Driving test day timeline: every stage in order and what to do at each

Knowing what comes next removes a lot of the fear. This is the whole test day as a sequence, with the one thing to do at each stage. For the longer story of the day, read what happens, minute by minute.

1. Arrive about ten minutes early

Aim to be at the centre roughly ten minutes before your slot. Much earlier and you wait and worry. Later and your test may not go ahead. Park considerately, turn your phone to silent, use the toilet, and breathe out slowly a few times.

2. Documents

The examiner will ask for your photocard provisional driving licence. Bring the card itself; the old paper counterpart is no longer valid. You do not need your theory pass certificate on the day, but keep it safe.

If you are testing in your own car, it needs to be taxed, insured for a test, roadworthy with a valid MOT if due, and have a working passenger head restraint and an extra interior mirror for the examiner. You will also need L plates (or D plates in Wales) on the front and back.

3. The eyesight check

Outside, the examiner points to a car number plate and asks you to read it. For plates in the current format the distance is 20 metres; older style plates are 20.5 metres. You may wear glasses or contact lenses. If you cannot read it, the examiner checks the distance again, and if you still cannot, the test does not go ahead. If you wear glasses to drive, wear them for the check.

4. The "tell me" question

Before the car moves, you get one "tell me" question: you explain how you would check something, such as the brakes or the oil level. You answer in words and do not need to touch anything. A wrong answer is one minor, not a fail. All of them, with answers, are in the show me tell me questions.

5. Get set up

Adjust the seat, mirrors and seatbelt. Give the examiner a moment to settle too. They will explain the test: that they will give directions in good time, that you can ask for something to be repeated, and that you should drive as you normally do.

6. The drive and the "show me" question

During the first few minutes of driving you are asked one "show me" question, where you demonstrate something safely while driving, like wiping the windscreen or switching on the demister. You do it with the correct control and keep your eyes up. A wrong answer is one minor.

7. Independent driving

About 20 minutes of the test is independent driving, where you follow either sat nav directions or road signs. The examiner sets up the sat nav for you, or tells you which signs to follow. It is not a navigation test: if you miss a turn or go the wrong way, that is not a fault unless you drive badly because of it. If a sign is unclear, ask.

8. The manoeuvre

You will be asked for one of four: parallel park, bay park (driving in or reversing in), or pull up on the right and reverse for two car lengths. Take your time and use all-round observation; the examiner is looking for control and safety, not speed. Read more in manoeuvres.

9. Emergency stop, sometimes

The emergency stop comes up on about one in three tests. The examiner explains it first and says they will give a signal. When they say "Stop", brake firmly and promptly, keeping the car straight. Then wait, secure the car, and move off again only after your normal safety checks.

10. Back to the centre, result and debrief

Back at the centre the examiner tells you the result, then talks through the faults they recorded and gives you a feedback sheet. The debrief is useful even if you pass.

• If you pass, you hand in your provisional licence and can drive straight away if you have insurance. The full licence arrives in the post.
• If you fail, listen for the faults and ask if you do not understand. Do not argue in the car. The result will not change on the day.

What next if you fail

You can book another test straight away, but you must wait at least 10 working days before the new test date. You pay the full test fee again. Check the current rules on GOV.UK because details such as fees and booking change. Ask your instructor how much practice they suggest before your next date; two weeks of focused practice on the faults on your sheet is more useful than rebooking and hoping.

If nerves were part of the problem, read the driving test nerves guide. To turn your feedback into a plan, try our failed-test plan.