Driving Theory Test Centres in Staines-upon-thames

The Staines theory test centre sits quite close to the centre of town, just a short stroll from the main train station. This makes it a convenient test centre for anyone in the wider Surrey area. In this guide we’ll explore all of the important details you need to know for test day, including directions, wait times, local amenities and more!


Address

11-17 Kingston Road Staines Surrey TW18 4QX

Phone Number

0333 200 1122 Please note: no direct phone number is available for this theory test centre.

Map


Arriving at Staines Theory Test Centre

By public transport

As we’ve mentioned, the theory test centre is located very close to Staines train station. In fact, it’s only a 4-minute walk between the two on foot! Yes, this theory test centre is very accessible—even for those who don’t come from the Staines area itself.

Prefer to take the bus? Not a problem. Get off at either the London Road stop or the Staines Railway Station stop, and you’ll be able to walk to your test in just a couple of minutes. 

If you’d like more detailed information on transport links in the area, including bus routes and ticket prices, it’s worth checking out both the Spelthorne Council and the Surrey County Council websites.

By car

For those lucky enough to be getting a lift to the test centre, arriving by car is also a good option. Enter TW18 4QX into a sat nav and follow the instructions. If you’re heading in from outside of town, it’s likely you’ll need to take the A30 and/or the London Orbital Motorway. Both can see heavy traffic at peak times, so plan your journey accordingly.

It might be an idea to avoid booking a test slot that’s early morning or early evening, as these tend to be the busier periods on the road.

Parking

Once you’ve arrived in Staines, you’ll find that there are plenty of parking options close to the test centre. Plus, most of them are fairly reasonably priced—winner! For starters, you can try to nab a spot at the Kingston Road car park (which is the road the test centre is actually on). There are 165 spaces available and you’ll be charged £2.30 for 2 hours of parking.

Failing that, head to the Elmsleigh Shopping Centre car park, which is a 6-minute walk from the test centre. Once again it will only set you back £2.30 to park for 2 hours.

Pass Rates by Year

The pass rates at the Staines theory test centre have been steadily declining over the last few years. As you can see, they currently sit just a squeak below the national average, which is 47.1%. Don’t let that put you off, though. In actual fact, theory pass rates have very little impact on individual performances. They’re more a general indication of which parts of the country tend to do better.

No matter where you take your theory, the format and test conditions are the same. How you do depends on the amount of work you’ve put in and how you personally cope with exam conditions. So, don’t necessarily use these pass rates as a guide to whether you should or should not take your test here.

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
48.9% 47.5% 47.3% 46.3% 47.0% 54.0%  51.9% 

Guides and Tips

Determined to ace the theory test first time? That’s the right attitude! It does require some hard work and focus, though. Make sure you know exactly how the test works and put in enough revision so that when the big day arrives you’re confident the right answers will come to you. There are plenty of study aids and useful resources available out there that will help you in this process. Check out some of the ones we recommend below.

Ready to Go?

Nearby Theory Test Centres

Hotels

A great way to make sure you are feeling fit as a fiddle and ready to go the morning of your test is to get enough sleep the night before. A rested head is a clear head! If you’re not from the Staines area, it might be an idea to stay in a local hotel the night before the big day. That way, you don’t need to worry about traffic jams or train delays come morning. Here are a few options to consider:

Mercure London Staines Hotel★★★☆☆

Located just 8 minutes from the test centre, you’ll find an always-reliable Mercure hotel. Think comfort and style with a price tag that doesn’t break the bank. This hotel sits right on the banks of the River Thames (free mooring for those arriving by boat!) so you can also expect some lovely views.

The Boleyn Hotel★★★☆☆

If you prefer to stay somewhere in the quieter part of town, The Boleyn Hotel will be right up your street. This stylish and cosy accommodation provides everything you need for a comfortable stay: on-site restaurant, clean rooms fitted with air conditioning and even a bar where you can grab a quick drink!

Travelodge Egham ★★☆☆☆

For those looking to pinch the pennies, you can’t go wrong with a Travelodge. From this one it’s just a 9-minute taxi ride to the theory centre, so you should have no problem getting to your test on time! Despite the low price, you can still expect a comfortable bed, your own TV and 30 minutes of complimentary WiFi.

Places to Celebrate

Once you’re done with the test, there’s no reason to rush off home straightaway. Why not stick around and sample some of Staines’ local watering holes? We’ve listed a few of the places we think are worth a look, below.

Nostrano Lounge

This is a great option for both those who enjoy a cheeky tipple and those who prefer to stick to non-alcoholic options. It’s a laid-back bar and restaurant with quirky decor and welcoming staff. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to sample a tasty treat from their extensive menu.

The Swan Hotel

This place is way more than a hotel. It’s a boutique pub that sits right on the river, so you can enjoy beautiful views along with a well-earned drink. They pride themselves on offering a vast range of beers from all over the world, plus an enticing wine list. Sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere!

The Bells Pub

The Bells Pub is one of the best traditional pubs in the area and is located in a beautiful part of the town. There’s a full menu of delicious food, plenty of ale to choose from and lots of friendly staff to ensure you have a great time.

What Happens Next?

The Staines theory test centre is close to affordable car parks and good transport links—making it a good option for anyone in the Surrey area (and beyond!). There is also lots to do and enjoy after the test is over. 

Theory test in the bag and wondering what’s next? It’s time for the practical test, of course! Book yourself a test slot as soon as possible, using the pass number on your theory certificate. If Staines is your hometown, your closest practical test centres will be Ashford (London Middlesex) and Chertsey (London).

Not managed to pass the theory part yet? Don’t worry—it’s just a case of booking a new test as soon as possible (leave a gap of 3 working days) and keeping your fingers crossed for a case of second time lucky!

Whether it was a case of congratulations or commiserations after your theory test, PassMeFast can help you get your licence as quickly as possible. We have lots of different courses, catering to learners with a wide range of experience. To learn more about your options or book in for a course, give our team a call on 0333 123 4949.

Already know the course you want and are ready to crack on? Great! Click the button below to start your journey with PassMeFast. The road to driving doesn’t have to be long!

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