Sale Test Centre

Question 1

Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer

The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off, and the car should not pull to one side.

Question 2

Tell me where you'd find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how they should be checked.

Answer

The pressures are in the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable gauge, check and adjust the tyres when cold, include the spare and refit the valve caps.

Question 3

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to give the best protection in a crash.

Answer

The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.

Question 4

Tell me how you'd check the tyres have enough tread depth and are in a safe condition.

Answer

Look for cuts and bulges, and check for at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre, all the way round.

Question 5

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Answer

Switch the lights on, turning on the ignition if needed, then walk round the car to check each one. You do not need to get out on the test.

Question 6

Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system.

Answer

A warning light on the dashboard comes on if the anti lock braking system has a fault.

Question 7

Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.

Answer

Switch on the hazard warning lights, turning on the ignition if needed, then walk round the car to check every indicator flashes.

Question 8

Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.

Answer

Press the brake pedal and check the reflection in a window or garage door, or ask someone to look.

Question 9

Tell me how you'd check the power assisted steering is working before a journey.

Answer

Keep gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine, and it should move slightly as the system starts. Heavy steering means the system may not be working.

Question 10

Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog lights and when you'd use them.

Answer

Switch on the dipped headlights, then the rear fog light switch, and check the warning light. Use rear fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres.

Question 11

Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and how you'd know main beam is on.

Answer

Operate the headlight switch with the dipped lights on, and a blue main beam warning light appears on the dashboard.

Question 12

Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has enough oil.

Answer

Find the dipstick or the dashboard oil level indicator, and check the oil sits between the minimum and maximum marks.

Question 13

Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has enough coolant.

Answer

Find the coolant header tank and check the level sits between the high and low marks.

Question 14

Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check you have a safe level of brake fluid.

Answer

Find the brake fluid reservoir and check the level sits between the high and low marks.

Question 15

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Answer

Operate the control that washes and wipes the rear windscreen.

Question 16

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

Answer

Operate the control that washes and wipes the front windscreen.

Question 17

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?

Answer

Operate the headlight switch to the dipped setting.

Question 18

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?

Answer

Press the rear demister switch.

Question 19

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?

Answer

Press the horn control, usually in the middle of the steering wheel.

Question 20

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?

Answer

Set the fan, temperature and air direction to the windscreen, and switch on the heated screen if the car has one.

Question 21

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?

Answer

Operate the window control to open the side window and close it again.

Question 22

Where is Sale driving test centre?

Answer

Sale driving test centre is at 36-38 Poplar Grove, Sale M33 7ER, between Alphabets Day Nursery and Poplar Garage, about 5 minutes from Sale town centre and the A56. The centre also runs ADI Part 2 and Part 3 tests for trainee driving instructors.

Question 23

What is the Sale test centre pass rate?

Answer

Sale's pass rate was 51.4% in 2025/26, from 10,921 car tests, 1.4 points above the 50.0% national average according to DVSA data. The Sale test centre pass rate for first time candidates was higher still, at 53.0%, and manual tests passed at 54.6%.

Question 24

Is Sale an easy test centre?

Answer

Sale is easier than most Greater Manchester centres, with a 51.4% pass rate in 2025/26, but almost half of candidates still fail. Bus lanes and speed limit changes on the A56 Washway Road, multi-lane roundabouts and parked cars on residential streets are where preparation pays off.

Question 25

Is there parking at Sale driving test centre?

Answer

Yes, Sale driving test centre has parking spaces for candidates, although no published source gives an exact number. Inside, the centre has male, female and disabled toilets, and the DVSA confirms wheelchair access. Arriving in your instructor's car keeps test morning simple.

Question 26

What are the Sale driving test routes?

Answer

Sale driving test routes are not published, but tests regularly use the A56 Washway Road, with its bus lanes and changing speed limits, plus multi-lane roundabouts and residential streets around Poplar Grove. Dual carriageway sections towards Altrincham can also feature, according to local driving schools.

Question 27

How long is the wait for a driving test at Sale?

Answer

In September 2026, learners who tested at Sale had typically booked about 18 weeks earlier, according to DVSA figures. Impulse intensive courses include test booking support, with a practical test date in 1 to 8 weeks, or your money back in full.

Question 28

Can I take an automatic driving test at Sale?

Answer

Yes. Automatic candidates at Sale passed at 45.1% in 2025/26 against 54.6% in manual cars, the third widest gap of the 9 centres Impulse covers. Extra practice on the roundabouts and the A56 is worth booking, and an automatic pass limits you to automatic cars.

Question 29

Is there a tram to Sale test centre?

Answer

Sale is on the Metrolink line between Manchester city centre and Altrincham, and the TfGM journey planner shows the best stop and walking route for Poplar Grove. Arriving in your instructor's dual control car is simpler, since you sit the test in that car anyway.

Question 30

Can Impulse book my driving test at Sale for me?

