Learning to drive is a challenging thing at the best of times. Getting to grips with a new and dangerous machine is not as easy as some people make it out to be; the average driving test pass rate for new drivers in the UK is below 50% for a reason.
Even after you pass, you are not entirely out of the woods. Knowing the way the UK’s road systems are supposed to work is one thing, but putting it into practice is another entirely. Add into the mix the unique challenges that certain urban areas provide, and driving becomes a purgatorial chore.
Every driver in the UK has their own least favourite place to drive – and usually, it is a city. If you find yourself having difficulties getting to grips with city driving, it may not be your fault! Here, we’ll look at some key examples of the hardest cities in which to drive, and what makes them so.
Bristol
Picture the scene: you’re in Bristol, you’re a student and you’ve just noticed a brand new Vauxhall Corsa for sale. You’re thinking about booking in for a test drive, and making life a little easier in the process. But is Bristol a pleasant place to do this?
The answer: a resounding ‘no’. Bristol is a bustling city, with bustling traffic to prove it. Navigating complex junctions amidst commuter traffic near Temple Meads is an exercise in both patience and luck. Even if you were somewhat familiar with the lay of the land in Bristol, recent changes to road layouts have made navigating harder than ever.
Leeds is a thriving, compact Northern city that contains multitudes. Its nightlife, culture and dedication to grassroots music are unparalleled – as is the arcane nature of driving in its built-up areas.
Leeds city centre is a troubling network of one-way streets and obtuse junctions; getting around the city is largely dictated by a huge ring road that encircles it. Perennial roadworks close off vital routes in and out, sometimes trapping you in endless loops of high traffic, temporary lights and right of way. New pedestrianised areas and new limitations on city driving are great for pedestrians, but have also added bus gates to once-popular routes – bus routes that incur fines if crossed.
Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the UK’s crowning glories for frustrating urban driving. It is a deceptively large and extremely busy city, with a complex road network that rewards mistakes with complete loss of any sense of direction. The city is home to both motorways and major A roads, which can be intimidating to navigate between for newer drivers. Birmingham is also known for its heavy traffic, which makes even driving through it with knowledge and confidence a time-consuming experience.
From narrow streets to complex road networks and heavy traffic, each city has its own unique challenges. If you’re planning to drive in any of these cities, consider not doing that – or alternatively, come prepared and be prepared to take your time.