Original Published Test Routes
Step-by-step directions for all 3 original DVSA-published routes from The Pier, Castlebay.
S
DTC
Start from test centre
2
Slip Rd
At end of road, turn left
3
Main Rd
At end of road, turn left
4
Black Shieling
Turn left
5
Castlebay
Turn right
6
St Brendan Rd
At end of road, turn right
7
Towards Main Rd
At end of road, turn right
8
Main Rd / Castlebay Village
Turn left
9
Gleann Rd
Turn right
10
Glen Rd
At end of road, turn right
11
Main Rd
Turn left
12
Garrygal Rd
At end of road, turn right
13
Main Rd
Turn left
14
Towards Harbour
F
DTC
Return to test centre
This route is based on older published data. Get the current verified version on the app — with satnav navigation.
S
DTC
Start from test centre
2
Slip Rd
At end of road, turn right
3
Main Rd
Turn left
4
Gleann Rd
Turn right
5
Glen Rd
At end of road, turn left
6
Main Rd
Turn left
7
Garrygal Rd
At end of road, turn right
8
Main Rd
Turn left
9
Nasg Rd
At end of road, turn right
10
Main Rd
Turn right
11
Towards Housing Scheme
Turn right
12
St Brendan Rd
At end of road, turn right
13
Towards Main Rd
At end of road, turn left
14
Out of Town
Turn left
15
To Vatersay
At end of road, turn right
16
To Castlebay
Turn right
17
To Harbour
F
DTC
Return to test centre
This route is based on older published data. Get the current verified version on the app — with satnav navigation.
S
DTC
Start from test centre
2
Slip Rd
At end of road, turn left
3
Main Rd / Black Shieling
Turn left
4
Castlebay
Turn right
5
To Nasg & Vatersay
Go ahead
6
Causeway
At end of road, turn right
7
Towards Town
Turn right
8
Towards Housing scheme
Turn right
9
St Brendan Rd
At end of road, turn right
10
Towards Main Rd
At end of road, turn right
11
Main Rd
Go ahead
12
Castlebay Village
Take the 2nd right
13
Garrygal Rd
At end of road, turn right
14
Main Rd
Turn left
15
Towards Harbour
F
DTC
Return to test centre
This route is based on older published data. Get the current verified version on the app — with satnav navigation.
Route & Road Guide
Road Type Split
Approximate breakdown based on road names and instructions across all 3 routes.
Residential
100%
What to Expect at Barra
- Familiarise yourself with Garrygal Rd, Main Rd and Slip Rd before your test — they come up repeatedly across the routes and knowing their junctions and speed limits will save you on the day.
Tricky Spots on the Barra Test
Junctions and road sections that appear frequently and catch learners out.
1
Expect Lots of "End of Road" Turns
The routes include several T-junctions where you’ll be turning at the end of the road - sometimes right, sometimes left. These happen frequently around the test centre, Black Shieling, and Gleann Road. It's the same process every time... slow down early, look carefully, and make safe decisions without rushing.
2
Driving Through Castlebay Village
You'll spend a good portion of your test navigating Castlebay. Roads here can be narrow, with parked vehicles, bends, and pedestrians to consider at all times of the day. Give yourself plenty of time and space when meeting other traffic.
3
Causeway to Vatersay
Some routes take you across the causeway towards Vatersay. This area is more rural, with fewer road markings. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your awareness, proper use of speed, and hazard anticipation.
4
St Brendan Road Loop - Multiple Turns
One common loop includes a sequence of right turns into and out of St Brendan Road. It's a good test of your planning and 'mirror-signal-manoeuvre' routine. Make sure to maintain your lane discipline at all times, and look out for oncoming traffic as you navigate the tighter turns.
Most Frequent Roads
These roads appear across the most routes — be sure to practise them.
| Road | Routes | Frequency | Typical Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garrygal Rd | 3 / 3 | Left turn | |
| Main Rd | 3 / 3 | Left turn | |
| Slip Rd | 3 / 3 | Left turn | |
| St Brendan Rd | 3 / 3 | Right turn | |
| Towards Main Rd | 3 / 3 | Right turn | |
| Castlebay | 2 / 3 | Right turn | |
| Gleann Rd | 2 / 3 | Right turn | |
| Glen Rd | 2 / 3 | Right turn | |
| Towards Harbour | 2 / 3 | Straight ahead | |
| Towards Housing Scheme | 2 / 3 | Right turn |
Barra Test Centre
Address
Barra Driving Test Centre
The Pier, Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD
The Pier, Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD
Phone
Amenities
Disabled Access
Parking
Toilets
Tests Offered
Car
Opening Hours
- Mon 8:00–16:00
- Tue 8:00–16:00
- Wed 8:00–16:00
- Thu 8:00–16:00
- Fri 8:00–16:00
- Sat Closed
- Sun Closed
Pass Rate
%
vs 47.9% national average
Waiting Time
wks
Latest DVSA data
Routes Available
3
Car
Avg Route Length
16
Steps (15–18 range)