AK Driving Instructor exam-day guide
AK Driving Instructor · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID required by the testing authority. Confirm with the provider which specific documents are accepted and whether a copy is permitted.
Appointment confirmation and reference number
Have your booking confirmation, test reference number, and any payment receipts accessible. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital version is accepted.
Eligibility and prerequisite documents
Bring any certificates, course-completion records, or declarations the provider requires for the instructor practical test. The exact list varies by jurisdiction - confirm with the provider.
Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
If your licence or medical declaration requires corrective lenses, bring them and wear them. If you normally wear them for driving, plan to have them on for the whole session.
Comfortable, professional clothing and flat shoes
Dress as you would for a real lesson: clean, practical, and able to demonstrate and walk around a vehicle safely. Avoid footwear that impedes pedal feel or observation.
Know the test vehicle arrangements
Confirm in advance whether you supply the vehicle, the provider supplies one, or a school vehicle is used, and what insurance, roadworthiness, and dual-control requirements apply. Confirm with the provider.
Arrive early with route and parking planned
Plan to arrive with buffer time for traffic, parking, and check-in. Know the exact meeting point and whether you should wait inside or at the vehicle.
Review the practical test structure
Re-read the provider's published description of the test so you know the expected sequence: documents check, vehicle check, driving assessment, and any oral or demonstration components. Confirm the format with the provider.
Prepare your demonstration and commentary approach
Practise explaining hazard perception, mirror and signal routines, and manoeuvres aloud in clear, calm language, as you would for a learner.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Prioritise sleep the night before and eat something light. Avoid heavy meals or excess caffeine that could affect concentration or nerves.
Silence your phone
Turn your phone off or to silent before check-in unless the provider states otherwise. Confirm the provider's policy on phones and recording devices.
Backup contact and emergency plan
Save the test centre's contact number and know the procedure if you are delayed or cannot attend. Confirm the provider's late-arrival and rescheduling rules in advance.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate information and confirm every document and vehicle requirement. Complete any remaining practice drives, focusing on smooth observation, signalling, and spoken commentary rather than last-minute new skills.
Check the test vehicle: tyres, lights, fluids, mirrors, and cleanliness. If you are supplying the vehicle, confirm insurance and roadworthiness paperwork are current.
Confirm your appointment time, meeting point, parking, and travel route. Note the provider's late-arrival and cancellation rules.
Lay out ID, confirmation, and required documents in one place. Charge your phone and any devices you rely on, and set two alarms.
Do a light review of hazard perception and manoeuvre routines, then stop. Avoid cramming late into the night; sleep is more valuable than extra study.
Eat a light breakfast, dress professionally, and leave with generous buffer time. Recheck that documents are in your bag before you depart.
Arrive early, park legally, and take a few minutes to settle your breathing and review your opening commentary plan. Silence your phone.
Follow the examiner's instructions precisely, ask for clarification once if an instruction is unclear, and narrate your observations and decisions clearly.
Drive to the standard you would teach: systematic mirrors, timely signals, correct speed, and safe following distance. Stay calm after any mistake and refocus on the next hazard.
Listen to the debrief fully, note any feedback, and confirm with the provider how and when results are issued and what the appeal or retake process is.
Rules to check
Bring the exact original identification the provider requires; photocopies or expired documents are commonly refused. Confirm the accepted ID list with the provider before test day.
Arrive at the stated time. Late arrival may result in refusal or forfeiture of the fee; confirm the provider's specific cut-off rule.
Follow all examiner instructions and traffic law throughout, including on the approach to and departure from the test centre. The assessment may begin before you enter the vehicle.
Do not use phones, recording devices, or external coaching during the test unless the provider explicitly permits it. Confirm the policy with the provider.
Ask the examiner about rest breaks, water, or comfort needs before the session starts; the availability of breaks varies by provider and should be confirmed in advance.
Scoring criteria and pass marks are set by the testing authority. Do not assume a threshold; ask the provider to explain how your performance will be assessed.
If you believe the test was conducted unfairly, note the details immediately and ask the provider about the formal review or appeal process rather than debating it at the vehicle.
Disclose any medical condition, medication, or eyesight requirement that affects your driving before the test begins, and confirm with the provider how this should be declared.