Colton Driving Test Centre
Expert tips, common faults, and mock test prep for Leeds, West Yorkshire
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What to Expect Around Leeds
Road Types
- A-roads (Selby Road, Skelton Lane)
- Residential estates
- Retail park areas
- Semi-rural approaches
Speed Zones
- 20mph zones near schools
- 30mph residential
- 40mph A-road sections
- 50mph Selby Road sections
Common Hazards
- Skelton Lane roundabout (multi-lane)
- Shopping traffic near Sainsburys
- School traffic peak times
- Pedestrian crossings
Common Reasons Learners Lose Marks at Colton Driving Test Centre
These are the areas where learners often make mistakes. Understanding these common faults helps you focus your practice effectively.
Observation
- Missing vehicles when emerging onto Selby Road
- Not checking right at Skelton Lane roundabout
- Missing pedestrians near schools
Speed awareness
- Driving too fast in 20mph school zones
- Too slow on A-roads causing obstruction
- Missing speed limit changes
Lane discipline
- Wrong lane at Skelton Lane roundabout
- Drifting between lanes
- Cutting corners
Judgement at junctions
- Emerging into path of fast traffic on Selby Road
- Hesitating unnecessarily
- Not accelerating sufficiently after joining
Progress and positioning
- Driving too slowly without reason
- Poor positioning on bends
- Too close to parked cars
Tricky Spots & How to Handle Them
These locations around Leeds can be challenging. Here's what to watch for and how to handle them safely.
Skelton Lane roundabout
Why it's tricky:
Multi-lane roundabout with fast-moving traffic requiring clear lane selection and good observation
What to do:
- Read signs early and choose correct lane before the roundabout
- Check right thoroughly before entering
- Maintain lane discipline - don't drift between lanes
- Signal left when passing exit before yours
Selby Road (A63) junctions
Why it's tricky:
Fast-moving A-road traffic (50mph+) makes timing gaps challenging
What to do:
- Edge forward slowly for good observation
- Judge speed of approaching vehicles carefully
- Commit decisively when gap is safe
- Accelerate smoothly to match traffic speed
School zones (Skelton Primary area)
Why it's tricky:
Speed changes to 20mph, heavy pedestrian traffic, parents parking
What to do:
- Slow to 20mph and watch for children
- Be ready to stop for pedestrians crossing
- Watch for parents parking suddenly
- Extra observation at school peak times (8:30am, 3:30pm)
Roundabout & Junction Coaching
Roundabouts
Skelton Lane roundabout
What often goes wrong:
- Wrong lane selection
- Not checking right before entering
- Failing to signal left on exit
- Cutting across lanes
Coaching tips:
- Left lane for left or straight (usually), right lane for right
- Give way to traffic from the right
- Signal left as you pass the exit before yours
- Keep checking mirrors - traffic is fast here
Junctions
T-junctions onto Selby Road (A63)
Common faults:
- Not waiting for safe gap
- Emerging too slowly
- Poor observation of fast traffic
Tips:
- Edge forward until clear view both ways
- Judge speed of traffic - it's faster than it looks
- Accelerate smoothly when committed
- Check mirrors after joining
Residential crossroads
Common faults:
- Not identifying who has priority
- Assuming priority without checking
Tips:
- Look for signs and road markings
- Slow down and be ready to give way
- Make eye contact with other drivers where possible
Mock Test Checklist for Colton Driving Test Centre
Focus your practice on these centre-specific areas. Check off items as you master them.
Book a Mock TestProgress is saved automatically and stays checked when you return
Manoeuvre Tips for Leeds
Parallel park on residential streets
Typical issues:
- Not finishing close enough to kerb
- Missing observations before reversing
- Hitting or mounting the kerb
Tips:
- All-round observation throughout
- Slow and controlled reversing
- Aim for within 30cm of kerb
Bay park (Sainsburys or test centre)
Typical issues:
- Not straightening between lines
- Rushing and losing control
Tips:
- Use mirrors and turn to look
- Reverse slowly making adjustments
- Straighten before stopping
Pull up on right and reverse
Typical issues:
- Not checking right blind spot before moving back
- Stopping in unsafe position
Tips:
- Check right blind spot before rejoining
- Signal appropriately
- Don't block junctions or driveways
Location & Nearby Areas
Colton Driving Test Centre
Colton Lane
LS15 9EE
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Nearby Areas We Cover
- Halton
- Whitkirk
- Crossgates
- Temple Newsam
Local Landmarks
- Temple Newsam
Historic house and estate
- Sainsburys Colton
- Colton Retail Park
- Skelton Primary School
Watch speed limits
Passed at Colton Driving Test Centre
Real learners, real results from Leeds
Sarah M.
Bradford
"The local knowledge my instructor had about Colton Driving Test Centre routes made all the difference. Passed first time!"
James K.
Leeds
"The local knowledge my instructor had about Colton Driving Test Centre routes made all the difference. Passed with confidence!"
Amelia R.
Bradford
"The local knowledge my instructor had about Colton Driving Test Centre routes made all the difference. Passed first time!"
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