The longest route from Maidstone at 27.7 km, taking around 52 minutes. This single-stage route travels well beyond the town, passing through Bearsted, Downswood, Boxley, and up to Blue Bell Hill near the M2 motorway. Speed limits range from 20 mph in residential areas to 70 mph on the Walderslade Woods dual carriageway, making it the only Maidstone route that reaches national speed limit roads. With 13 roundabouts and 21 traffic signals, navigation demands constant attention.

Watch Out For

• Walderslade Woods dual carriageway (70 mph). You must build up speed promptly when joining. Driving too slowly on a 70 mph road is marked as a serious fault.
• School zone near Penenden Heath. 20 mph limit during school hours. Watch for the electronic signs.
• New Cut Road speed transitions. The limit changes between 30 mph and 40 mph along this stretch. Missing a speed change is a common minor fault.
• Roundabout sequence near Sandling Lane. Several roundabouts close together. Choose your lane early and signal on entry and exit.
• 50 mph zone on approach to Boxley. Speed picks up quickly after leaving 30 mph areas. Check your speedometer.

Route Features

• 12 left turns and 9 right turns.
• 13 roundabouts, the most of any Maidstone route.
• 21 sets of traffic lights.
• 16 give way junctions and 3 pedestrian crossings.
• Speed range: 20-70 mph across six different speed zones.

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left near Armstrong Road.

Key Tips

• Practise merging onto and leaving dual carriageways at speed. The 70 mph section is where most candidates lose confidence.
• Use the MSM (Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre) routine at every roundabout. With 13 roundabouts, consistency is key.
• Plan fuel and concentration. At 52 minutes, this is over double the length of shorter Maidstone routes like Route #718.