This 7.6-mile, 22-minute route heads south from Chilwell along Nottingham Road through Long Eaton, then west via Wilsthorpe Road and Petersham Road before joining the A52 Brian Clough Way northbound back through Sandiacre and Stapleford. Speeds reach 60-70 mph on the A52 dual carriageway. With 5 roundabouts (including the Sandiacre Interchange) and only 1 right turn, it is a roundabout-focused route. Faster overall than Route 696 which also favours roundabouts but stays below 40 mph.

Watch Out For

• Wilsthorpe Road / Petersham Road area. Residential streets in Long Eaton with tight parked-car corridors. You may need to pull into gaps to let oncoming traffic pass.
• Sandiacre Interchange (Brian Clough Way). Large multi-lane roundabout connecting the A52 with local roads. Lane selection is critical - follow signs early and commit to your lane.
• Bostocks Lane exit from A52. The slip road exits sharply. Begin indicating and reducing speed well before the turn-off.
• Pedestrian crossing near Toton on Nottingham Road. Often busy with schoolchildren in the afternoon. Check for flashing amber lights.
• Swiney Way junction returning to the test centre. Right turn across traffic into Swiney Way can be tricky during peak hours.

Route Features

• A52 Brian Clough Way dual carriageway at 60-70 mph
• 5 roundabouts including the busy Sandiacre Interchange
• Through Long Eaton residential streets via Petersham Road
• Only 1 right turn across the entire 7.6-mile route

Test Manoeuvres

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

Key Tips

• On the A52, build to 60-70 mph promptly - driving too slowly on a dual carriageway is a fault
• At Sandiacre Interchange, follow road markings for your exit and check mirrors before changing lanes
• Returning to Beeston via Carter Road and Swiney Way, the limit drops to 30 - check your speed early