This 9.6-mile Gloucester DVSA route takes around 32 minutes and is unique for heading west into the rural lanes around Elmore and Hardwicke before returning via the A38. The route covers Quedgeley, Hardwicke, Kingsway, and Podsmead, with speed limits from 30 to 60 mph. Long 60 mph sections on Elmore Road and the A38 make up over a third of the drive, testing your ability to handle national speed limit roads confidently.

Watch Out For

• Elmore Road. A single-track rural lane at 60 mph with passing places. You must judge oncoming traffic and use passing places correctly, pulling left when needed.
• Westland Road, Hardwicke. A residential street with speed humps and parked cars. Keep speed down and watch for children near the play areas.
• Fieldcourt Drive junction. Transition from rural to residential. Adjust speed quickly as the limit drops from 60 to 30 mph.
• Elmore Lane West. Narrow approach with give-way markings. Limited sight lines require careful observation before proceeding.

Route Features

• 9 roundabouts including multiple roundabouts in the Hardwicke and Waterwells areas
• Significant rural driving on Elmore Road at national speed limit (60 mph), unusual for Gloucester test routes
• 3 stop signs along the route, the most of any Gloucester route
• A38 dual carriageway at 60 mph heading north from Hardwicke through Kingsway
• 5 school zones in Quedgeley and along Bristol Road

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left takes place on Falcon Close. Check mirrors, signal, and stop neatly by the kerb.

Key Tips

• On The Holly Grove, the road winds through a residential estate. Follow the 30 mph limit and watch for children.
• The rural section on Elmore Road is the only true country lane driving in all Gloucester routes. Practise passing places and meeting oncoming vehicles beforehand.
• At the Tuffley Lane section near Podsmead, the road narrows with parked cars. Give way to oncoming traffic where necessary.