What to take to your theory test
The identification you must bring, what you can and cannot take into the test room, and what happens if you forget something.
Check this before you rely on it
This page states fees, rules or arrangements that change from time to time. We check it monthly and show the date above, but the official service at GOV.UK is always the authority.
The one thing you must not forget
Your UK photocard driving licence.
Without acceptable identification you will not be allowed to take the test, you will lose the fee, and you will have to book again. Test centre staff have no discretion about this, and being upset at the desk will not change it.
Check the night before that you physically have it, that it is your licence and not a family member’s, and that it has not expired.
If your licence is lost, stolen or has expired, sort it out with DVLA before the test date rather than hoping.
If you do not have a photocard licence
There are alternative arrangements — for example if you hold an older paper licence, or a licence from Northern Ireland or another country. The accepted combinations are set out on GOV.UK and they are specific. Check them well in advance, not on the morning.
What you cannot take into the test room
Essentially everything else. Expect to have to put in a locker:
- phones, smart watches and earphones
- bags, coats and food
- notes, books and revision material
- anything else electronic
Taking a phone or notes into the test room can mean your test is stopped, your result cancelled, and in serious cases a ban. It is not worth the risk of “forgetting” it is in your pocket, so leave it in the locker deliberately.
You will normally be given something to write on for the hazard perception section if you want it — ask.
Medication, medical items and water
If you need medication, a medical device or water for a health reason, tell the staff when you arrive. They deal with this routinely. Where possible, mention it when you book too.
A sensible packing list
- Driving licence photocard
- Booking confirmation (not required, but useful if there is a query)
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for reading a screen
- A small amount of money for parking
- Something to do while you wait, that is not your phone once you are called
Get there early
Arrive around 15 minutes before your appointment. You need time to park, find the entrance, show your licence, put your things in a locker and be checked in. Arriving late usually means losing the slot and the fee.
Read what happens on test day so nothing about the process is a surprise.
Sources checked for this page
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Where the rules matter legally, check the official source. This site is not affiliated with DVSA.