What to take to your driving test
Make sure you arrive at the driving test centre 5 minutes before your appointment.
You must take:
- your UK driving licence
- your theory pass certificate, if you have it (you do not need to get a replacement if you’ve lost it)
- a car
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) does not provide a car. You must bring one with you. This could be:
- your driving instructor’s car
- your own car, if it meets the rules
Find out what to do if you’ve lost your driving licence.
2,100+ people were not allowed to take their driving test in January 2024 because they brought an unsuitable car, forgot their driving licence or were late
Rules for the car you use
You can take your driving test in your own car rather than your driving instructor’s if it meets certain rules.
The car must:
- be taxed
- be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company)
- be roadworthy
- have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)
You must make sure it also meets some other important rules.
L plates
You must have L plates fitted on the front and back on the car. They must not block your or the driving examiner’s view.
Two rear view mirrors
You must have one rear view mirror for you, and another one fitted for the driving examiner.
Dashboard warning lights
You’re not allowed to have any warning lights lit up on your dashboard.
Headlights, brake lights and indicators
All of the headlights, brake lights and indicators must work.
Tyres
All of the tyres must have the legal tread depth. You’re not allowed to have any tyres that are damaged.
Seat belts
Both the driver seat belt and passenger seat belt must work.
Check the full set of rules
There are other rules that the car must meet. If you’re thinking of using your own car, check the full set of rules for using your own car.
You will not be allowed to take your test if the car you bring does not meet all of the rules. You will not get a refund.
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Not feeling completely prepared?
Only take your driving test if you’re feeling completely prepared.
You can move your driving test back if you’re not feeling quite ready yet.
It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 3 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.