Maidstone

Complete, detailed guide on how to reach the Maidstone Life in the UK Test Centre 🇬🇧 — including exact address 📍, travel options 🚗🚆🚌, parking 🅿️ and payment, how to locate the building 🏢, plus a Quick Summary Checklist at the end 👇

📍 Life in the UK Test Centre — Maidstone

📌 Test Centre Name: Synod Solutions Ltd — Maidstone Life in the UK Test Centre
🏢 Address: 114 Kestrel House, First Floor, Knightrider Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6LU, UK 🇬🇧

✔️ Facilities include wheelchair access, lifts, and on‑site parking 🅿️ 

🚗 1. By Car (Driving & Parking)

🛣️ Driving Directions

• Maidstone is in Kent, south of London.

• If you’re driving, use the M20 motorway — exit toward Maidstone town centre.

• Follow signs toward A249 / A229 / A20, then head to Knightrider Street near the town centre.

• Enter ME15 6LU in your satnav / Google Maps for accurate directions. 

🅿️ Parking

🚗 On‑Site Parking:
✔️ There is ample on‑site parking directly at Kestrel House — this is the easiest and most convenient option on test day.

📍 Alternative / Nearby Parking:
If on‑site parking is full, you can check local parking apps (Parkopedia) or use Maidstone’s town centre car parks (such as for shopping areas), but these may have time limits or charges.

💳 How to Pay for Parking:
✔️ At the parking machines using card or cash
✔️ Some car parks accept mobile app payment (RingGo / PayByPhone) — check signage on arrival.

⚠️ Tip: Try to arrive at least 30 minutes early if you’re driving, to secure a space and avoid stress. 👌

🚌 2. By Bus (Public Transport)

🚌 Maidstone has a good local bus network with frequent routes — many stop close to the test centre.

🚏 Recommended Bus Stops

Aim to arrive at one of the following stops — all are around 5–6 minutes’ walk from Kestrel House: 

📍 Lower Stone Street
📍 College Avenue
📍 Crompton Gardens

📍 Maidstone Bus Station is also just ~500 m north of the centre — a very easy walk.

💳 How to Pay on Buses:
✔️ Contactless card/phone payment
✔️ Local bus tickets or apps — depends on operator

🚶 From Bus Stop to Test Centre:

• Walk along Knightrider Street from any of the above stops, following local signs to Kestrel House. 

🚆 3. By Train (Rail Travel)

🚉 Closest Train Station

📌 Maidstone West Station — the nearest to the test centre. It’s about 1 km (10 min walk) to Kestrel House. 

👣 Walking from Maidstone West

1. Exit the station and walk east along Hart Street.

2. Turn onto Barker Road and cross the River Medway.

3. Continue on Old College Horseway → merge onto Knightrider Street.

4. Kestrel House will be ahead on your right.
   🕐 This walk takes about 10 minutes.

🚕 Alternative: Take a short taxi from Maidstone West if you prefer not to walk.

⚠️ Note: There are no direct buses from Maidstone West to near the test centre, so walking or taxi/bus combination is recommended.

🏢 4. Finding the Test Centre Building 🏢

📍 Kestrel House is a light orange‑brick commercial building on Knightrider Street, easy to spot and signposted locally. 

🧭 How to Locate It
✔️ Look for “Kestrel House” signage at street level — the test centre is on the 1st floor.
✔️ Enter the building, and use the lift (elevator) if needed to reach the test floor.
✔️ Staff or reception will show you to the Life in the UK Test check‑in area.

🦽 Accessibility:
The centre has wheelchair access and is guide‑dog friendly.

💡 Tips Before You Travel

✔️ Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled test time.
✔️ Bring the photo ID you used to book (passport, BRP, etc.) — required for entry. (GOV.UK)
✔️ Check live bus and train times before you travel to avoid delays.

📝 Quick Summary (Easy Checklist) ✔️

📍 Test Centre Address:
Synod Solutions Ltd, 114 Kestrel House, First Floor, Knightrider Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6LU 🇬🇧

🚗 By Car

✔️ Use ME15 6LU in satnav
✔️ On‑site parking available 🅿️
✔️ Pay at machines or app 💳
✔️ Arrive ~30 min early to secure a space

🚌 By Bus

✔️ Key stops: Lower Stone Street, College Avenue, Crompton Gardens 🚏
✔️ Maidstone Bus Station ~500 m walk 🚶
✔️ Contactless card/phone payment accepted 💳

🚆 By Train

✔️ Maidstone West Station — ~10 min walk 🚶
✔️ Walk via Hart Street → Barker Road → Old College Horseway → Knightrider Street

🏢 Finding the Centre

✔️ Look for Kestrel House sign 🏢
✔️ Go to 1st floor via lift 🛗
✔️ Wheelchair accessible & guide‑dog friendly 🐶♿

⏱️ Test Day Tips

✔️ Arrive 15–20 min early ⏱️
✔️ Bring valid photo ID 📄
✔️ Plan your route ahead 🚦