Theory Test Centres in Slough, Berkshire

Driving conditions in and around Slough

Slough sits between the M4, M25 and M40, so local driving often involves busy dual carriageways and complex junctions. When revising your theory test, pay attention to rules for high-speed roads, slip roads and lane discipline, as you are likely to encounter these on routes such as the A4 Bath Road, the A355 Farnham Road and the A412 Uxbridge Road.

Within the town centre, around Slough High Street, Wellington Street and the Observatory and Queensmere shopping areas, traffic can be heavy and slow-moving, especially at peak times. This is a good reminder of Highway Code guidance on keeping a safe following distance at low speeds, responding to traffic lights, and giving way to pedestrians at crossings near busy retail zones and schools.

Local road types and hazards

Slough has a mix of residential streets in areas like Cippenham, Langley, Wexham and Britwell, where you’ll encounter traffic-calming measures such as speed humps, 20 mph zones and mini-roundabouts. Make sure you know the rules on priority at mini-roundabouts and how to approach traffic-calming features safely, as these topics often appear in theory test questions.

The A4 corridor through Slough includes multiple lanes, bus lanes and box junctions, especially near the junction with Stoke Road and the routes towards Slough Trading Estate. Understanding signs and road markings for bus lanes, yellow box junctions and clearways is essential, as misuse can cause congestion and penalties in real life and feature frequently in exam scenarios.

Weather, visibility and motorway proximity

Although Slough is inland, it experiences its fair share of rain and mist, particularly in autumn and winter along the Thames Valley. You should be confident about when to use dipped headlights, fog lights and how stopping distances increase on wet or icy surfaces. The Highway Code’s stopping distance tables are crucial, especially with fast-moving traffic on nearby motorways like the M4 and M25 and on dual carriageways leading towards Heathrow and Reading.

Because many local drivers regularly join the M4 via junctions near Slough, the DVSA theory test is likely to include questions on motorway rules: using hard shoulders, variable speed limits, smart motorway signs and what to do in breakdown situations. Even though learners cannot drive on motorways until accompanied by an approved instructor in a car with dual controls, you still need to know the rules thoroughly for the theory test.

Landmarks and special routes

Areas such as Slough Trading Estate, the routes towards Windsor via the A332, and roads near local schools and religious centres can get very busy at certain times of day. When revising, focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety, zebra and pelican crossings, and the correct use of mirrors and signals when passing parked vehicles on narrower streets. These everyday Slough situations are great mental examples to link with Highway Code rules, making it easier to remember them in the exam.