Guinea-Bissau Driving Theory exam-day guide
Guinea-Bissau Driving Theory · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID (original)
Bring the original national identity card or passport you used at registration. A photocopy or a photo on your phone is normally not accepted. Confirm with the test centre which exact document they require for the practical test.
Learner permit / provisional licence
Carry the learner document issued to you after the theory test and any provisional authorisation. Confirm with the provider that it must be the original and still valid on the test date.
Proof of enrolment and test appointment
Bring the appointment confirmation or receipt showing your name, date, and time. If you registered through a driving school, ask them for the confirmation slip.
Vehicle documents for the test car
If you supply the car, bring the registration document (livrete), valid insurance, and proof of inspection where required. Confirm with the provider whether the school supplies the vehicle and its papers.
Vehicle in roadworthy condition
Check tyres, lights, indicators, horn, mirrors, brakes, seat belts, and fluid levels beforehand. A vehicle judged unsafe can cause the test to be cancelled; confirm the provider's inspection criteria.
Glasses or contact lenses if required
If your licence or medical record notes a vision correction requirement, wear them. Testing without them can lead to an automatic fail or an endorsement restricting your licence.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive at the test centre or agreed pickup point well before your slot, allowing for traffic and document checks. Confirm the provider's required arrival time, as late arrival may mean losing the slot.
Know the route area and local rules
Review the traffic rules in the Guinea-Bissau highway code, road signs, priority rules, roundabouts, and typical urban hazards in Bissau. Practical routes usually stay near the test centre; confirm the format with your school.
Mobile phone switched off and stored
Put your phone away before entering the vehicle. Using or even holding a phone during the test is normally treated as a serious fault; confirm the centre's policy on devices.
Payment receipt or fees settled
Carry proof that the practical test fee has been paid if payment is made separately. Confirm with the provider whether fees are paid in advance or on the day.
Emergency contact and school instructor details
Keep the phone number of your driving instructor or school handy in case of delay or vehicle problems. Confirm with the provider who to notify if you cannot attend.
Medical or fitness declaration if requested
If you have a medical condition or take medication affecting driving, bring any certificate the authority requires. Confirm with the provider before the test day, as requirements vary.
Plan the day
Confirm the exact date, time, and location of the practical test with your driving school or the licensing authority. Verify which documents and vehicle will be used, and settle any outstanding fees.
Do at least two practice drives covering the skills examined: moving off safely, mirror and blind-spot checks, junctions, roundabouts, lane discipline, parking, and emergency stopping. Ask your instructor to point out recurring faults.
Check the test vehicle thoroughly: tyres and pressures, lights, indicators, brake lights, horn, wipers, mirrors, seat belts, and fuel. Book any repair now rather than on the morning of the test.
Review the highway code topics you found difficult in the theory test, especially priority at intersections, overtaking, speed limits, and pedestrian crossings, since examiners may ask oral questions.
Prepare a folder with your ID, learner permit, appointment confirmation, vehicle papers, and payment receipt. Put it somewhere you cannot forget.
Confirm the meeting point and time, and how you will travel there. Allow extra time for traffic, and arrange a backup way to reach the centre.
Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and late-night study. Sleep properly; fatigue causes more practical-test errors than lack of knowledge.
Do one calm practice session, then stop. Last-minute cramming tends to increase anxiety without improving car control.
Eat a light breakfast, dress comfortably in clothes and shoes suitable for driving, and take your document folder and glasses if needed.
Arrive early at the agreed location. Switch off your phone, use the toilet, and take a few minutes to settle before the examiner arrives.
Do a final walk-around of the vehicle: tyres, lights, mirrors, and cleanliness. Adjust the seat, headrest, and mirrors before moving off.
Greet the examiner politely, follow instructions exactly, and ask for clarification if you did not understand a direction. Do not argue or comment on the examiner's decisions.
Drive smoothly and predictably: signal in good time, check mirrors and blind spots before manoeuvres, keep a safe following distance, and respect speed limits.
If you make a mistake, keep driving safely. One error is not automatically fatal; panic afterwards usually causes more serious faults.
Answer any oral questions on signs, safety, or vehicle checks clearly and briefly. If you do not know, say so rather than guessing wildly.
The examiner will explain the result and any faults. Ask politely how to obtain your licence or certificate and what to do if you did not pass, including the waiting period before retaking.
Rules to check
Bring original identification matching your registration. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted, as a photocopy or digital copy may not be sufficient.
Follow the examiner's instructions precisely. If an instruction would require an illegal or unsafe manoeuvre, act safely first and explain afterwards; confirm the provider's guidance on this situation.
The examiner assesses your driving continuously. Serious or dangerous faults, or repeated minor faults, normally lead to a fail; confirm the exact scoring criteria with the provider.
Do not use a mobile phone or any electronic device during the test. Keep devices switched off and out of reach.
Breaks and rest periods are not normally part of the practical test. If you feel unwell, tell the examiner before starting; confirm with the provider whether rescheduling is possible.
Treat the examiner and other road users with courtesy. Aggressive driving, arguing, or attempting to influence the examiner can end the test.
Only the examiner, and where permitted your instructor, may be in the vehicle during the test. Confirm with the provider who is allowed to accompany you.
If you cannot attend, notify the provider as early as possible. Confirm the cancellation and rescheduling policy, including any fees, before the test day.