PassMeFast are proud to cover millions of learner drivers across the UK. Over time, we’ve grown from our MediaCityUK base to counties across the length and breadth of Britain. Amongst them is the picturesque county of Cheshire, which lies close to the major cities of Liverpool and Manchester, yet retains a distinct character all its own.
With attractions as diverse as Chester’s zoo and Roman walls, stately homes such as Tatton Hall and the Jodrell Bank Observatory, there’s a wealth of reasons to hit the roads in Cheshire. But doing so requires one thing, of course—getting your licence!
Luckily, there are six Cheshire driving test centres to choose from, ensuring that this county’s learner drivers are spoiled for choice when it comes to sitting their practical test. We’ll profile all of them in this handy guide.
Test Centres
| Chester |
| Crewe |
| Macclesfield |
| Northwich |
| Warrington |
| Widnes |
Chester
| CHESTER FACT FILE | |
| Address | Unit 16 Telford Court Dunkirk Trading Estate Chester Gates Dunkirk Chester Cheshire CH1 6LT |
| Parking? | N/A |
| Toilets? | Yes: male, female and disabled |
| Disabled access? | N/A |
| 2016/17 pass rate | 41.9% |
We kick off our rundown of the Cheshire driving test centre in the city that gives the county its name: Chester. Interestingly, Chester test centre is a few miles outside the city itself, and actually lies closer to the nearby town of Ellesmere Port. Its location also makes it a suitable option for learners in south Wirral and in some areas of Deeside just across the Welsh border. The nearest train station, Capenhurst, is over a mile away. Good thing PassMeFast offers home and workplace pickups!
Test routes here will begin in the Dunkirk Trading Estate before heading out onto the busy A5117 road. From here, there are various paths your test could take. You’re likely to spend some time in the suburban areas near Ellesmere Port—quieter parts of your route, where you’ll likely need to perform one of your manoeuvres, such as pulling up on the right.
Crewe
| CREWE FACT FILE | |
| Address | 6 Nile Street Crewe Cheshire CW2 7LL |
| Parking? | No |
| Toilets? | Yes: male, female and disabled |
| Disabled access? | You can get into the test centre in a wheelchair |
| 2016/17 pass rate | 57.3% |
Next up is the Crewe driving test centre. The southernmost of Cheshire’s six test centres, this is an ideal option for learners in the towns of Alsager, Nantwich and Sandbach, in addition to Crewe itself. As an added bonus, in 2016/17, it even boasted the highest pass rate of all six Cheshire driving test centres! Should you wish to arrive by public transport, Crewe railway station is just 12 minutes’ walk away.
In contrast to the Chester test centre, the Crewe driving test centre has a much more central location. A stone’s throw from Crewe railway station, Crewe Alexandra stadium, and a row of shops along Nantwich Road, candidates can expect busy conditions from the start of their drive. Residential roads will also play a part on tests, however, with suburbs such as Wistaston and Wells Green close at hand.
Macclesfield
| MACCLESFIELD FACT FILE | |
| Address | 10 Bridge Street Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 6EG |
| Parking? | No |
| Toilets? | Yes: male and female |
| Disabled access? | Arrangements will be made if you have a disability |
| 2016/17 pass rate | 54.2% |
On the eastern edge of Cheshire, close to the border with Derbyshire, lies Macclesfield driving test centre. Out of the six Cheshire driving test centres, this is the closest to towns such as Wilmslow and Congleton, as well as Macclesfield itself. It also lies just 8 minutes away from the Macclesfield train station, should you be travelling here from further afield.
If you’re heading to Macclesfield to take your test, one of the first challenges you’ll face on your test is roundabouts. The roundabout lying at the junction of the A523, A537 and B5470 roads can get particularly busy! Despite tricky patches such as this, however, the pass rate at Macclesfield exceeded the national average in 2016/17, hitting a strong 54.2%.
Northwich
| NORTHWICH FACT FILE | |
| Address | 4 Felix Road Winnington Northwich Cheshire CW8 4BU |
| Parking? | Yes |
| Toilets? | Yes: male and female |
| Disabled access? | No |
| 2016/17 pass rate | 55.0% |
Lying in central Cheshire is the Northwich driving test centre. This test centre is the ideal choice for learners in Northwich, Knutsford and Winsford. Its central location also makes it relatively convenient as an alternative option for candidates from across the county. The closest train station to this test centre is Greenbank, around 20 minutes away on foot.
The Northwich test centre’s proximity to the Winnington residential area makes it likely that you’ll travel here to carry out manoeuvres such as parallel parking. Driving around the historic town centre, meanwhile, will see you dealing with busier urban traffic. The strong pass rate here, though, means that you have a great chance of joining our ever-growing roster of PassMeFast alumni. Check out just a few of them in our April 2018 pass photos!
Warrington
| WARRINGTON FACT FILE | |
| Address | Warrington Borough Council Orford Day Centre Festival Avenue Warrington Cheshire WA2 9EP |
| Parking? | Yes |
| Toilets? | Yes: male and female |
| Disabled access? | N/A |
| 2016/17 pass rate | 48.3% |
Though Cheshire may have taken its name from Chester, the largest town in the county is actually Warrington. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that hundreds of local candidates take their test here every year. Warrington Central is the most convenient train station for most learners arriving here from further afield.
Test routes here will begin the Orford area of Warrington. You should soon, however, find yourself on the nearby A50 road, where traffic will get a little heavier. Your defensive driving techniques will certainly come into play here! Keep your wits about you, though, and you could beat the average number of attempts it takes to pass the driving test and get your licence first time.
Widnes
| WIDNES FACT FILE | |
| Address | Everite Road Widnes Cheshire WA8 8PT |
| Parking? | Yes |
| Toilets? | Yes: male, female and disabled |
| Disabled access? | N/A |
| 2016/17 pass rate | 40.3% |
Last (but certainly not least!) on our list of Cheshire driving test centres, we’re heading to a town that was originally part of Lancashire: the industrial town of Widnes, just north of the River Mersey. This test centre serves both major towns in the borough of Halton—Widnes and Runcorn. It’s also a good option for some candidates from nearby Merseyside, especially from towns such as Halewood. The closest train station is Hough Green, which is 17 minutes away on foot.
Beginning in the Ditton area of town, learners taking their test here may soon find themselves on the A562 dual carriageway. Given the relatively compact size of Widnes, however, you may find yourself in residential areas across the town. Some test routes even previously crossed over into Runcorn—though, given the tolls applied to the Mersey Gateway bridge, you’re unlikely to head there now! Pass rates here are, unfortunately, the lowest in Cheshire—but with our intensive courses, you can beat the stats and pass with flying colours.
With PassMeFast instructors covering the whole of Cheshire, getting on the road could be quicker and simpler than you may think. We’re here to support you through every step of your driving journey, from passing your theory test to becoming a safe and confident driver for life. To get things started, call our team on 0333 123 4949, or book your course online.
Cheshire isn’t the only county we cover. Check out some of our test centre guides from other counties:
