Test day
What to Bring to Your Driving Test
Bring your UK provisional driving licence photocard and a suitable, insured car fitted with L plates and an extra interior mirror for the examiner. Forget the licence or bring a non-compliant car and the test will not go ahead — and you lose the fee.
The essentials
- Your provisional licence photocard. Without it the test cannot take place and the fee is lost — treated the same as a missed test.
- A car that meets the rules (below) — usually your instructor's, which is why confirming their availability matters so much when you choose a date.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for the eyesight check: reading a number plate from 20 metres.
- Your theory pass certificate number is on the booking already; carrying the certificate is a sensible backup rather than a requirement.
Car requirements
If you bring your own car rather than an instructor's, it must be roadworthy and legal (taxed, insured for a driving test, and with an MOT where required), display L plates front and rear, have a working seatbelt and head restraint for the examiner, and be fitted with an extra interior mirror the examiner can use. Some vehicle models are not accepted for tests and dashboard warning lights can fail the car on the spot — check the current vehicle rules on GOV.UK well before the day.
Test day checklist
The night before
Put your licence photocard with your keys, check the car's lights, tyres and screenwash, and confirm the meeting time with your instructor.
Arrive with margin
Plan to be at the centre about 10 minutes early — late arrival can mean the test is refused with the fee lost.
If something goes wrong en route
Breakdown or emergency on the way? See what can be recovered in our missed test guide — and if you know in advance you cannot attend, a short notice cancellation with evidence beats a no-show.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my theory pass certificate?
Your pass is already linked to the booking, but bringing the certificate (or knowing the number) is a sensible backup in case of any query.
What happens if I forget my provisional licence?
The test cannot go ahead and the fee is normally lost. If your licence is lost or stolen shortly before the test, contact DVSA as early as possible rather than turning up without it.
Official sources
Related guides
Missed your test?
What a no-show costs and what may be recoverable.
Book a practical test
What you need, the fees, and when to book under the 2026 rules.
Find a test centre
Using the official finder and comparing nearby centres properly.