Starting from Glasgow, head southeast via the M74 motorway. Exit at Junction 7 and follow signs for Lanark, taking the A72. This route typically takes about an hour, depending on traffic. If departing from Edinburgh, the A70 leads west directly to Lanark, passing through open, rolling countryside, so a camera is worth having ready along the way.
Public transport options include train services from Glasgow Central Station to Lanark, operated by ScotRail, with frequent schedules and a journey of roughly an hour, making the train a realistic option for candidates without easy access to a car on test day. For those travelling by bus, Stuart’s Coaches operate services from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow.
Once in Lanark, New Lanark World Heritage Site is a significant landmark to explore, known for its rich industrial history, and worth building extra time around if combining the test with a visit. Lanark Loch provides a serene backdrop for a leisurely walk to settle pre-test nerves. Parking is generally available in the town centre or at key attractions, but weekends can be busier, so a weekday appointment tends to be the easier option for parking alone.
Whichever category is booked, the shape of a DVSA test at Lanark follows a similar pattern: safety questions, a period of general driving that mixes the B-roads towards New Lanark with faster A72 sections, one set manoeuvre, and an independent driving phase using either road signs or a sat nav. Because the roads around Lanark shift so quickly from rural to urban, examiners often use this contrast deliberately, testing speed judgement on the open stretches and closer observation once back in the town centre. Lorry and motorcycle tests follow their own category-specific manoeuvres in place of the standard car exercises, but the same core assessment of hazard awareness and vehicle control applies across all three categories tested at this site.
Local taxis are a viable option for short rides within the town or out to nearby Kirkfieldbank, which suits candidates from Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood who would rather not drive themselves to a test they have not yet passed. Some rural roads around Lanark lack clear signage, so carrying a map or offline GPS device is sensible, and it is always worth checking for winter travel disruption before heading out from Biggar or further afield.
Page reviewed and updated 17 July 2026.