Practical driving-test day checklist
A free one-page driving-test checklist to print and tick off, with essential documents, car checks and a calm test-day plan.
Print your test-day checklist
A one-page A4 checklist with tick boxes and space for your appointment details. Keep it handy the night before and check it again before leaving.
How to use the one-page checklist
Download the A4 PDF, print it and write your appointment details at the top. The boxes follow the order you will use them: confirm the plan, pack your documents, check an own car if relevant, and leave calmly on test day.
The licence, a suitable car and your theory-test pass certificate if you have it are the official core items. The journey and comfort reminders are practical suggestions, not extra DVSA requirements. Your booking confirmation can help you check details but is not a required test-day document.
Before the day
- Check the appointment date, start time, test-centre address and any centre-specific arrival or parking directions.
- Agree which car you will use and when you will meet your instructor or accompanying driver.
- Put your original UK driving licence where you will take it. If you have an old-style paper licence, also take a valid passport; if you have a Northern Ireland photocard, take its paper counterpart.
- Take your theory-test pass certificate if you have it. If you passed your theory test in Northern Ireland and are taking the practical test in Great Britain, the certificate must be presented.
- If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the driving eyesight standard, put them with your test-day items.
If you are using your own car
This part does not replace the full GOV.UK own-car rules. If you are using your instructor's car, confirm the arrangements with them instead of treating these as equipment you personally need to bring.
- Check the current GOV.UK vehicle rules, including whether your model or any recall needs extra evidence.
- Confirm the car is insured for a driving test, taxed and has an MOT where required.
- Check tyres, safety warning lights, the examiner's extra interior mirror, passenger belt and head restraint, and front and rear L plates (L or D plates in Wales).
On the day
- Physically check your licence, conditional documents and glasses or contact lenses before leaving.
- Allow for ordinary travel delays and aim to reach the centre five minutes before your appointment, following any instructions specific to your centre.
- Eat and drink as you normally would, and wear footwear that lets you control the pedals comfortably.
- Silence your phone before the test and listen to the examiner's directions. If you make a mistake, focus on the next safe decision.
Official sources
This guide paraphrases the official pages below. Open them to check the current rule or service.