In short Take your UK photocard driving licence and a car that meets the test requirements (most people use their instructor's). Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read a number plate. If you do not bring the right things, the test is cancelled and you lose the fee.
Updated 9 November 2026 · Source: GOV.UK car driving test guidance, checked 9 November 2026
The checklist
- Your UK photocard driving licence (provisional)
- If you only have a paper licence: your paper licence and a valid passport
- If you have a Northern Ireland licence: the photocard and the paper counterpart
- A car that meets the requirements, with L-plates front and rear (or your instructor's car)
- Glasses or contact lenses, if you need them to drive
- Proof of a name change (for example a marriage certificate or deed poll) if your name changed after you booked
- Your booking confirmation email, for the test centre's address and phone number
The night before: drive the roads around your test centre once more with the Driving Test Routes app
Your licence
You must be recognisable from the photo on your licence. A new hair colour or a beard is fine, but a big change in appearance means updating the photo before the test. If you lose your licence, apply for a replacement straight away: it can take up to 15 days to arrive, and if it will not come in time, move your test.
If you use your own car
Check it the day before: taxed, insured for a driving test, MOT if it is over 3 years old, no warning lights on, tyres with legal tread and no space-saver spare, L-plates front and rear, and an extra interior mirror fitted for the examiner. The full list is in using your own car for the test.
The morning of the test
- Fuel: enough for a warm-up and a 35-minute drive with some to spare.
- Clear the car: no rubbish or loose items on the dashboard, seats, door pockets or footwells.
- Clean the windows, mirrors and lights.
- Eat something, and leave time to use the toilet before the test.
- No smoking in the car before or during the test.
What happens if you forget something
The test is cancelled and you do not get your money back. The same applies if the car does not meet the requirements. That is why the checklist matters more than anything else the night before.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to bring to my driving test?
Your UK photocard driving licence and a car that meets the test requirements. Bring glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
Can I take my test with a paper licence?
Yes, if you bring your paper licence and a valid passport.
What if I lost my licence?
Apply for a replacement straight away; it can take up to 15 days to arrive. If it will not arrive in time, move your test to a later date.
Do I need my booking confirmation?
You do not have to show it, but it has the test centre address and phone number, which you need if the weather is bad or you are running late.
Read next
Practise on the roads around your test centre
The Driving Test Routes app turns your phone into a practice coach for the practical test.
- Practice routes around UK test centres, with voice directions
- Mock tests that score the drive and list the faults to work on
- All 21 show me tell me questions, with photos of each control
- An emergency stop drill that times your reaction