This 8.5-mile Gloucester DVSA route takes about 26 minutes, heading south through Quedgeley and Kingsway into the village of Hardwicke. Speed limits range from 30 to 60 mph, with a brief 50 mph stretch near the Cross Keys roundabout. Sharing a very similar path with Route 655, this route also features 13 roundabouts, tying for the highest roundabout count among all Gloucester routes. The key difference is the Quedgeley estate section via Edison Close, Fieldcourt Drive, and Chaceley Close.

Watch Out For

• School Lane. A narrow lane with hedgerows limiting visibility. Slow right down and be prepared to reverse into a passing place if you meet oncoming traffic.
• Sellars Road. Hardwicke residential street with tight parking. Watch for vehicles reversing out of driveways.
• Severnvale Drive. School zones along this road. During school hours, expect children and crossing patrols near the 20 mph zones.
• Fieldcourt Drive. Speed drops from 60 to 30 mph as you enter the residential estate. Start braking well before the limit sign.

Route Features

• 13 roundabouts, jointly the highest count among Gloucester routes, with several along the Hardwicke corridor
• Village driving through Hardwicke via Church Lane and Pound Lane at national speed limit (60 mph)
• 10 school zones, tied with Route 655 for the most among Gloucester routes
• Only 4 left turns and 4 right turns, with nearly all navigation handled at roundabouts
• Brief 50 mph section near Cross Keys roundabout on the A38 approach

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left is requested on Falcon Close. Mirror check, signal, and stop tidily by the kerb.

Key Tips

• This route mirrors Route 655 closely. The Hardwicke section and roundabout sequence are nearly identical, so practising either route helps with both.
• On Saint James area, mini roundabouts come in rapid succession. Treat each independently and give way to the right at every one.
• The Telford Way to Waterwells Drive roundabout requires lane discipline. Follow the road markings and signal your exit.