Key points
- The A45 appears on Garretts Green and South Yardley test routes.
- Sprint bus lanes run along the A45 — check the times on the signs.
- A temporary 30mph applies near the airport from August 2026.
- HS2 passes under the A45 near Stonebridge; overnight closures happen.
The A45 Coventry Road is north Solihull's main artery: Birmingham to the airport, the NEC, Resorts World and on towards Coventry. It's on reported test routes from Garretts Green and South Yardley, and it's where many north Solihull learners first drive a fast dual carriageway.
Sprint bus lanes
The A45 is part of the Sprint bus corridor linking Walsall, Birmingham, Solihull and the airport. Phase 1 added extended bus lanes and bus-priority signals. Phase 2 on the Birmingham side, between Wagon Lane and Gilberstone Avenue in Sheldon, turns one general traffic lane into a bus lane, with works due to finish by autumn 2026. Bus lanes have times on the blue signs — read them every time.
Speed limits around the airport
Limits here change with the roadworks. Solihull Council made a temporary 30mph order on the A45, Damson Parkway and Terminal Road from about August 2026, running to the start of the 50mph section east of the works. Earlier temporary orders set 30mph around Clock Interchange (2024) and 40mph near the airport (2025). The lesson for test day: the sign beats your memory.
Clock Interchange and the new A4545
The new A4545 dual carriageway from M42 junction 5A meets the A45 at Clock Interchange. See our M42 junctions guide.
HS2 at Stonebridge
HS2 passes under the A45 near Stonebridge and has carried out overnight A45 closures near Bickenhill. Plans also change accesses at Stonebridge Island (A45/A452/A446). See our A452 and HS2 guide.
Learner tips for the A45
- Use the whole slip road to match speed before merging.
- Expect drivers who don't know the area — airport and NEC traffic.
- Watch for buses using bus-priority signals.
- Keep left unless overtaking.
Checked October 2026 — roadworks and temporary limits change often; always obey the signs on the day.
SQ Driving School is part of DriveSQ
Lessons in Solihull are run by SQ Driving School and DriveSQ together — the same instructors, prices and Student Portal. More from DriveSQ:
- DriveSQ driving school in Solihull — Meet the DriveSQ Solihull team, the Student Portal and how lessons work.
- Solihull driving test pass rates 2026 — Every test centre near Solihull ranked, with what the numbers mean.
- Driving instructor jobs in Solihull — Teach with DriveSQ: pupils matched by postcode, Instructor Portal.
DriveSQ Student Portal
Every SQ Driving School learner — in Solihull as well as Greater Manchester — gets the DriveSQ Student Portal free, so you always know exactly how close you are to test standard.
- 23 driving skills tracked after every lesson
- Theory library and 50-question mock tests
- Test-readiness checklist and instructor messaging
DriveSQ Instructor Portal
DriveSQ is growing in Solihull and taking on more ADIs. New learners are matched to you by postcode, and your whole diary runs in the DriveSQ Instructor Portal.
- New Solihull learners matched by postcode
- Bookings, progress and messaging in one place
- Part of DriveSQ — an established Manchester driving school
Frequently asked questions
What is the speed limit on the A45 by Birmingham Airport?
Are there bus lanes on the A45?
Is the A45 on the Garretts Green driving test?
Do you teach on this road?
Sources
- TfWM — Sprint
- TfWM — A45 Sprint works
- Solihull Council — A45 / Damson Parkway 30mph order (2026)
- HS2 — A45 overnight closures near Bickenhill
- National Highways — M42 junction 6 improvement
Published by SQ Driving School, a brand owned and managed by DriveSQ. Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and test centres change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.