Driving test day: what happens, what to bring, and using a hire car

What to bring

Your provisional driving licence, and your theory test pass certificate number. Turn up about 10 minutes early — much earlier and you will just sit getting nervous.

The order of the test

Eyesight check (read a number plate at 20 metres), a couple of "show me, tell me" safety questions, around 40 minutes of driving including one manoeuvre and roughly 20 minutes of independent driving, then your result and feedback in the car.

The car you use

It must be roadworthy, taxed, insured for the test, display L-plates and have a working extra mirror for the examiner. Most learners use their instructor's car — agree this well in advance, because instructors are often booked out on popular test slots.

If you have no car for the test

You can hire a car with an instructor for test day. Make sure it is insured for the test and that you get a lesson in it beforehand — turning up to drive an unfamiliar car is a real disadvantage.

Nerves

Examiners expect nerves and are not trying to catch you out. If you make a mistake, keep driving — plenty of people pass with faults they were certain had failed them.

Common questions

Can my instructor sit in?
Yes, you can ask for your instructor to come along and to be there for the feedback. Many learners find the feedback more useful that way.

What does test day cost?
£62 on a weekday, £75 evenings, weekends and bank holidays.