General Tips
Kiama Service NSW Driving Test Routes Book Test

Location & Terrain: A picturesque but challenging coastal town defined by steep hills and tourism.
Traffic Conditions: Moderate local traffic that spikes significantly with tourists who may drive unpredictably.
Steep Hill Starts: Streets like Shoalhaven St and Bong Bong St are very steep. Gravity management is the core test here. Use your handbrake to prevent rolling back during starts or parking maneuvers.
Tourist Traffic & Roundabouts: The Terralong Street roundabout is a central hub. Be cautious of tourists who may hesitate or signal incorrectly.
Local "Politeness": Do not accept "waves" from local drivers to go if it violates road rules (e.g., at a Stop sign). Follow the rules, not the social cues.
Common Maneuvers: Hill starts, U-turns on narrow/inclined roads, and navigating roundabouts with defensive driving techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Kiama driving test?
Kiama has a 4.1-star Google rating with 28 reviews and is considered one of the easiest test centres in NSW. The small coastal town has no traffic lights, minimal traffic, and few pedestrians outside the town centre. A typical route includes just 14 directions with 10 turns and 1 roundabout in approximately 10 minutes - one of the shortest tests in NSW. Many candidates from Sydney travel to Kiama specifically for its simpler testing environment.
What are the key difficult areas on the Kiama driving test?
Despite being an easy centre overall, key areas to watch include: 1) Stop sign immediately outside the Service Centre entrance - you must come to a complete stop, 2) Pedestrians crossing Terralong Street in the Kiama town centre - slow down and give way, 3) U-turn on Belvedere Street - demonstrate smooth car control with proper mirror and shoulder checks, 4) Collins Street roundabout - signal correctly and give way to the right, 5) Side streets obscured by parked cars - easy to miss your turn if cars block the view.
What test routes are used at Kiama?
Kiama test routes start and end at the Service Centre on Shoalhaven Street. Routes go through quiet residential streets in the surrounding area. Key roads include Shoalhaven Street, Bong Bong Street, Thomson Street, Irvine Street, Barney Street, Noorinan Street, Belvedere Street, Collins Street, and Terralong Street. The route is compact and stays within the small town. Bong Bong Street appears twice on the route. AUDrive provides all available Kiama routes for practice.
How are the examiners at Kiama?
Kiama has three examiners - two male examiners who are retired police officers and one female examiner. The male examiners are generally described as friendly and patient, willing to repeat instructions if candidates are unsure. The female examiner has a reputation for being significantly stricter - candidates report she has failed multiple people in a single day. Overall, the 4.1-star rating reflects a positive testing experience, and staff members Sean and Julie are praised for excellent service.
What are the most common reasons for failing at Kiama?
Common reasons for failing at Kiama include: 1) Not making a complete stop at the stop sign outside the Service Centre, 2) Failing to slow down for pedestrians crossing in the town centre, 3) Poor U-turn execution - insufficient mirror checks or rough steering, 4) Incorrect roundabout signalling at Collins Street, 5) Missing turn-off streets obscured by parked vehicles, 6) Insufficient shoulder checks throughout the test. Despite the simple environment, examiners still expect proper technique.
When is the best time to book at Kiama?
Midday appointments are ideal as traffic and pedestrian activity are at their lowest. Kiama operates Monday to Friday only (9 AM to 5 PM) with no weekend testing available. A Quiet Hour is offered on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Note that Kiama is approximately two hours south of Sydney, so factor in travel time. The centre is within 200 metres of both the train station and bus stops, making it accessible by public transport.
Where is Kiama Service Centre located?
Kiama Service Centre is at 64 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama NSW 2533. It is a small-town centre close to shops, parks, and the historic Scots Presbyterian Church. There is a stop sign immediately outside the entrance which is part of the test route. Bring your passport plus a bank statement or other Australian identification document - candidates have been delayed on test day for insufficient ID. Arrive early to drive around the area and familiarise yourself with the routes.
How should I prepare for the Kiama driving test?
Preparation for Kiama should include: 1) Practise U-turns with proper mirror and shoulder checks, 2) Master complete stops at stop signs (full 0 km/h), 3) Practise roundabout signalling even though there is only one on the route, 4) Learn to identify side streets obscured by parked cars, 5) Drive slowly through the town centre and watch for pedestrians. Many candidates pass without hiring a local instructor - watching mock test videos online is sufficient preparation.
How does Kiama compare to other NSW test centres?
Kiama (4.1 stars) has one of the highest ratings among NSW test centres. It is significantly simpler than Sydney centres like Bankstown (2.3 stars) or Auburn (2.9 stars). The key advantages are no traffic lights, minimal traffic, short test duration (10 minutes), and only 1 roundabout. The main disadvantage is the two-hour drive from Sydney and weekday-only availability. For Wollongong area candidates, Corrimal and Warrawong are closer alternatives.
Office discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience!