1. By car

Exit the A19 at Testo’s Roundabout, join the A1231 Sunderland Highway eastbound, then turn left into North Hylton Road and first right onto River Bank Road. The DVSA sign appears opposite DHL Logistics. Bays are limited—arrive no more than 10 minutes early.

2. By public transport

• Bus – Go North East routes 35/36 link Sunderland City and Castletown, stopping on North Hylton Road—a 3-minute walk.
• Bus – Stagecoach route 8 runs every 10 minutes from the city centre to South Hylton, stopping at East End Docks—a 12-minute stroll via Riverside Walk.
• Train – Sunderland Central and Seaburn Metro stations lie 2–3 miles away; both connect to the 35/36 corridor.

3. Cycling / walking

National Cycle Network Route 1 hugs the north-bank riverside path. Leave at Bartram’s Bridge and ride half a mile along Castletown Front Street to River Bank Road. Covered hoops sit outside Unit 7—bring a stout lock.

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1. A1231 Wessington Way average-speed zone

Typical slip-up – Many candidates lift off too late and get recorded above 30 mph.
Quick fix – Spot the first yellow poles, feather the throttle early.

2. Queen Alexandra Bridge lane-merge

Typical slip-up – Single-lane width forces abrupt merges at 30 mph.
Quick fix – Mirror–signal–manoeuvre, time your merge, and keep a safe buffer.

3. Castletown parked-car chicanes

Typical slip-up – Priority confusion on narrow S-bends by Castle View Academy.
Quick fix – Scan two gaps ahead, yield decisively, then pass cleanly.

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1. About Sunderland Test Centre

Examiners favour bay parking in the on‑site yard; parallel jobs happen on Lilac Terrace. The first pull‑out is onto a 30 mph bend—practise smooth second‑gear roll‑offs and mirror checks.

2. What to Expect on the Day

Arrive 10 minutes early with your provisional licence. You’ll:

• Complete a 20 m eyesight check
• Answer one “show me, tell me” question
• Perform one reversing manoeuvre (bay or parallel)
• Possibly complete an emergency stop
• Drive about 20 minutes independently by sat‑nav or road signs

Examiners monitor mirror–signal–manoeuvre discipline at every A1231 merge.

3. After You Pass

With a mid‑40s pass rate, celebrate but keep learning: Pass Plus covers high-speed A19 and A1(M) stretches, while telematics policies can lop 25% off first-year premiums. Sunderland Council also offers taxi licensing—ideal for future pros.

4. What If You Don’t Pass?

Not passing hurts, but DriveBot hunts cancellations at Sunderland, South Shields or Gateshead—booking the earliest retest so your skills stay fresh.

5. Can’t Find Earlier Driving Test Cancellations?

DriveBot provides:

• Instant alerts the moment a slot appears
• Flexible filters for centre radius, date range and gearbox
• Zero hassle – DriveBot does the refreshing; you keep practising

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