Driving Test Checklist



Driving Test Checklist UK: What to Prepare Before Test Day

Use this driving test checklist to organise the practical details before your car test and reduce avoidable problems on the day.

It covers documents, eyesight, the test vehicle, instructor arrangements, Show Me Tell Me preparation, journey planning and the final driving skills worth reviewing.

Reviewed August 2026. Always confirm current official requirements before your test.

Driving test checklist
Test day
Documents
Vehicle checks
Show Me Tell Me

Read Test Day Tips
How to Pass Your Test





1. Before the Day

  • Confirm the correct test centre, date and time.
  • Check the route and likely travel time to the centre.
  • Make sure your photocard driving licence is available.
  • Confirm the car you are using and who is taking you.
  • Check any agreed reasonable adjustments.
  • Do not leave theory or practical preparation until the final evening.

Check current GOV.UK requirements





2. Eyesight

  • Bring glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving.
  • Make sure your prescription is suitable.
  • Practise reading a legal number plate at the required distance if you are uncertain.

The practical test starts with an eyesight check. If you cannot meet the requirement, the test ends.

3. Driving Licence

  • Take your UK photocard driving licence.
  • Check the details match your booking.
  • Keep it somewhere you will not forget on the morning of the test.

Do not rely on remembering it while rushing out of the door.





4. Test Vehicle Checklist

If you are using an instructor’s car, your instructor normally manages vehicle suitability. If you are using your own car, check the current DVSA rules carefully.

  • Correct insurance for the driving test
  • Roadworthy vehicle
  • Valid MOT where required
  • No warning lights indicating a safety problem
  • Legal tyres
  • Working lights and indicators
  • Clean windscreens and mirrors
  • Properly fitted head restraint for the examiner
  • Interior mirror for the examiner where required
  • L plates displayed correctly




5. Show Me, Tell Me

Practise the current vehicle-safety questions in the actual car you expect to use.

You will be asked one Tell Me question before driving and one Show Me question while driving.

Study Show Me, Tell Me Questions

6. Final Skill Check

  • Junction observations
  • Mirror use
  • Moving off safely
  • Speed choice
  • Road position
  • Roundabouts
  • Meeting traffic
  • Independent driving
  • Reversing exercises




7. On the Morning of the Test

  • Eat and drink normally.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear.
  • Give yourself enough time to travel without rushing.
  • Bring your licence and any required glasses or contact lenses.
  • Use the pre-test drive to settle into normal driving rather than trying to fix every skill at once.
  • Arrive in accordance with the instructions for your test centre.




8. Mental Checklist While Driving

You do not need to repeat a script in your head continuously, but these questions are useful:

  • What can I see developing ahead?
  • What information do my mirrors give me?
  • Is my speed suitable for what I can see?
  • Am I positioned safely?
  • Do I have enough time and space to make this decision?
  • What could the other road user do next?

Safe driving is a continuous process of observing, planning and adapting.





Driving Test Checklist FAQs

What do I need to take to my driving test?

You normally need your UK photocard licence and any glasses or contact lenses you need to drive. Check GOV.UK before the test for current requirements.

Can I use my own car?

Yes, if it meets the current DVSA test-vehicle and insurance requirements.

Should I arrive very early?

Follow the instructions for your test centre. Allow enough travel time to avoid rushing.

What if I forget my licence?

You may not be able to take the test, so put it with your other test items in advance.





Prepare the Details Before Test Day

Remove avoidable stress by organising your documents, vehicle, journey and final skill review before the morning of the test.

Driving Test Day Tips
Common Test Faults