This 7.0-mile, 27-minute route stays entirely within Beeston and Lenton Abbey, heading north through residential streets before looping back. Speed limits range from 20 to 40 mph. With 35 traffic signals, 9 left turns, and 6 right turns, it is the most signal-dense route from Chilwell. It also passes through 7 school zones and has 6 U-turn waypoints, meaning frequent changes of direction on narrow streets. Compare with Route 696 which favours roundabouts over signals.

Watch Out For

• Bye Pass Road. A 40 mph road with a stop sign junction. The stop line is easy to miss among the parked cars. Come to a complete stop and check both ways.
• Derby Road junction near Wollaton Road. Multi-lane traffic light junction. Lanes split quickly for Wollaton Road, so position early.
• Middle Street, Beeston. Narrow street with parked cars on both sides. Frequent give-way situations with oncoming traffic. Use the passing places.
• High Road. Busy shopping area with pedestrians crossing between parked cars and buses pulling in and out of stops.
• Stop sign on Bye Pass Road near Attenborough Lane. Uphill approach limits visibility. Stop fully, then proceed when clear.

Route Features

• 35 traffic signals in 7 miles, the highest count for this test centre
• 7 school zones requiring 20 mph during term time
• Entirely urban with no dual carriageway sections
• Multiple residential U-turn points for direction changes

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left near the test centre on Eldon Road

Key Tips

• Stay alert for the 20 mph school zones - they are clearly signed but easy to overshoot
• On narrow Beeston side streets, check mirrors before squeezing past parked cars
• At the many traffic lights, stop behind the line and avoid creeping into the junction