Relax!

You will be at your best calm, collected and comfortable behind the wheel.
Don’t wear heavy boots, high heels or other shoes which may make the pedals difficult to use. In cold weather, if you wear a jacket or heavy jumper for the mechanical safety check, take it off before driving.
Be relaxed in your mind, try to put aside any other worries you have and keep focused on the task. Avoid tensing up, take steady deep breaths and don’t panic or dwell on any minor mistakes you might make. Ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you
don’t hear it and use your common sense, only a safe, competent driver will pass.
You might also want to keep quiet about the test – the more people you tell, the more
pressure you will feel!

Get plenty of sleep

Tiredness will reduce your performance and can be dangerous. It is important to get at least eight hours sleep the night before your driving test. If you’re worried and can’t sleep, try reading a book or write your thoughts down to calm your mind. Avoid intensive activities such as computer games and don’t drink any alcohol in the 12 hour period before the driving test.

Don’t drive on an empty stomach

Feeling hungry on your test will prove a distraction. Make sure you eat breakfast or lunch before your test. Don’t over eat however, that uncomfortable full feeling will be distracting too.

Be prepared!

If you wear glasses or contact lenses remember to bring the correct ones with you. Make sure you can read a number plate from 20 metres away - the equivalent of six or seven car lengths! Practice answering the mechanical safety check questions with our factsheet, and revisit the Highway Code to refresh your memory. Make sure you are confident with your parking, reverse manoeuvres and emergency stop.
You must bring the following documents with you to the driving test centre. Forget one and your test could be cancelled.

• Your theory test pass certificate
• Your provisional license photo card and paper counterpart
• The appointment letter

Good luck!

Before booking your practical driving test ensure your instructor is happy with
the number of lessons you have taken and your level of driving ability. Remember new drivers take 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private practice on average before passing.*

If you feel unwell in the days before the test, for example with a heavy cold, let your driving instructor know immediately.

*DirectGov Motoring