock Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto an unnamed road 380 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 40, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
16
Turn right into Coventry Road 310 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
17
Turn left into an unnamed road 290 yards 50
18
Turn left into South Way 0.3 miles 30?

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
19
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Pendigo Way 0.2 miles30?
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
20
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto North Way 290 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
21
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto North Way 0.2 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
22
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto North Way 0.3 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
23
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A452 1.0 miles50?
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
24
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Coleshill Heath Road 310 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50.
25
Turn right into Chelmsley Road 0.8 miles 30?
26
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chelmsley Road 310 yards30?
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
27
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chelmsley Road 280 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
28
Turn left to stay on Chelmsley Road 340 yards 30
29
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chelmsley Road 0.4 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
30
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Cooks Lane 270 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
31
Turn right into East Meadway 0.9 miles 30
32
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Garretts Green Lane 340 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
33
Turn left into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
34
Turn left into the test centre access road 70 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 · Swan Island → Bird Island

The long way round the airport

The two ends of the area in one loop, west to Yardley and east to the airport. The longest of the five and mostly a question of holding concentration.

15 milesabout 70 minup to 50 mph

Open in Maps

1
Start on the test centre access road 70 yards 30?
2
Turn right into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
3
Turn right into Garretts Green Lane 300 yards 30
4
Turn left into Meadway 0.7 miles 30
5
Turn left into Queens Road 0.6 miles 30
6
Turn left into Church Road 0.5 miles 30?
7
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 290 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
8
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road 0.3 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
9
At Swan Island, take the 2nd exit onto Yardley Road 330 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
10
At Yardley Road, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road
Approach in the right lane, signal right, then signal left once you pass the exit before yours. This exit takes you back the way you came, so it is most of the way round.
11
At Swan Island, take the 3rd exit onto an unnamed road 330 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
12
Turn right into Coventry Road 3.9 miles 30
13
Turn left into an unnamed road 350 yards 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30.
14
Turn left to stay on an unnamed road 0.3 miles 40

The limit here is 40 mph, down from 50.
15
Carry on into Bickenhill Lane 150 yards 40
16
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Airport Way 140 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 40.
17
At Bird Island, take the 1st exit onto Viking Road 0.3 miles40
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 40 mph, up from 30.
18
Turn right into Coventry Road 0.4 miles 50

The limit here is 50 mph, up from 40.
19
Turn left into an unnamed road 290 yards 50
20
Turn left into South Way 0.3 miles 30?

The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
21
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Pendigo Way 0.2 miles30?
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
22
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto North Way 290 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
23
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto North Way 0.2 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
24
At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto North Way 0.3 miles30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
25
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A452 1.0 miles50?
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours. The limit here is 50 mph, up from 30, inferred from the map rather than a sign.
26
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Coleshill Heath Road 310 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left. The limit here is 30 mph, down from 50.
27
Turn right into Chelmsley Road 0.8 miles 30?
28
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chelmsley Road 310 yards30?
No signal on the approach. Keep left unless the markings say otherwise, then signal left after the exit before yours.
29
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chelmsley Road 280 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
30
Turn left to stay on Chelmsley Road 340 yards 30
31
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chelmsley Road 0.4 miles30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
32
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Cooks Lane 270 yards30?
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
33
Turn right into East Meadway 0.9 miles 30
34
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Garretts Green Lane 340 yards30
Approach in the left lane and signal left.
35
Turn left into Granby Avenue 0.4 miles 30
36
Turn left into the test centre access road 70 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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.