Total 3 Routes

General Tips

Hornsby Service NSW Driving Test Routes Book Test

324 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby NSW 2077 | 13 77 88 | Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00
54% Pass Rate (2025, TfNSW Open Data) Compare all centres

Office discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Hornsby driving test?

Hornsby has a 3.1-star Google rating with 333 reviews, including 46 specifically about driving tests. The test is considered challenging due to its hilly terrain requiring confident hill starts, complex multi-lane roads like the Pacific Highway, and confusing lane markings at several intersections. The area around Peats Ferry Road near Westfield has heavy pedestrian traffic. Thorough route familiarity is key to passing.

What are the key difficult areas on the Hornsby driving test?

The most challenging areas include: 1) The hidden stop sign at the Service NSW exit - a common instant-fail trap, 2) Pacific Highway merging near the shopping centre with continuous lane changes, 3) Galston Road intersection where the left turn arc can mislead you into the wrong lane, 4) Coonanbarra Road to Railway Avenue in Wahroonga with parked vehicles and pedestrians, 5) Steep hills in Asquith residential streets requiring confident hill starts. Practice these specific areas on AUDrive until you're completely comfortable.

What test routes are used at Hornsby?

Hornsby has multiple test routes covering Hornsby, Asquith, Mt Colah, and Wahroonga. Routes commonly include Pacific Highway (multi-lane merging), Jersey Street, Galston Road, Coonanbarra Road, Railway Avenue, Bridge Road, and residential streets in Asquith. One route exits south via Jersey Street onto Pacific Highway, while another exits west via Hornsby Street to Leonard Street. Each test varies slightly but major roads remain consistent. AUDrive provides all available Hornsby routes for practice.

What is the hidden stop sign at Hornsby Service NSW?

There is a partially concealed stop sign at the exit of the Service NSW car park on Peats Ferry Road. Many candidates fail immediately by rolling through this stop sign without coming to a complete stop. You must stop completely, check both directions thoroughly, and only proceed when safe. This is consistently reported as the most common instant-fail point at Hornsby. Ask your instructor to practise exiting the car park before your test.

How are the examiners at Hornsby?

Hornsby examiner experiences are mixed. Examiner Anthony is frequently praised as outstanding - calm, professional, and gives very clear instructions that help candidates feel confident. Carl is described as quiet and friendly. However, some examiners like Paul have received complaints for appearing impatient or being in a bad mood. The key is to stay focused on your driving regardless of the examiner's demeanour and demonstrate safe, confident driving throughout.

What are the most common reasons for failing at Hornsby?

The most common reasons for failing at Hornsby include: 1) Missing the hidden stop sign at the Service NSW exit, 2) Insufficient observation checks - examiners are strict about head checks at intersections, 3) Entering the wrong lane after passing through intersections where the first right lane is for oncoming right-turning traffic, 4) Poor hill start control on Asquith's steep residential streets, 5) Incorrect positioning when turning right at traffic lights. Practice these skills specifically on AUDrive.

When is the best time to book at Hornsby?

Book early morning weekday slots when traffic is lighter and pedestrian activity near Westfield is lower. Avoid times near school drop-off and pick-up at Barker College, as school zones are strictly enforced at 40 km/h. The centre is open Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings. Practise driving around Hornsby at the same time as your booked test to familiarise yourself with typical traffic conditions for that period.

Where is Hornsby Service Centre located?

Hornsby Service Centre is located at 324 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby NSW 2077, near Westfield Hornsby. The test starts from the Service NSW car park. Arrive at least 15-20 minutes early. Important: be aware of the stop sign at the car park exit as it is partially hidden and many candidates fail immediately by not stopping completely.

How should I prepare for the Hornsby driving test?

Comprehensive preparation for Hornsby should include: 1) Practise hill starts on steep streets in Asquith, 2) Master reverse parking and three-point turns, 3) Learn the stop sign location at the Service NSW exit, 4) Practise merging onto the Pacific Highway with confident gap selection, 5) Understand complex lane markings at intersections to avoid entering wrong lanes, 6) Know the 40 km/h zones near Barker College. Use AUDrive to familiarise yourself with all Hornsby test routes.

How does Hornsby compare to other Sydney test centres?

Hornsby (3.1 stars) rates higher than Bankstown (2.3 stars) and Auburn (2.9 stars), but lower than Castle Hill (4.4 stars). With 46 driving test reviews, it has substantial feedback coverage. Hornsby is uniquely challenging due to its hilly terrain and complex road layout. The hidden stop sign at the exit is a distinctive hazard not found at other centres. If hills are not your strength, you may prefer flatter centres like Liverpool (3.1 stars).

Can I pass on my first attempt at Hornsby?

Yes, many candidates pass on their first attempt at Hornsby with proper preparation. The keys to first-time success are: knowing about the hidden stop sign at the exit, being confident with hill starts, understanding complex lane markings at intersections, and performing thorough observation checks. Candidates who practise the specific Hornsby routes on AUDrive and take lessons with a local instructor consistently report better outcomes.