This 19.3 km route heads south from Widnes test centre on Ditchfield Road and Hale Road, through Hale Bank and along the country lanes to Hale village. The route continues west on Ramsbrook Lane, then enters the Speke estate via Hale Road and loops through residential streets around Speke Hall Avenue. The return follows Speke Boulevard and Higher Road eastward back to the centre.

Watch Out For

Ramsbrook Lane is a fast 60 mph country road with sharp bends, no pavements, and hidden dips. The Speke estate has a 20 mph zone with speed humps and tight turns around Warmwell Close and Old Farm Mews. Two roundabouts on Speke Boulevard require lane discipline at speed. Nine traffic lights are mostly concentrated on the return leg.

Route Features

A long route at 19.3 km covering rural lanes, a 60 mph A-road, 20 mph estate driving, and 70 mph dual carriageway. Hale Bank has narrow terraced streets. Ramsbrook Lane passes through open farmland. The Speke estate around Dunlop Road and Speke Hall Avenue is a dense residential area with many junctions.

Key Tips

Through Hale Bank, watch for pedestrians stepping off narrow pavements. On Ramsbrook Lane, position left through bends and use dipped headlights if visibility is poor. In Speke, respect the 20 mph limit and look for children near the estate. On Speke Boulevard, build speed to 70 mph confidently and check mirrors before exiting.