Key points
- Take your UK driving licence, your theory test pass certificate if you have it, and a car that meets the test rules.
- If you don't bring the right things, your test is cancelled and you don't get your money back.
- Your own car must be taxed, insured for a driving test and have an MOT if it needs one. It also needs an extra interior mirror for the examiner, L-plates on the front and back, and no warning lights showing a safety problem.
- If the test can't go ahead because of bad weather, DVSA rebooks it for you. If it's because of a problem with you or your car, you have to book and pay again.
For a UK car driving test you must take your UK driving licence, your theory test pass certificate if you have it, and a car. Most people use their driving instructor's car, but you can use your own if it meets the rules.[1] If you don't take the right things, your test will be cancelled and you won't get your money back.[1] This checklist covers the documents, the car rules, and what happens to your fee if the test can't go ahead.
Checklist: documents
| Bring | Notes |
|---|---|
| UK driving licence (photocard) | You must be recognisable from the photo[1] |
| Valid passport + paper licence | Only if you don't have a photocard licence[1] |
| Northern Ireland photocard + paper counterpart | If your licence is from Northern Ireland[1] |
| Theory test pass certificate | If you have it. You don't need a replacement if it's lost[1] |
| Glasses or contact lenses | If you need them to read a number plate at 20 metres[5] |
Your licence and photo
You must be recognisable from the photo on your licence. A slight change, like dyed hair or a beard, doesn't need a new photo, but a change that means you can't be recognised (for example after plastic surgery) does.[1] If you lose your licence, a replacement can take up to 15 days to arrive. If it won't come in time, rearrange your test.[1] The examiner guidance says photocopies, screenshots or scans aren't accepted as your only proof of identity.[5] If your photocard photo has expired but the examiner is satisfied it's a true likeness, the test goes ahead. If they aren't satisfied, it doesn't.[5]
If you wear a niqab, the guidance says examiners should, where possible, arrange for a female examiner to confirm your identity, in a private area if possible. If you refuse to reveal your face at all, the test can't go ahead and you lose the fee.[5]
Your theory test certificate
If you've lost your theory certificate you don't need a new one, because the examiner checks your pass before the test starts.[1] Remember that a theory pass certificate number lasts 2 years. You must pass your driving test within that time, or you'll have to take the theory test again.[4]
Glasses
If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate in the eyesight check, the law says you must wear them whenever you drive. If you take them off during the drive, the test will be stopped.[5] Forgetting your glasses is a real risk: if you can't read the plate, the test ends there.[5]
The declaration you'll sign
At the start, the examiner asks you to read, confirm and sign an insurance and residency declaration on their digital test report.[6] If you refuse to sign, the test won't be conducted.[5]
Using your own car: the rules
You can take the test in your own car instead of your instructor's, but if it doesn't meet the rules the test will be cancelled and you'll have to pay again.[2] GOV.UK lists these requirements.[2]
The car must
- have no warning lights on that show a safety issue, such as the airbag warning light[2]
- have no tyre damage, legal tread depth on every tyre, and no space-saver spare fitted[2]
- be roadworthy[2]
- have an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner[2]
- have a passenger seat belt and a passenger head restraint for the examiner. Slip-on head restraints aren't allowed[2]
- be able to reach at least 62mph and have an officially fitted mph speedometer, not just an extra display or phone app[2]
- show L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) on the front and rear[2]
- have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg[2]
Tax, MOT and insurance
The car must be taxed, have a current MOT if it's over 3 years old, and be insured for a driving test. Check this with your insurer.[2]
Inside the car
Tidy the car before your test, including the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats. It must be smoke-free, so nobody can smoke in it just before or during the test.[2] Examiner guidance says tests shouldn't be carried out with anyone under 16 or any animal in the car, apart from designated service or therapy dogs.[5] Anyone sitting in the back must wear a seat belt, and so must you unless you have a medical exemption.[5]
Features you can and can't use
You can use a car with an electronic parking brake, hill-start assist, cruise control, speed limiters, parking sensors and cameras, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. You can't use self-parking, Tesla Autopilot or your own sat nav during the test.[2]
Windows, gearboxes and dual controls
- The windscreen and front side windows must meet the tinted window rules. Rear windows that are too dark for the examiner to see through clearly can get the test cancelled.[2]
- You can test in a manual (3 pedals) or an automatic or semi-automatic (2 pedals). If you pass in a semi-automatic, you can only drive automatics and semi-automatics.[2]
- Your own car doesn't need dual controls. A hire car does.[2]
Cars you can't use
Some cars aren't allowed because they don't give the examiner all-round vision: any panel van, the BMW 218 convertible, BMW Mini convertible, Ford KA convertible, Polestar 4, Polestar 5, Smart Fortwo (2-door), Toyota iQ and VW Beetle convertible.[2] The list isn't complete. If you plan to use a convertible or a coupe, check with your test centre first.[2]
Some recalled cars (Citroën C3, C4, DS3, DS4 and DS5, and the DS Automobiles DS3, all for airbag recalls) can only be used with proof that they're safe. Without the right proof, the test will be cancelled and you could lose your fee.[2] GOV.UK explains exactly what counts as proof.
If your test is cancelled or stopped: do you lose your fee?
| What happens | Result |
|---|---|
| You don't bring the right documents or car | Test cancelled, no refund[1] |
| Your car doesn't meet the rules or breaks down | Book and pay again[2][3] |
| You feel unwell and can't finish | Book and pay again[3] |
| Dangerous weather (ice, flooding, thick fog, high winds) | DVSA books the next available date and sends details within 3 working days (up to 7 in long spells of bad weather). No out-of-pocket expenses[3] |
| DVSA cancels for another reason, e.g. examiner unwell | New date sent. You can apply for out-of-pocket expenses if it was at short notice[3] |
If there's dangerous weather on the day, call your test centre. The number is on your booking confirmation email.[3] If you need to cancel yourself, you get an automatic refund for a car test only if you give 10 full working days' notice. Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays don't.[7] There's a separate route to apply for a refund if you had to cancel at short notice for an unavoidable reason.[7] See how to book or change your driving test.
Sources
- Driving test: cars – What to take to your test
- Driving test: cars – Using your own car for your test
- Driving test: cars – If your test is cancelled or there's bad weather
- Theory test: cars – Pass mark and result
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 6. General technical matters
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 1. Car driving test
- Cancel your driving test
Last checked against the cited sources on 14 October 2026. PassNav is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or TomTom. Our guides are prepared with AI assistance and checked against the official sources cited on each page. Rules and fees change — for current legal requirements and booking rules, always check GOV.UK. This is general guidance and does not replace professional driving instruction. Spotted something out of date? Email passnav@smartaisolution.co.uk — see our editorial policy.