The A21 on Sevenoaks tests
| Road type | Dual carriageway |
|---|---|
| Limit | Up to 70 mph |
| Routes using it | 4 of the 12 most-used |
| Tricky slip roads | Riverhead / Chipstead |
The A21 dual carriageway runs past the western side of Sevenoaks, and a section of it appears on four of the twelve test routes Geoff Newman sees used most often.[1] He says he has seen many tests failed on it, and the Sevenoaks test centre manager lists not making progress on the A21, particularly when joining, among the three main reasons candidates fail.[2]
Joining and leaving
The slip roads at Riverhead and Chipstead are very short. Joining means accelerating firmly to match the traffic; leaving means slowing promptly and under control. The examiner is looking for mirror checks, strong observation to the right, confident acceleration and a safe, decisive merge. Joining too slowly can itself be dangerous and may be a serious fault if it affects other traffic.[1]
Newman also recalls a nervous candidate who momentarily forgot to brake properly at the end of an A21 slip road, and an examiner whose use of the dual controls prevented a crash.[1]
Do you have to overtake?
No, not necessarily. Overtaking is needed only when it is safe, legal and required to make appropriate progress, for example behind a clearly slower vehicle. Staying in the left lane at a sensible speed is fine.[1] However, sitting in the left lane while lorries overtake is often a sign of going too slowly.[1]
The examiner's promise to say when to turn left or right does not cover lane changes. Those are the candidate's own judgement.[1]
Preparation
Newman's advice is real practice on dual carriageways before the test. Routes were extended at many centres in 2025 to include faster A-roads and dual carriageways where local geography allows.[3]
See also
References
- Newman, Geoff (2026). Sevenoaks Driving Test Secrets, chapters 2, 10, 17 and 19.
- "Sevenoaks driving test routes". Sevenoaks Driving Lessons.
- "Driving test changes 2025–2026". passrates.uk.