When taking your driving test, there are some essential things you need to remember to bring along with you to ensure your driving test can go ahead as planned. Lucky for you, we've done the hard work for you and put together a list of all the things you need to take to your driving test.
What to bring to the driving test
After working hard during your driving lessons and waiting weeks for an available test date, it would be devastating to fail your driving test for not having the right things with you.
Every year, thousands of driving tests are cancelled before they even begin due to pupils being unable to present the required documents. A cancelled driving test will knock your confidence, set you back by at least a few weeks and cost you more money. Get yourself organised using our guide on what to bring to your driving test.
Items you need to bring to your driving test:
- Theory certificate
- Provisional licence
- Booking confirmation
Driving theory certificate
To be able to take your practical driving test, you must present a valid theory test pass certificate. Driving theory test certificates are only valid for two years from the date of passing; therefore if you took your test over two years ago, you would need to retake it before you can sit the practical test.
If you are unable to show a valid certificate, stating you have passed your driving theory test, you will not be able to sit your driving test that day.
Provisional driving licence
Just as you would've for your first driving lesson, you will also need to bring your provisional driving licence to your test. Turning up to your driving test without your provisional licence is a bit like turning up to the airport with no passport; you won't get very far. Your provisional licence is proof that you are legally allowed to be on the road, failure to present it for your driving test will result in your test being cancelled.
Your provisional licence must also be in date, it is valid for ten years, after this time it will need to be renewed. If you turn up to your test with an invalid provisional licence, the test will not be able to go ahead.
Booking confirmation
Although this one is not a requirement, we do recommend bringing along a copy of your booking confirmation to be on on the safe side. Your test centre should have your booking on their records, but just in case there's any mix up on their end, it's best to make sure you've got yourself covered.
Your booking confirmation will be an email or a letter sent by the DVLA. This document will confirm the time, date and location of your test as well as a unique reference number.
TIP: You can give your test centre a call the day before your test to make sure you're all booked in and confirm the time of your test.
Our top tips
Don't forget you will need to have a car for your driving test that meets the legal safety requirements. If you are learning to drive with a DRIVE 321 driving instructor, they will be supplying their vehicle for the use of your test. It is best to take your test in the same vehicle you have been learning in as you will be familiar with the control and how the car drives.
To make sure you're prepared and organised, we suggest packing what you need the night before your test. The last thing you need on the day of your test is to be rushing around and panicking because you can't find your licence or theory test certificate.
Check you have what you need and check again! Double or even triple check you have everything you need for your driving test. You can also set a reminder on your phone to remind you to take what you need with you when you leave for your test.
Last but not least, leave plenty of time to get to your driving test. This way, not only will you not be rushing around, but you may also have time to run back and get what you need if you forget something important.