Orkney test routes

Test routes › Orkney

Practice routes around Orkney driving test centre: how long they are, the roads they use, roundabouts and speed limits.

In short: Orkney has 10 practice routes. A typical route is 11.2 miles and takes about 32 minutes (7.1–12.9 miles, 27–46 minutes). Expect about 5 roundabouts per route, fewer than 59% of UK test centres. Most of the driving is at 30 mph (100%), and the roads used most are Sparrowhawk Road and Seafire Road.

Updated 10 September 2026 · Source: the practice routes in the Driving Test Routes app. How these figures work

Orkney test routes at a glance

Roads that come up most around Orkney

How many of the 10 practice routes use each road.

• Sparrowhawk Road10 of 10
• Seafire Road10 of 10
• Grainshore Road10 of 10
• Ayre Road10 of 10
• Junction Road9 of 10
• Harbour Street9 of 10
• Carness Road6 of 10
• Wellington Street6 of 10

Speed limits on the Orkney routes

Share of the driving distance at each limit.

• 30 mph100%

What to practise for Orkney

• Roundabouts: about 5 per route, close to the middle of UK centres.
• Mostly 30 mph town driving (100%). Expect parked cars, pedestrian crossings and bus lanes.
• Longer drives: a typical route takes 32 minutes, so build stamina with full-length practice sessions.

Test centres near Orkney

• Thurso test routes · 34.1 miles
• Wick test routes · 37.6 miles
• Golspie test routes · 79.0 miles
• Buckie test routes · 90.8 miles
• Banff test routes · 92.9 miles
• Elgin test routes · 93.3 miles

Orkney test routes: questions