Answer

No. Booking and changing a test is now the learner's job alone, under DVSA rules from 2026 that also cap each booking at 2 changes. Impulse intensive courses include test booking support to help you secure a Sale date and plan your lessons around it.

Question 31

What happens if I fail my driving test at Sale?

Answer

If you fail at Sale, the examiner goes through your driving test report with you before you leave, and the next test date must be at least 10 working days away. Lessons then target the faults on that report, so the second attempt starts from a clear plan.

Year	Sale	National Average	Difference
2019–2020	46.8%	45.9%	+0.9 points
2020–2021	53.6%	49.8%	+3.8 points
2021–2022	49.4%	48.9%	+0.5 points
2022–2023	48.5%	48.4%	+0.1 points
2023–2024	47.6%	47.9%	-0.3 points
2024–2025	49.1%	48.7%	+0.4 points
2017 to 2018	50.9%	46.3%	4.6 points higher
2019 to 2020	48.7%	45.9%	2.8 points higher
2020 to 2021	58.2%	49.8%	8.4 points higher
2024 to 2025	49.1%	48.7%	0.4 points higher
2025 to 2026	51.4%	50.0%	1.4 points higher

Measure	Sale 2025/26
First attempt	53.0%
Manual tests	54.6%
Automatic tests	45.1%
Male learners	53.7%
Female learners	48.9%
17 year olds	65.1%
Faultless first passes	223

Fact	Details
Address	36-38 Poplar Grove, Sale M33 7ER
Location	About 5 minutes from Sale town centre and the A56
Tests offered	Car tests, plus the ADI Part 2 and Part 3 instructor tests
Parking	Spaces at the centre
Toilets	Male, female and disabled toilets
Wheelchair access	Yes, confirmed by the DVSA
How to book	gov.uk/book-driving-test, by the learner
DVSA phone	0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday
Nearest other Impulse centre	West Didsbury, about 3 miles away

No.	Road	What It Tests	How to Practise
1	Poplar Grove	Pulling out from the centre	Check both ways before emerging
2	Washway Road (A56)	Bus lanes and changing speed limits	Read every lane time and limit sign
3	A56 towards Altrincham	Dual carriageway sections	Hold a steady speed and lane
4	Multi-lane roundabouts	Lane choice with several exits	Choose your lane on approach
5	Sale town centre	Busy town centre traffic	Scan for pedestrians and buses
6	Residential streets	Parked cars and oncoming traffic	Keep your speed down near parked cars
7	Side roads off the A56	Emerging at busy junctions	Take a full look before pulling out
8	Quieter lanes	Bends and narrower roads	Adjust your speed before each bend
9	Broad Road	Mini roundabout ahead
10	Baguley Road	Left
11	Northenden Road	End of road right
12	Wythenshawe Road	Left
13	Sale Moor Village	Traffic light ahead

Ready If	Not Yet If
15 or fewer minors	Still need prompts
No serious faults	Serious faults in mocks
Confident on the A56	A56 traffic feels rushed
Manoeuvres right first time	Manoeuvres hit and miss
Roundabout lanes feel natural	Unsure of roundabout lanes

Test Centre	Distance	Pass Rate 2025/26	Tests 2025/26
Sale	This centre	51.4%	10,921
West Didsbury	About 3 miles	47.7%	17,806
Cheetham Hill	About 6.5 miles	44.7%	10,207
Bredbury	About 8 miles	56.0%	10,636

Sale Test Centre

Pass Rates, Local Roads and Practical Test Preparation

Pass Rate

National Average

Tests a Year

Automatic Pass Rate

Sale Test Centre Pass Rate

Sale Pass Rates by Learner, 2025/26

Sale Test Centre Location, Parking and Facilities

How to Get to Sale Test Centre

Pick Up Areas for Sale Tests

Sale Test Centre Location, Parking and Facilities

Sale Driving Test Routes and Roads to Practise

What to Expect on Your Sale Driving Test

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Are You Ready for Your Test?

Show Me Tell Me Questions for Your Sale Driving Test

Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Tell me where you'd find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how they should be checked.

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to give the best protection in a crash.

Tell me how you'd check the tyres have enough tread depth and are in a safe condition.

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system.

Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.

Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.

Tell me how you'd check the power assisted steering is working before a journey.

Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog lights and when you'd use them.

Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and how you'd know main beam is on.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has enough oil.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has enough coolant.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check you have a safe level of brake fluid.

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?

Learners Who Passed at Sale Test Centre

Driving Instructors Who Cover Sale Test Centre

Asad

Saify

Arshad

Saj

Syed

Hassan

Yasser

Saqib

Hamza

Ubaid

Gully

Ehtisham

Ahmed

Anmol

Faraz

Driving Lessons for Your Sale Driving Test

Pay As You Go Lessons

6 Hour Intensive Course

20 Hour Intensive Course

Pay As You Go Driving Lessons

Block Booking Driving Lessons

Driving Test Centres Near Sale

West Didsbury Driving Test Centre

Cheetham Hill Test Centre

Bredbury Driving Test Centre