Checklist

Here are my top test day mistakes. All of these things have happened to learners taking the driving test in their own cars.

1. Wrong time and place!

Double-check the time, date and place of the test. If you are prone to driving test anxiety it’s surprisingly easy to get this wrong.

2. Forgetting to bring your licence!

Make sure you bring your provisional licence; a photo of it won’t count and you will not be allowed to take the test.

3. Not having a valid MOT

Make sure your car will have a valid MOT and is taxed and is insured on the date of your test. The examiner will check your number plate before allowing you to take the test!

4. Not having a second mirror

The DVSA requires you to bring a rearview mirror for the examiner - and having a second mirror is a great help to your supervising driver when you are practicing at home.

Get a flat Interior SUCTION rearview mirror like this one now.

5. Rubbish inside the car

Make the best possible first impression. Make sure your car is clean inside and out. Examiners have refused tests for this reason. You will lose your fee and have to start booking another test all over again.

6. Arriving too late, or too early

If you arrive too late the examiner may refuse to take you out for the test. If you arrive too early you will block parking for people returning after their tests. This is likely to annoy the examiners, and potentially the examiner for your own test! Arrive 10 mins early, no more, no less.

7. Reversing to start the test

Reverse into a bay at the test centre when you arrive so that you can start the test driving forwards. No-one will be watching and you will be able to drive out easily when you start the test.

8. Not knowing the questions

Be prepared to answer one Tell Me question from this list before you start driving and one Show Me question while you’re driving. Going blank when asked the first question won’t fail you but its not a good look to begin with!

Three of the Tell Me questions require you to be able to open the bonnet to answer them answer. You also need to be know how to do all the Show Me things easily, in your own car, while you are driving.