Portsmouth

Complete, step-by-step guide on how to reach the Portsmouth Life in the UK Test Centre 🇬🇧 — including travel routes (car 🚗, train 🚆, bus 🚌), parking 🅿️ and how to pay, how to locate the building 🏢, and a Quick Summary Checklist at the end 👇.

📍 Life in the UK Test Centre – Portsmouth

📌 Centre Name:
PSI Portsmouth – Life in the UK Test Centre
🏢 Address: 102 Clarendon Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 0SY, UK 🇬🇧 

📞 Test Helpline: 0800 015 4245 (Mon–Fri, official support) 

✔️ Facilities:
• Wheelchair access ♿
• Guide dog friendly 🐶 

The centre is in Southsea, a walkable residential / seaside area just south of Portsmouth city centre. 

🚗 1. By Car 🚗

🛣️ Driving Directions

• Portsmouth is reached via the M27/M275 motorway network — follow signs for Southsea / Clarence Esplanade toward the seafront.

• Enter PO4 0SY into your GPS/Google Maps to reach Clarendon Road. 

🅿️ Parking 🅿️ – Where & How

❗ Parking on or very near the test centre is limited, so plan your spot early. 

📍 1. On-Street Parking (Closest)

🅿️ Spaces are available on Eastern Villas Road and nearby residential roads — but these aren’t guaranteed and often fill up early. 

📍 2. Pyramids Car Park (Best Nearby Option)

✔️ ~650 m south-west of the test centre (~8–10 min walk) 
💷 ~£3.10 for 2 hrs — enough for test + walking time 
📍 From Pyramids:
➡️ Head east on Clarence Esplanade → turn left up Burgoyne Road → at the roundabout turn right onto Clarendon Road → venue is a short walk along Clarendon Road. 

💳 Payment:
✔️ Most car parks accept card/contactless or mobile payment apps — check signage on arrival. (General parking guidance)

💡 Tip: Arrive ~30 min early if driving so you have time to park and walk.

🚆 2. By Train 🚆

🚉 Nearest Stations

✔️ Portsmouth & Southsea Station — main station with frequent services from London, Brighton, Southampton, etc. 
✔️ Fratton Station — slightly closer in distance, but fewer direct services than Portsmouth & Southsea.

🚍 Train + Bus (Recommended)

From Portsmouth & Southsea station:

1. Exit the station toward City Shops South bus stop (just opposite Sainsbury’s Local on Commercial Road). 

2. Take bus number 23 (Southsea service) toward The Strand. 

3. Get off at The Strand stop.

4. Walk ~2 min to Clarendon Road and the test centre. 

🚶 Total travel time: ~15–20 min including bus journey. 

🚌 3. By Bus 🚌

Portsmouth’s local bus network stops close to Clarendon Road: 

🚏 Recommended Bus Stops (all ~5–6 min walk)

✔️ Clarendon Road stop
✔️ The Strand stop
✔️ South Parade Pier stop 

🚌 How to Pay on Bus:
✔️ Contactless card/phone tap is widely accepted 💳
✔️ Some operators may offer app tickets — check local bus operator apps before travelling.

📍 From any of the above stops, walk to 102 Clarendon Road — the centre is easy to reach on foot within minutes. 

🏢 4. Locating the Building 🏢

📍 PSI Portsmouth is in a white house-style building with black doors/windows along Clarendon Road in Southsea. 
✔️ It’s part of a row of units next to Everell Court flats, and opposite Zumos wellbeing centre — good landmarks to look for. 

🧭 On arrival:
✔️ Enter the building from the street.
✔️ Look for Life in the UK Test / PSI signage near the entrance. 
✔️ Staff will guide you to the test reception area.

🦽 Accessibility: Wheelchair access and guide dog support available. 

📝 Tips Before You Travel

✔️ Arrive 15–30 min early for check-in and ID checks 📄 — this is recommended for all test centres.
✔️ Bring your photo ID used to book the test (passport/BRP). (GOV.UK)
✔️ If you’re driving, allow extra time to find parking 🅿️.
✔️ Check bus and train times live — services can vary by day/time. 📱

✅ Quick Summary (Easy Checklist) ✔️

📍 Test Centre:
PSI Portsmouth – 102 Clarendon Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 0SY 🇬🇧 

🚗 By Car

✔️ Use PO4 0SY in satnav 🚗
✔️ Try on-street parking on Eastern Villas Road 🅿️
✔️ Best nearby: Pyramids Car Park (~650 m) 🅿️
✔️ Pay with card/contactless/RingGo 💳

🚆 By Train

✔️ Portsmouth & Southsea Station 🚆
✔️ Walk to City Shops South bus stop 🚌
✔️ Take bus 23 to The Strand → walk to Clarendon Rd 🚶

🚌 By Bus

✔️ Get off at Clarendon Road / The Strand / South Parade Pier 🚏
✔️ Walk ~5 min to test centre 🚶
✔️ Tap contactless card/phone to pay 💳

🏢 Finding the Building

✔️ Look for white building with black doors/frames 🏢
✔️ Next to Everell Court flats and opposite Zumos wellbeing centre
✔️ Accessible entrance & clear signage 

⏱️ Test Day Tips

✔️ Arrive 15–30 min early ⏱️
✔️ Bring photo ID used in booking 📄
✔️ Leave extra time for transport delays or parking 🚦