Use this driving-test checklist to prepare your documents, vehicle, journey and final driving practice before test day.
Work through each section in advance so avoidable problems do not disrupt your practical driving test.
Preparing for a practical driving test involves more than practising roads near the test centre. You also need the correct documents, a suitable vehicle, clear travel arrangements and enough experience to drive safely without continuous help.
This checklist is intended for car practical tests in Great Britain. Always follow the latest instructions in your official booking confirmation and check current GOV.UK guidance before your appointment.
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Check your driving licence
You must take your UK driving licence to your practical test.
Before test day:
- locate the physical licence;
- check that the photograph and details are readable;
- do not assume a photograph or digital copy will replace it;
- check your booking confirmation for any additional instructions; and
- deal with a lost, stolen or damaged licence as early as possible.
If you have a paper licence rather than a photocard, check the current official requirements because you may also need to take a valid passport.
Check what to take to your driving test
Theory-test pass certificate
Take your theory-test pass certificate if you have it.
Keep it with your driving licence and booking information so that everything is ready before you leave.
Do not delay your arrival while searching for documents on the morning of the test.
Eyesight preparation
At the beginning of the test, you will normally be asked to read a vehicle number plate from the required distance.
- Wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them to meet the driving eyesight standard.
- Bring a spare pair where practical.
- Make sure your glasses are clean and comfortable.
- Arrange an eye test if you are unsure about your vision.
- Do not rely on squinting or guessing.
If you need corrective lenses to pass the eyesight check, you must continue wearing them while driving.
Confirm your test vehicle
Most learners use their instructor’s tuition vehicle.
Confirm:
- that the vehicle is available for your appointment;
- that your instructor has agreed to its use;
- the lesson and test-day arrangements;
- the meeting time and location;
- the test-day price;
- what happens if the DVSA appointment changes;
- what happens if you become unwell; and
- what happens if the instructor believes the vehicle should not be used.
An instructor remains responsible for their vehicle and may need to assess your driving before agreeing to provide it for the test.
Using your own car for the test
You can use your own car if it meets the current DVSA rules.
The vehicle must be:
- taxed;
- insured for a driving test;
- roadworthy;
- covered by a current MOT where required;
- free from tyre damage or illegal tread;
- free from warning lights showing a safety fault;
- fitted with working seat belts;
- fitted with a suitable passenger head restraint;
- fitted with an additional interior rear-view mirror for the examiner;
- displaying L plates correctly;
- clean enough for the examiner to use safely; and
- free from smoke immediately before and during the test.
Some vehicle models may be unsuitable or subject to additional requirements. Check the current rules before relying on a private car.
Check the official rules for using your own car
Vehicle checks before test day
- Check tyre tread, condition and pressure.
- Check fuel or battery charge.
- Check oil and coolant where appropriate.
- Check headlights and rear lights.
- Check brake lights.
- Check indicators and hazard lights.
- Check windscreen washers and wipers.
- Clean the windows and mirrors.
- Check that number plates are clean and readable.
- Check the horn.
- Check seat adjustment.
- Check head restraints.
- Check seat belts.
- Check that dashboard warning lights go out normally.
- Remove unnecessary clutter.
Do not wait until you are outside the test centre to discover a preventable vehicle problem.
Plan your journey
- Confirm the full test-centre address.
- Identify the correct entrance.
- Check the likely journey time.
- Allow for rush-hour traffic.
- Check roadworks and closures.
- Know where you will meet your instructor.
- Allow time for a calm arrival.
- Avoid arriving so early that you obstruct the centre.
A test centre may share a business park or site with other organisations. Follow local signs and instructions.
Your final driving lessons
Use your final lessons to identify weaknesses rather than trying to create the appearance of a perfect drive.
Review:
- junction observations;
- mirror use;
- moving off safely;
- lane discipline;
- roundabouts;
- speed-limit changes;
- meeting and passing traffic;
- clearance from parked vehicles;
- pedestrian crossings;
- independent driving;
- reversing exercises;
- emergency-stop procedure where appropriate;
- Show Me, Tell Me questions; and
- faults identified during mock tests.
