Being based in Selly Oak and giving driving lessons in a large area of South Birmingham ranging from Moseley to Rubery, the main centre I use is the Kings Heath test centre. I also use Shirley test centre and on a rare occasion have been known to go to Redditch and South Yardley too.
The main factor when deciding which centre to use is normally location. For example, if you live in Kings Norton you’re unlikely to drive to South Yardley test centre, in an area you may not know, when you have a test Centre virtually on your doorstep near the Maypole roundabout. Most of your lessons will be taking place in the area you will be driving in on your test, so why go somewhere else, on unfamiliar roads? If you’re good enough to pass your test, you should be good enough to pass it anywhere. But it will certainly be an advantage to have an understanding of some of the trickier road layouts that each area throws up.
Another factor often taken into account is appointment availability. Be wary of this. Book your test when you’re not ready and you will probably not get through it. Don’t rush into a test just to save two or three weeks. Currently the waiting time at both Kings Heath and Shirley is eight weeks and at South Yardley is nine weeks, so there’s not much in it anyway.
So when choosing a test centre, be guided by your instructor, be ready to take the test and choose an area that you’re familiar with. This way, you’re much more likely to pass first time.
