An 8.8-mile route taking about 28 minutes, heading southwest through Birkdale via Westcliffe Road and Grosvenor Road, then south along Waterloo Road and Sandon Road, before continuing east through Moss Road, London Lane, and out to the 60 mph Southport Road. The return is via Scarisbrick New Road through the town centre. This route combines Birkdale suburban driving with rural lanes and a national speed limit section.

Watch Out For

• Grosvenor Road. A long Birkdale residential street with cars parked heavily on both sides. Narrow gaps require careful passing and give-way decisions.
• Sandon Road. School zones along this stretch. Reduce to 20 mph during term-time school hours.
• Southport Road (A570). The 60 mph section demands smooth acceleration and confident driving at higher speed.
• Kew roundabout. Mini-roundabout near the Bedford Road junction. Traffic from Moss Road and Bedford Road converges here.
• Turning Lane. A rural lane with poor surface and limited visibility at bends. Expect slow-moving farm vehicles.

Route Features

• Three distinct driving environments: Birkdale suburban, rural lanes, and the 60 mph A570
• Only 4 traffic signals and 14 total turns, making it a flowing route
• 4 school zones concentrated near Sandon Road and Liverpool Road
• Speed range from 20 mph residential to 60 mph national limit

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left is tested on this route

Key Tips

• The three different road types require constant adaptation. Adjust your speed, gear, and observation level at each transition
• On Grosvenor Road, do not rush past parked cars. Check mirrors and signal if you need to cross the centre line
• The 60 mph section on the A570 comes after quieter rural roads. Accelerate confidently when the national speed limit signs appear