What do I need to take to my driving test?
- Your driving licence
- Check you know where the original is. For an old-style paper licence, also take a valid passport. A Northern Ireland licence needs both the photocard and paper counterpart.
- Your theory pass certificate, if available
- If you have lost it, the examiner can check the pass. Losing the certificate does not mean you need to replace it before this test.
- Glasses or contact lenses, if needed
- Use the eyesight correction you need for driving. Do not leave glasses in a different bag or another car.
- A suitable test car
- Agree the car with your instructor or supervising driver. Check the practical arrangements rather than assuming the lesson car will be available.
A missing driving licence is different from a missing theory certificate. Do not assume a photo of your licence is an acceptable replacement. Arrange a replacement and, if necessary, move the test before the appointment.
Check the car before test day
An instructor will usually help with their car. If you are using your own, check these requirements in advance—not for the first time outside the test centre.
- Insurance covers the driving test, with tax and a current MOT where required.
- The car is roadworthy, with suitable tyres and no warning lights indicating a safety issue.
- Front and rear L plates are fitted, with an extra interior mirror for the examiner.
- The passenger seatbelt and head restraint are suitable, and the car model is permitted for the test.
- Any applicable safety recall has been resolved and the required proof is available.
Your own car does not need dual controls; a hire car does. If your model or equipment is unusual, check with the test centre before relying on it.
Once the practical arrangements are settled, learn the layout of that car’s wipers, demisters, lights and washers. The Show Me, Tell Me questions are much easier to prepare for when you can find the relevant control without searching.
The night-before checklist
This is a preparation routine, not another test to pass. Keep it short enough to actually use.
Put the documents together
Choose one place for your licence and anything else you need. Check your booking for the right date, time and test centre; similarly named centres can be easy to confuse.
Agree the journey
Confirm who is taking you, which car you are using and where you will meet. Plan enough time for travel and follow the arrival instructions on your booking.
Resolve support arrangements early
If you need an adjustment because of a disability, health condition or learning difficulty, tell the test service in advance. The driving standard is the same, but the way the test is delivered can be adapted.
Finish revision at a sensible point
Revisit one familiar routine rather than cramming several new techniques. If nerves are making you overthink, use the test-nerves guide to plan how you will reset your attention.
If bad weather may affect the appointment, use the test-centre contact details on your booking to check what to do. Do not assume the test has been cancelled because conditions look poor at home.
What happens during the practical test?
Eyesight and safety questions
You read a number plate, answer a “tell me” question before driving and complete a “show me” task on the road.
General and independent driving
You drive for around 35 minutes. For 20–35 minutes, you follow sat nav, road signs or both. Motorways are not part of this test.
Stopping and moving off
Expect roadside stops, a hill start and moving out from behind a parked vehicle. You may also be asked for an emergency stop.
One reversing exercise
This can be parallel parking, bay parking or pulling up on the right and reversing about two car lengths.
The format is the same for manual and automatic cars. For the preparation behind each skill, use the practical driving guides and parking and manoeuvre guides.
If something goes wrong, return your attention to the road. Trying to count faults while driving creates another distraction; wait for the examiner’s result.
Plan the journey home too
Ask your instructor or supervising driver to handle the drive home if you expect to be tired or emotional. If you pass and want to drive yourself, check that your insurance covers you without supervision first. A learner policy may not.
If you do not pass, take time to understand the fault categories before deciding what to practise. You do not need to turn the result into a new plan in the test-centre car park.
Common test-day questions
Do I need my theory test pass certificate?
Bring it if you have it. If it is lost, you do not need a replacement: the examiner can check your theory pass before the driving test.
What if I have a paper driving licence?
Bring your paper licence and a valid passport. If your licence is from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart.
Can I use my own car for the driving test?
Yes, if it meets the test-car requirements. Confirm test insurance, roadworthiness and equipment in advance. Your own car does not need dual controls, but a hire car does.
How long will I be driving?
Around 35 minutes for the standard car test, including 20–35 minutes of independent driving. Allow additional time for the checks, questions and result.
What if I go the wrong way?
Keep driving safely. A wrong turn itself is not a fault; the examiner will help you return to the route. Do not make a rushed turn or lane change to recover a missed direction.