Chatswood Service NSW Driving Test Routes

Yes, Chatswood has one of the lowest pass rates in Sydney at only 43%. It combines heavy traffic on Pacific Highway with steep residential hills. There are also notoriously strict examiners. Consider practicing extensively before booking here.

Key challenges include: 1) Pacific Highway with enormous traffic and multiple lane changes, 2) Steep hills in residential areas requiring good vehicle control, 3) Narrow streets with parked cars, 4) Strict examiners who watch head/shoulder checks closely, 5) Many hazards throughout the test area.

F19 (too many hazard marks) from incomplete head and shoulder checks during lane changes. A strict examiner known as 'braid guy' is famous for giving H marks if your checks aren't obvious. 5 H marks = automatic fail. Make your observations exaggerated and obvious.

Head check + Shoulder check must be done for EVERY lane change, obviously and exaggeratedly. Turn your whole head so the examiner can clearly see you're checking. Being 'roughly good enough' will fail you here. The strict examiner gives H marks for any incomplete check.

Common routes include Pacific Highway (heavy traffic, lane changes), Crabbes Avenue (sometimes has construction), steep residential streets, and areas near Chatswood Public School (40 km/h zone). Routes combine busy commercial roads with quiet but challenging residential areas.

Examiners range from very strict to lenient. The strictest is known as 'braid guy' (辫子哥) - famous for giving many H marks. There are also 'angel examiners' who are more understanding. Examiner assignment is random, so always prepare for the strictest standards.

Pacific Highway has enormous traffic volume. Focus on lane discipline, safe merging, and anticipating traffic light changes. Make obvious head checks before every lane change. Keep proper following distance despite heavy traffic. Stay calm and don't rush lane changes.

Residential areas have steep hills and sharp bends. Hill starts may be tested. Control your speed carefully on downhills. Some streets are very narrow AND steep - challenging combination. Practice hill driving extensively before your test.

Pacific Highway is typically 60 km/h. Residential streets are usually 50 km/h. School zone near Chatswood Public School is 40 km/h during school hours (strictly enforced). Some narrow/steep streets may have lower limits.

Around 1:15pm or early afternoon when traffic is relatively lighter. Avoid morning rush hour which makes Pacific Highway extremely challenging. Also avoid school zone active times. Practice at your booked test time to understand traffic patterns.

Expect many hazards during your test - one user reported 10 hazards in a single test. Watch for pedestrians crossing unexpectedly, vehicles appearing suddenly from driveways, and construction zones. React quickly but safely. Slow down and be ready to stop.

Chatswood is one of the hardest centres in Sydney with only 43% pass rate. It's similar difficulty to Ryde (47%). If you struggle with heavy traffic or hills, consider easier centres like Bankstown or Penrith. But if you pass here, you're truly ready for Sydney roads.

Consider whether Chatswood is right for you given the 43% pass rate. If you choose Chatswood: practice 5+ hours daily before the test, use route apps to learn all paths, exaggerate all your observations, stay calm in heavy traffic, and accept that hazards will happen - just react safely.