Theory Test Centres in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex

Driving in a busy coastal city

Brighton and Hove combines tight Victorian streets, tourist-heavy seafront routes and fast-moving dual carriageways, all of which are reflected in the questions you’ll face in the theory test. Around the A259 Kings Road and Marine Parade, you must watch for pedestrians stepping out from between parked cars, cyclists in narrow lanes and frequent side roads. The Highway Code’s guidance on vulnerable road users and safe passing distances is especially relevant here.

Key roads and junctions to understand

The A23 London Road and Lewes Road corridor is one of the main routes into the city, with bus lanes, cycle lanes and complex traffic-light-controlled junctions. Theory questions often focus on bus lane signs, right of way at junctions and correct lane discipline when turning. To the north, the A27 Brighton Bypass links to Lewes and Worthing, featuring multi-lane roundabouts such as the Hollingbury and Patcham interchanges. These are ideal examples when revising lane positioning, speed limits on dual carriageways and safe following distances.

Residential areas, schools and The Lanes

Neighbourhoods like Hove, Hanover and Kemp Town have narrow, often one-way streets with heavy on-street parking. This environment brings Highway Code rules on meeting oncoming traffic, using passing places and careful use of mirrors into sharp focus. Around Churchill Square, Brighton Station and The Lanes, you’ll encounter high pedestrian density, loading bays and taxi ranks, mirroring theory topics on controlled crossings, zig-zag markings and where you must not stop or park.

Weather, hills and coastal conditions

As a coastal city, Brighton and Hove can experience strong crosswinds along the seafront and on exposed sections of the A27 and A23. The Highway Code’s advice on increased stopping distances in wet weather and taking extra care near high-sided vehicles is particularly relevant here. Many local roads, such as those leading up to Elm Grove or Queen’s Park, are steep; this links directly to questions on hill starts, use of lower gears and parking safely on gradients.

Night life, events and seasonal traffic

Brighton’s nightlife and major events on the seafront or at the Amex Stadium near Falmer create heavy, sometimes unpredictable traffic flows, especially in the evenings and at weekends. When revising, pay close attention to rules on driving at night, dealing with dazzle from headlights, and adapting your speed to traffic and road conditions. Understanding these local patterns will help you apply the Highway Code more confidently in both the theory test and real-world driving.