Atherton (Manchester) Driving Test Routes
Practice the exact driving test routes used at Atherton (Manchester) with turn-by-turn navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day.
Atherton (Manchester) Pass Rate Statistics
Pass Rate Comparison
| Category | Atherton (Manchester) | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 44.4% | 51.8% | -7.4% |
| Male | 44.8% | 51.8% | -7.0% |
| Female | 43.9% | 51.8% | -7.9% |
| First Attempt | 43.9% | 51.8% | -7.9% |
| Automatic | 39.4% | 51.8% | -12.4% |
Pass Rate by Age (17-25)
Historical Pass Rate Trend
2019/20
46.5%
2021/22
49.9%
2022/23
47.2%
2023/24
44.3%
2024/25
44.4%
Tests Conducted
Data period: April 2024 - March 2025
7,690
Total
4,356
Male
3,334
Female
29 candidates achieved zero driving faults in this period.
Atherton (Manchester) Test Routes
We have mapped 11 real driving test routes used at Atherton (Manchester) (M46 0SU). Routes range from 5.8 km (14 mins) to 14.2 km (33 mins), with an average distance of 11.7 km taking around 26 minutes. Practice every route with turn-by-turn navigation in the app before your test day.
11
Total Routes
26 min
Avg Duration
11.7 km
Avg Distance
6
Avg Roundabouts
Route Overview
| Route | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 13.5 km | 32 min |
| #2 | 13.3 km | 25 min |
| #3 | 13.7 km | 28 min |
| #4 | 12.9 km | 26 min |
| #5 | 12 km | 25 min |
| #6 | 12.9 km | 32 min |
| #7 | 13 km | 29 min |
| #8 | 10.6 km | 25 min |
| #9 | 5.8 km | 14 min |
| #10 | 7.3 km | 19 min |
+ 1 more routes available in the app
Roads Used in Atherton (Manchester) Test Routes
Across all 11 routes, examiners at Atherton (Manchester) use 82 different roads. Familiarise yourself with these roads before your test:
Practice All 11 Routes with Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Get the full route details with voice-guided navigation. Know every junction, roundabout, and lane change before test day.
What Makes Atherton (Manchester) Challenging
Key Challenges
- Merging with fast-moving traffic on dual carriageways near motorway connections
- Handling multi-lane roundabouts on busy ring roads and bypasses
- Navigating narrow terraced streets with parked cars limiting visibility
- Coping with steep hills in towns built on Lancashire and Pennine hillsides
Difficulty Analysis
At 44.4%, Atherton (Manchester) falls slightly below the national average of 51.8%, ranking 50 out of 322 centres for difficulty. There has been a slight decline in pass rates over the recorded period, from 46.5% down to 44.4%, a shift of 2.1 points. The automatic pass rate of 39.4% trails the overall 44.4% by 5.0 points, a gap automatic candidates should factor into their preparation.
Road Types to Prepare For
How to Pass Your Driving Test at Atherton (Manchester)
Expert Tips
- 1
Get comfortable with multi-lane roundabouts, which feature prominently on routes around north-west centres.
- 2
Practise school-zone driving, as densely populated residential areas feature heavily on north-west routes.
- 3
Work on hill starts if your centre is near the Pennine foothills, where gradients can catch out flat-ground drivers.
- 4
Work on smooth transitions between 20, 30, and 40 mph zones, as speed changes are frequent in suburban areas.
- 5
Practise driving through residential areas where parked cars create pinch points requiring you to judge priority.
Best Time to Test
Late morning tests at Atherton (Manchester) benefit from lighter traffic after the commuter rush while still offering good daylight. With 7,690 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
Test Centres Near Atherton (Manchester)
Nearby Centres
| Centre Name | Distance | Pass Rate | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolton (Manchester) | 4.6 miles | 56.7% | Above Average |
| Sale (Manchester) | 7 miles | 49.1% | Below Average |
| Warrington | 8.5 miles | 55.3% | Above Average |
| Bury (Manchester) | 9 miles | 40.3% | Hard |
| Cheetham Hill (Manchester) | 9.9 miles | 43.7% | Hard |
Looking for a higher pass rate? Some nearby centres have better statistics. Compare options above to find the best fit for you.
View all centres in North WestFrequently Asked Questions About Atherton (Manchester)
What is the pass rate at Atherton (Manchester)?+
The current pass rate at Atherton (Manchester) is 44.4%. The national average is 51.8%. These figures are based on 7,690 tests conducted during April 2024 - March 2025. The male pass rate is 44.8% and the female pass rate is 43.9%.
Is Atherton (Manchester) a hard driving test centre?+
Atherton (Manchester) is ranked 50 out of 322 UK test centres for difficulty and is classified as "Below Average". The pass rate is below the national average, which may indicate a more challenging test experience.
How many test routes does Atherton (Manchester) have?+
The exact number of routes at Atherton (Manchester) varies and is updated regularly. You can practise real test routes used at this centre with turn-by-turn navigation in the Test Routes Expert app.
What roads are commonly used at Atherton (Manchester)?+
Test routes at Atherton (Manchester) commonly include terraced streets, ring roads, residential, canal bridges, roundabouts. Being comfortable on these road types is essential for passing. The Test Routes Expert app lets you practise on the exact roads used in the test.
What's the best time to take a driving test at Atherton (Manchester)?+
Late morning tests at Atherton (Manchester) benefit from lighter traffic after the commuter rush while still offering good daylight. With 7,690 tests conducted annually, this is a high-volume centre where test slots fill quickly.
How does Atherton (Manchester) compare to nearby centres?+
Nearby alternatives include Bolton (Manchester) (56.7%, 4.6 miles away); Sale (Manchester) (49.1%, 7 miles away); Warrington (55.3%, 8.5 miles away). Comparing pass rates and distances can help you choose the best centre for your test.
Know Every Route Before Test Day
Test Routes Expert gives you turn-by-turn navigation for real driving test routes at every UK test centre. No surprises on test day.
- Turn-by-turn navigation on real test routes
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