Best Places to Test Drive a Ford in the East Midlands

If you’re considering a new or used Ford, there’s no substitute for getting behind the wheel. The East Midlands is full of great spots to test drive your next Ford, whether you're in the city, on the edge of the countryside, or somewhere in between. At Sandicliffe, we want to help you make the best choice, so here’s our guide to where (and how) to test drive a Ford in the region.

Why Sandicliffe is a Great Starting Point

• Convenient Locations: We have Ford dealerships in Nottingham, Loughborough, and Leicester, making it easy to find a test drive near you.

• Wide Selection: From brand-new models to approved used vehicles, we’ve got the full Ford lineup ready to test.

• Experienced Team: Our staff are here to help you understand features, compare models, and answer any questions you have.

• Comprehensive Support: Test drive today, and if you choose your Ford, we’re here for MOTs, servicing, and after-sales care too.

If you're ready to try a Ford, booking a test drive with Sandicliffe means you're in safe hands from the very first mile.

What Makes a Great Test Drive Route

Not all test drives are equal. Here’s what to look for in a great test drive:

• Varied Road Types
  Try to include city streets, suburban roads, and open stretches like dual carriageways or motorways. Each brings out different strengths and quirks in a car.

• Time Behind the Wheel
  Aim for at least 15–20 minutes so you can get a real feel for the driving position, comfort, noise levels, and responsiveness.

• Different Conditions
  Test start-stop traffic, smooth cruising, and a few tight turns. If you can find a hilly section, that’s great too—especially for checking torque and gear performance.

• Practical Checks
  Look at boot space, rear legroom, visibility, storage compartments, seat adjustment—anything that matters to your day-to-day driving.

• Ask Questions
  Don’t hold back. Ask about economy, servicing costs, tech features, and anything you’re unsure about. We’re always happy to walk you through the details.

Recommended Test Drive Routes Near Sandicliffe Dealerships

Here are some of our favourite areas to drive when testing out a Ford from one of our locations:

Nottingham (Abbeyfield Road)
Head out on the A52 to get a feel for motorway driving, then loop through Woodborough or Bestwood for quiet country lanes and village streets.

Leicester (Welford Road)
A drive toward Oadby or out on the A47 gives you both suburban traffic and faster-flowing roads. Head through Charnwood Forest for a scenic route with plenty of bends.

Loughborough (Derby Road)
Head toward Shepshed or Burton on the Wolds for quieter country routes. You'll also be able to swing back through town to check visibility and handling in tighter spaces.

Final Thoughts

A test drive is more than just a box-tick, it’s your best opportunity to really see if a car suits your lifestyle. At Sandicliffe, we offer expert support, local knowledge, and a wide range of Ford vehicles to help you make the right decision. Whether you’re looking for your first car, upgrading to a family SUV, or exploring electric for the first time, there’s no better place in the East Midlands to start your journey.

Book your Ford test drive with Sandicliffe today and see how the right car can transform your everyday driving.