BRTA Professional Driving Test exam-day guide
BRTA Professional Driving Test · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid learner's permit or provisional licence
Bring the physical permit you were issued. Confirm with the provider whether a digital copy is accepted; do not assume it is.
Booking confirmation / appointment letter
Print or save the confirmation showing your test time, location, and reference number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Government-issued photo ID
Passport or national ID card as a backup identity document. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted alongside the permit.
Vehicle registration and insurance documents
If you are supplying your own vehicle, bring current registration and proof of insurance. Confirm with the provider the minimum coverage required for a test vehicle.
Roadworthy test vehicle
Check tyres, lights (head, brake, indicators, hazard), horn, mirrors, seatbelts, and fluid levels. A defective vehicle can cause the test to be refused or cancelled. Confirm the provider's vehicle checklist in advance.
Glasses or contact lenses if required
If your permit carries a vision condition, you must wear your correction during the test. Bring a spare pair if you have one.
Arrive early
Aim to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your slot to allow for check-in and vehicle inspection. Confirm the provider's exact arrival window.
Know the test route area and local rules
Familiarise yourself with the test centre surroundings, speed limits, and one-way systems. Do not rely on memorising a fixed route; examiners vary routes.
Rest and avoid alcohol or impairing medication
No alcohol within at least 24 hours before the test; check any medication for drowsiness warnings. If in doubt, confirm with the provider and your doctor.
Charge your phone but keep it stowed
Phones must be switched off or silenced and out of reach during the test. Confirm the provider's policy on phone use at the centre.
Dress comfortably and wear suitable footwear
Flat, closed shoes give better pedal control. Avoid loose footwear or heels.
Emergency contact and payment method
Bring a card or cash in case a rebooking fee applies. Confirm with the provider whether any fees are payable on the day.
Plan the day
Re-read the official driving manual sections on priority, junctions, roundabouts, and parking. Do two or three full mock drives with an instructor or supervising driver, focusing on observation and mirror checks.
Inspect the test vehicle thoroughly and fix any defects (lights, tyres, wipers, horn, seatbelts). Book a service if anything is borderline.
Confirm your appointment time, address, and what to bring by contacting the provider. Note any vehicle requirements they specify.
Do a light practice session only; avoid learning new manoeuvres. Review the checklist above and lay out documents, ID, glasses, and keys in one place.
Plan your route to the test centre and check traffic and parking options. Set two alarms.
No alcohol. Get a full night's sleep. Eat a normal meal.
Eat breakfast, hydrate, and arrive at the centre 15-30 minutes early with all documents and the vehicle fuelled/charged.
Do a final walk-around check of lights, tyres, and mirrors. Silence your phone and stow it.
Follow the examiner's instructions exactly. Use mirrors and signal before every manoeuvre, maintain safe following distance, and obey speed limits. If you make a mistake, stay calm and continue driving safely.
Ask for clarification if an instruction is unclear, but do not argue. At the end, listen to the debrief and note any feedback.
Rules to check
Bring the original permit and required photo ID; confirm with the provider whether copies or digital versions are accepted.
Arrive on time. Late arrival may result in cancellation or loss of fee; confirm the provider's grace period.
The vehicle must be roadworthy and insured for the test; confirm the provider's minimum insurance and vehicle standards.
Phones must be off or silenced and out of reach during the test. Confirm the provider's policy on recording devices.
Follow the examiner's directions and all traffic law. Dangerous or illegal actions can end the test immediately.
You may ask the examiner to repeat an instruction, but do not ask for coaching or hints during the drive.
Breaks: confirm with the provider whether rest breaks are permitted and how they affect timing.
Scoring: ask the provider in advance how faults are recorded and what constitutes a fail, so you know what to expect in the debrief.