Review common driving-test faults
Do not depend on memorised test routes
Test routes can vary because of:
- different examiners;
- traffic conditions;
- roadworks;
- road closures;
- the independent-driving section;
- weather;
- local events; and
- operational decisions.
Prepare to apply safe driving skills on unfamiliar roads rather than trying to predict every turn.
Show Me, Tell Me preparation
You will be asked two vehicle-safety questions during the practical test.
The examiner will ask:
- one “tell me” question before you start driving; and
- one “show me” question while you are driving.
Revise:
- brakes;
- tyres;
- lights;
- windscreen washers;
- engine fluids;
- head restraints;
- demisters;
- the horn;
- windows; and
- other relevant vehicle controls.
Practise locating controls in the vehicle you intend to use.
Study the Show Me, Tell Me questions
Practise independent driving
Independent driving may involve following:
- a sat-nav;
- traffic signs; or
- a combination of both.
During independent driving:
- continue checking mirrors;
- read signs and road markings;
- select lanes early;
- prioritise safe positioning;
- ask for clarification if necessary;
- continue safely after a wrong turn; and
- avoid sudden corrections simply to remain on the planned route.
Practise reversing safely
The practical test includes reversing your vehicle.
Prepare to demonstrate:
- slow vehicle control;
- effective all-round observation;
- awareness of pedestrians;
- awareness of approaching vehicles;
- appropriate steering;
- accuracy;
- willingness to pause where necessary; and
- safe correction if your position needs adjustment.
Do not focus so heavily on a reference point that you stop observing the area around the car.
Use mock tests properly
A mock test can help identify whether you can:
- drive without continuous prompting;
- make safe decisions independently;
- follow directions while observing properly;
- recover after a mistake;
- manage unfamiliar roads;
- maintain suitable speed and progress;
- complete a reversing exercise safely; and
- recognise risks before your instructor intervenes.
Use the result to guide further practice rather than treating one successful mock test as a guarantee.
The evening before your test
- Put your driving licence somewhere safe.
- Prepare your theory-test certificate if you have it.
- Prepare glasses or contact lenses.
- Confirm the meeting time.
- Confirm the test centre.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Check travel conditions.
- Choose comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Avoid staying up late to revise.
- Avoid alcohol or anything that may impair driving.
- Set an alarm with enough time to avoid rushing.
Last-minute panic rarely improves driving. Concentrate on arriving rested and organised.
What to wear
Choose clothing and footwear that allow you to operate the vehicle comfortably.
- Wear shoes that allow you to feel and control the pedals.
- Avoid footwear that can slip off or catch under a pedal.
- Avoid bulky clothing that restricts movement.
- Bring suitable layers for the weather.
- Use sunglasses only where they do not interfere with safe vision.
Medication, illness and tiredness
Do not drive where illness, fatigue, medication, alcohol or drugs make you unsafe.
Before taking medication:
- read the information supplied with it;
- check whether it can affect driving;
- ask a pharmacist or doctor where you are unsure; and
- do not ignore drowsiness or impaired concentration.
Being determined to attend a test does not make impaired driving safe.
The lesson before your test
A pre-test lesson may be used to:
- settle into the vehicle;
- check the controls;
- review one or two important skills;
- practise normal observations;
- confirm Show Me, Tell Me controls;
- adjust your seat and mirrors;
- check fuel or charge; and
- arrive at the centre calmly.
Trying to repair every weakness during one final hour can increase pressure. Focus on safe, familiar routines.
During the eyesight check
- Listen to which number plate you are asked to read.
- Wear your corrective lenses where required.
- Take enough time to look carefully.
- Do not guess repeatedly.
- Ask for the instruction to be repeated if you did not hear it.
Failure to meet the required eyesight standard means the driving part of the test cannot continue.
If you take the wrong road
Taking the wrong road does not automatically mean that you have failed.
The important points are to:
- continue safely;
- avoid a sudden lane change;
- avoid cutting across traffic;
- follow road signs and markings;
- listen for a revised direction; and
- remain calm.
An unsafe correction can be more serious than missing a turning.
