What To Expect Just Before Your Test Starts

It’s always a good idea to have plenty of rest the night before the test as you’ll want to feel fully refreshed and alert before meeting the examiner.

A substantial breakfast is normally a good idea and make sure you have everything you need before your instructor turns up.

Double check the time, date and test centre as mistakes may lead to a missed test and a refund will not be available from the DVSA where they are not at fault.

You will need to have your provisional licence (just the card is enough) and you can bring your theory test certificate along with you too. Generally the examiners do not ask to see the theory test certificate as without passing the theory test you can’t book the practical test but it’s always a good idea to have it with you. Test cancellations are the result if you don't have everything the examiner requires.

It’s always a good idea to have at least an hour’s worth of driving lesson before the test as you may need to warm up and go through anything you wish to practice on before the test.

Your instructor should check the car or ask you to check it to ensure that all lights are working, liquid in the windscreen washer, no cuts and bulges on the tyres and making sure everything else works properly.

Try to arrive at the test centre ten minutes before the test but no earlier as many test centres have a sign explaining that you should not arrive more than ten minutes before the test.

Find a good parking spot and then go to the test centre where you can relax and mentally prepare for the test. Some test centres have toilets but not all do, so do your research first as you do not want to be in a situation where you need the toilet and there isn’t one available.

In most cases the examiners are very prompt and they will come out exactly on your test time.

If you’ve been waiting for over ten minutes and the examiner is yet to make an appearance or you haven’t been assured they will be out soon then ring the bell to gain their attention as there may be an issue.

When the examiner comes out, they will call you by your name, you will need to show them your provisional licence and then you’ll be asked to read and sign the insurance declaration. Once the examiner is satisfied that it is you on the photo of your provisional then you are now ready to proceed to your car. The examiner may also ask you if you want your instructor to sit at the back of the test and if you want them there for the debrief at the end. You will then be asked to lead the way to your car.

Before you get to your car you’ll be asked to read a number plate 20 metres away to ensure that your eyesight is satisfactory. Once this is confirmed the examiner will ask you to sit in the car and make yourself comfortable but not to start the engine.

Once you are comfortable you should put your seatbelt on.

You may not need to readjust your mirrors as you are likely to have driven to the test centre so everything should already be set up correctly.

The examiner will then join you by sitting in the passenger’s seat once he/she has checked the vehicle and then will start to explain the test to you.