Burkina Faso Code de la Route (B) exam-day guide
Burkina Faso Code de la Route (B) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid national identity card or passport
Bring the original photo ID you used to register. A photocopy is normally not accepted. Confirm with the test centre which documents they require for the permis de conduire category B.
Proof of registration and appointment confirmation
Carry the receipt or convocation issued when you booked the practical test. If you registered through a driving school, ask them whether they hold the convocation or whether you must bring it.
Learner's permit / livret de formation
Bring your learner document and training booklet if one was issued to you. The examiner may ask to see proof that you completed the required practical training hours. Confirm the exact document with your school or the provider.
Medical certificate if required
Some candidates must present a medical fitness certificate, for example after certain health conditions or for specific categories. Confirm with the provider whether a certificat médical is required in your case and its maximum age.
Vehicle in roadworthy condition
The test vehicle must have valid insurance, a current technical inspection where required, working lights, horn, mirrors, seat belts and tyres in good condition. Check these the day before; a defective vehicle can lead to cancellation.
Vehicle documents on board
Keep the registration document (carte grise), insurance certificate and, where applicable, the technical inspection certificate in the vehicle. Confirm which originals the examiner expects to see.
Arrive early at the meeting point
Plan to arrive well before the scheduled time, allowing for traffic and security checks. Late arrival is a common reason for being turned away. Confirm the exact meeting point and reporting time with the provider.
Appropriate clothing and footwear
Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement and closed shoes suitable for operating pedals. Avoid loose sandals or footwear that could slip.
Glasses or contact lenses if prescribed
If your licence will carry a corrective-lens condition, wear them during the test. Driving without required correction can affect both safety and the outcome.
Know the vehicle controls
Be ready to answer questions on basic controls and safety checks, such as where the hazard lights, warning triangle and first-aid kit are located. Confirm the scope of these questions with your instructor.
Phone switched off and stored
Switch off your mobile phone and put it away before entering the vehicle. Using a phone during the test is treated as a serious fault.
Calm preparation and a good night's sleep
Review the main manoeuvres and observation routines the evening before, then rest. Fatigue and last-minute cramming tend to increase errors.
Plan the day
Confirm the date, time and meeting point with your driving school or the provider. Check that your file is complete: ID, registration proof, training booklet and any medical certificate. Verify that the vehicle's insurance, technical inspection and tyres are in order. Do one or two final practice drives focusing on observation, mirror checks, junctions and manoeuvres.
Prepare your documents in one folder and place them with your bag. Check the weather and plan your route to the test centre, adding a margin for traffic. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and go to bed at a normal hour. Re-read your notes on priority rules, roundabouts and parking procedures, but do not start new topics.
Eat a light breakfast, take your ID and documents, and leave early. Switch off your phone before arriving. On site, follow the examiner's instructions, adjust your seat, mirrors and seat belt before moving off, and take a moment to breathe and settle before starting.
Listen carefully to each instruction and ask for clarification only if you genuinely did not understand. Drive at a safe speed, use mirrors and indicators consistently, and verbalise your observations if that helps. Stay calm after a mistake and continue driving safely; one error does not automatically end the test. At the end, park as instructed, switch off the engine and wait for the examiner's feedback.
Rules to check
Bring original identity documents; photocopies or expired documents are generally not accepted. Confirm the accepted ID list with the provider before test day.
Follow the examiner's instructions at all times. If an instruction seems unsafe or unclear, say so calmly rather than executing it blindly.
Mobile phones must be switched off and out of reach during the test. Any use of a phone is treated as a serious fault.
The test is assessed on your driving behaviour, observation, control of the vehicle and knowledge of safety rules. Accumulating too many faults, or committing a dangerous fault, leads to failure. Confirm the exact scoring method with your instructor.
You may be asked basic questions about vehicle controls or road rules. Answer honestly; if you do not know, say so rather than guessing.
Do not argue with the examiner during the test. If you believe the assessment was unfair, use the official appeal or complaint procedure afterwards; ask the provider how to do this.
Breaks and re-test arrangements depend on the organising body. If you fail, ask the provider about the waiting period and how to book a new attempt.
Any medical condition, medication or disability that could affect your driving should be declared in advance. Confirm with the provider what certificate or adaptation is needed.