If you make a mistake
One driving fault does not necessarily mean that the test is over.
After a mistake:
- deal with the immediate situation safely;
- do not repeatedly analyse it while driving;
- return your attention to the road;
- continue using mirrors and observations;
- listen to the next instruction; and
- avoid allowing frustration to create another fault.
Managing driving-test nerves
Nerves are common and do not automatically mean that you are unready.
Useful approaches include:
- arriving organised rather than rushed;
- using normal breathing;
- focusing on the current road situation;
- avoiding predictions about the result;
- treating the examiner’s directions as ordinary directions;
- continuing after a minor error; and
- remembering that safe decisions matter more than perfection.
Read the full driving-test-day guide
Driving-test readiness checklist
Before taking the test, you should usually be able to:
- drive without continuous prompts;
- move off safely in different situations;
- deal with junctions independently;
- use mirrors effectively;
- respond to signs and road markings;
- choose a suitable speed;
- manage roundabouts;
- deal with parked vehicles;
- meet and pass traffic safely;
- respond to pedestrians and cyclists;
- follow a sat-nav or traffic signs;
- complete reversing exercises safely;
- identify and respond to hazards;
- recover calmly after a mistake; and
- drive safely on roads you have not memorised.
Reasons to consider more preparation
You may benefit from further tuition where you still regularly:
- miss important observations;
- need physical intervention from your instructor;
- require repeated prompts at junctions;
- struggle to recognise speed limits;
- choose unsafe gaps;
- lose control of lane position;
- become overwhelmed on unfamiliar roads;
- depend on memorised routes;
- cannot complete manoeuvres safely; or
- cannot recover after a minor error.
Postponing a test can be frustrating, but taking it before you can drive independently may cost more time and money.
After the test
Listen to the examiner’s explanation and ask your instructor to help you understand the feedback.
If you pass:
- listen to any advice given;
- understand any driving faults recorded;
- check the arrangements for your full licence;
- make sure you are correctly insured before driving; and
- continue developing experience after the test.
If you do not pass:
- allow yourself time to process the result;
- review the recorded faults;
- identify patterns rather than blaming one road;
- plan targeted lessons;
- practise independent driving; and
- book another test only when you are properly prepared.
Driving-test preparation with Fast Pass
Fast Pass provides manual driving lessons across selected areas of Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and surrounding areas, subject to availability.
Test preparation may include:
- assessment lessons;
- structured work on repeated faults;
- junctions and roundabouts;
- lane discipline;
- independent driving;
- reversing exercises;
- Show Me, Tell Me preparation;
- mock tests;
- test-centre area experience; and
- post-test feedback and further preparation.
Fast Pass cannot guarantee a test result or a particular test route.
Enquire About Test Preparation
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Driving Test Checklist FAQs
What must I take to my driving test?
Take your UK driving licence, your theory-test pass certificate if you have it, and a suitable test vehicle. Check your official booking confirmation for any additional instructions.
Can I use my own car?
Yes, provided it meets all current DVSA requirements and is insured specifically for the driving test.
Do I need my theory-test certificate?
The official guidance says to take it if you have it.
What happens if I forget my licence?
Your test may be cancelled and you may lose the test fee if you do not bring the required documents.
Should I memorise test routes?
No. Routes can change, and safe independent driving on unfamiliar roads is more important.
How many Show Me, Tell Me questions are asked?
You will be asked one “tell me” question before driving and one “show me” question while driving.
Can I fail for taking a wrong turn?
Not automatically. Continue safely and avoid making a sudden or dangerous correction.
Can one mistake fail the test?
It depends on the seriousness and circumstances. A small driving fault does not automatically mean the test is over.
Should I have a lesson before the test?
Many learners benefit from a pre-test lesson to settle into the car, review key skills and arrive at the centre calmly.
Can Fast Pass guarantee that I will pass?
No. Fast Pass can provide tuition and preparation, but the result depends on your driving during the official test.
Prepare early and avoid preventable problems
Check your documents, vehicle, journey and driving readiness before test day. Then focus on safe observations, appropriate speed and independent decisions throughout the test.
Enquire About Test Preparation
