The Practical Driving Test Checklist
Prepare your documents, car and test-day routine so a small oversight does not stop you from taking your practical driving test.
Essential test-day requirements
Your test may not go ahead if you do not bring the correct licence or if the vehicle does not meet DVSA requirements.
-
Your UK driving licence
Take your provisional photocard licence with you.
-
Your theory-test pass certificate, if available
Take it if you still have it. You do not need to obtain a replacement solely for the practical test if it has been lost.
-
A suitable test vehicle
This is normally your instructor’s car, although you may use another car if it meets all DVSA test requirements.
-
An extra interior mirror for the examiner
This is required when using your own car or another privately supplied vehicle.
-
Your glasses or contact lenses
Bring and wear them if you need them to meet the legal eyesight standard.
Prepare before test day
Check your appointment
Confirm the test date, time and centre using your booking confirmation.
Prepare your licence
Put your photocard licence somewhere safe and easy to remember.
Get enough rest
Aim for a normal night’s sleep rather than trying to revise everything at the last minute.
Plan your food and drink
Eat normally, stay hydrated and avoid relying on excessive caffeine or energy drinks.
What happens before the test begins?
Your instructor may arrange timings slightly differently, but this is a typical test-day sequence.
Final warm-up lesson
Many learners have a lesson before the test. Use it to settle into the car, revisit familiar routines and address any final concerns.
This is not the ideal time to learn a completely new skill or chase perfection. Focus on calm, safe and familiar driving.
Arrive at the test centre
Aim to arrive around five minutes before your appointment. Follow any signs or instructions for parking and waiting at that particular centre.
Arriving too early can cause congestion where test-centre parking is limited.
Meet the driving examiner
The examiner will call your name, check your licence and explain the beginning of the test.
You can ask your instructor or supervising driver to sit in the back and observe, provided they follow the examiner’s rules.
The first few minutes of the test
The examiner will carry out a small number of checks before the main driving assessment begins.
Eyesight check
You will normally be asked to read a modern number plate from 20 metres away.
The test will end if you cannot complete the eyesight check.“Tell me” question
Before driving, the examiner will ask one vehicle-safety question requiring you to explain how you would complete a check.
A second “show me” question is asked while you are driving.Check that your car meets the rules
DVSA does not provide a car for the practical driving test. Your vehicle must be suitable, insured and roadworthy.
- Correctly insured for a driving test
- Taxed and fitted with a current MOT where required
- Roadworthy with no relevant dashboard warning lights
- Legal tyres with no damage or space-saver spare fitted
- Clearly displayed L plates, or D plates where permitted in Wales
- Extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner
- Passenger seatbelt and suitable head restraint
- Able to reach at least 62mph with an mph speedometer
Your test may be cancelled
The examiner can refuse to conduct the test if the vehicle does not meet the requirements. You may also lose the test fee.
What to expect during your practical test
Normal road driving
You will drive on a mixture of suitable roads while the examiner assesses your control, observations, planning and decisions.
Independent driving
Part of the test will involve following directions from a sat nav or road signs.
One manoeuvre
You will be asked to complete one reversing or parking manoeuvre.
Possible emergency stop
Some candidates will be asked to demonstrate an emergency stop.
“Show me” question
You will demonstrate one vehicle-safety operation while driving.
Examiner notes
The examiner may make notes throughout the drive. This does not automatically mean you have made a fault.
You do not need to drive perfectly
Concentrate on making safe decisions and responding appropriately to each situation.
A small mistake does not necessarily mean you have failed. Avoid replaying it in your head while you are still driving.
Your result and feedback
The examiner will tell you whether you have passed and explain any faults recorded during the test.
You may ask your instructor to listen to the feedback, even if they did not accompany you during the drive.
Recommended learner-driver reading
These books may help you revise road knowledge and reinforce what you learn during your driving lessons.
Driving: The Essential Skills
Practical guidance covering the skills and knowledge needed for safe independent driving.
View on AmazonThe Highway Code
Essential rules, road signs and legal guidance for learners and qualified drivers.
View on AmazonOfficial DVSA Learning Essentials Pack
A collection of theory revision and hazard-perception resources for learner drivers.
View on AmazonSome links in this section are affiliate links. Andrew’s Driving School may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.