Craftsman Motor Vehicles Maintenance exam-day guide
Craftsman Motor Vehicles Maintenance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original document (driver's license, passport, or national ID) bearing your name exactly as it appears on your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a photocopy or digital version is allowed before test day.
Admission or appointment confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email or letter showing your test date, time, and location. Some providers require a printed copy, so confirm with the provider whether a digital copy is acceptable.
Approved hand tools
The practical test is a hands-on maintenance assessment, so you will likely need basic hand tools such as wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers. Confirm with the provider which tools, if any, are supplied and which you must bring; do not assume a full toolbox is provided.
Personal protective equipment
Bring safety glasses, work gloves, and closed-toe safety footwear. Confirm with the provider whether PPE is mandatory and whether they supply it or you must bring your own.
Work clothing
Wear durable clothing you can move and kneel in, and avoid loose sleeves or jewelry that could catch on rotating parts. Confirm with the provider if coveralls or a uniform are required.
Service manual or specification reference
Some assessments allow a printed service manual or torque specification sheet. Confirm with the provider whether reference materials are permitted and in what format.
No personal vehicle unless instructed
Do not assume you may bring your own vehicle for the practical task. Confirm with the provider whether the test vehicle is supplied and what type it is.
Arrival time and route plan
Plan to arrive before your scheduled time; many centers require check-in and a briefing before the practical begins. Confirm with the provider how early to arrive and the exact site entrance.
Storage plan for phone and valuables
Expect that phones and smart devices must be stored away during the assessment. Confirm with the provider the storage rules and whether lockers are available.
Rest and meal plan
Practical maintenance tasks are physical and can run for a long session. Get a full night's sleep, eat beforehand, and bring water if permitted. Confirm with the provider whether drinks or snacks are allowed in the test area.
Review of task list and scoring criteria
Re-read the published task list and scoring criteria so you know which procedures are assessed and how points are awarded. Confirm with the provider if any criteria are unpublished or updated.
Medical or accessibility accommodation confirmation
If you need an accommodation, bring written confirmation of the approved arrangement. Confirm with the provider well in advance; requests made on test day may not be granted.
Plan the day
Re-read the published task list and scoring criteria and write a short outline of each assessed procedure in your own words. Practise the procedures you are least confident about, focusing on correct sequence, safe handling, and clean-up rather than speed. Check that your tools and PPE are complete and in working order, and replace anything worn or missing. Confirm the test site address, arrival time, parking, and what you may bring into the test area with the provider. Do not start learning new procedures at this stage; consolidate what you already know.
Pack your bag with ID, confirmation, tools, PPE, and clothing, and place it by the door. Re-confirm the appointment time and any last-minute instructions from the provider. Avoid heavy physical work and late nights; a practical assessment rewards steady hands and clear thinking. Set two alarms and plan your route, including a buffer for traffic. If you must travel, check transport schedules and have a backup plan.
Eat a proper meal and hydrate. Dress in your work clothing and PPE, and arrive at the site earlier than the stated check-in time. Keep your phone stored as instructed. During any pre-test briefing, listen for the specific procedures, time limits, and safety rules for that session, and ask the assessor to clarify anything you do not understand before you begin.
Work methodically: read or listen to each instruction fully, plan the steps, and perform them in the correct order. Follow all safety rules, including eye protection, correct lifting, and safe handling of fluids and hot components. Narrate your reasoning if the assessor invites it, and state what you are checking and why. If you make a mistake, stop, correct it safely, and continue; do not rush to recover. Manage your time so you complete each task and leave the work area clean and tools accounted for. If a task is unclear, ask the assessor rather than guessing.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID matching your registration; confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether expired documents are refused.
Arrive at the check-in time stated in your confirmation. Confirm with the provider what happens if you arrive late, since late arrival may mean forfeiting your slot.
Follow all safety instructions given by the assessor. Unsafe behavior such as removing guards, bypassing lockouts, or improper lifting may result in the task being stopped; confirm with the provider how safety violations affect scoring.
Keep phones, smart watches, and other devices stored as instructed during the assessment. Confirm with the provider the exact device policy before test day.
Ask the assessor before leaving the test area for a break, water, or restroom use; confirm with the provider whether scheduled breaks are built into the session and whether the clock stops during them.
Perform only the tasks you are instructed to do, using only the tools and materials permitted. Confirm with the provider whether you may use your own tools or must use supplied equipment.
Understand how scoring works before you begin: confirm with the provider whether each task is pass/fail or point-based, whether partial credit exists, and what the passing threshold is.
If you believe an error affected your assessment, ask the provider about the appeal or re-marking process after the test; do not argue with the assessor during the session.