NABTEB Motor Vehicle Mechanics exam-day guide
NABTEB Motor Vehicle Mechanics · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Exam slip or admission letter
Bring the exact printout/registration document issued for the practical. Needs review: confirm with your school/centre or NABTEB provider which document is accepted and whether a photocopy is allowed.
Valid photo identification
Carry a current ID with your name and photograph. Needs review: confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted, such as school ID, national ID, or other official photo ID.
Pen, pencil, eraser, and ruler
Pack basic writing and marking materials for recording observations, labelling sketches, and completing any written practical records.
Scientific calculator
Bring a calculator only if the centre permits it for calculations such as measurement conversions or electrical values. Needs review: confirm with the provider whether calculators are allowed in the practical.
Workshop PPE
Prepare coveralls/overall, safety boots, goggles, and hand gloves where required. Needs review: confirm the exact PPE list with your centre because requirements can vary by workshop task.
Hand tools or tool kit
Do not assume you must bring your own tools. Needs review: confirm with the provider whether tools are supplied by the centre or whether candidates must bring a specified kit.
Drawing instruments
Bring a drawing board, set square, and other drawing instruments only if sketches or drawings form part of your practical. Needs review: confirm the required drawing equipment with the provider.
Clean workshop attire
Wear or carry clothing suitable for practical motor vehicle work; avoid loose clothing, open shoes, and dangling jewellery that could create a safety hazard.
Venue and timing information
Know the exact workshop/venue, reporting time, and entry point before exam day. Confirm the details with your school/centre rather than relying on hearsay.
Transport and contact plan
Arrange reliable transport and keep a phone number for your school/centre contact, but do not plan to use a mobile phone inside the examination area.
Water and a light snack
Bring water and a small snack if permitted, especially for a long practical session. Needs review: confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the workshop or holding area.
No unauthorised materials
Leave behind notes, textbooks, smart devices, and any unauthorised aids. Needs review: confirm with the provider the exact rules on phones, smart watches, and storage of personal items.
Plan the day
Confirm the practical date, reporting time, venue, and required documents with your school/centre or NABTEB provider.
Read your practical syllabus/tasks and revise core motor vehicle mechanics procedures: safety, tool use, measurement, engine components, braking, steering, suspension, and basic auto-electrical checks.
Check that your PPE, writing materials, and any permitted instruments are complete and in good condition; replace missing items now.
Ask your instructor to clarify any task or tool you are unsure about, especially if the centre supplies tools rather than candidates.
Pack your exam slip, ID, writing materials, PPE, and permitted equipment in one bag and place it near the door.
Confirm your transport plan and planned arrival time; aim to arrive well before the reporting time.
Eat properly, avoid late-night cramming, and get adequate sleep so you are alert for workshop safety and practical tasks.
Eat a light meal, dress in suitable workshop attire, and carry your packed bag and documents.
Arrive early, locate the workshop/venue, and follow sign-in and seating or grouping instructions.
Listen carefully to the invigilator/instructor's briefing, read all instructions, and ask for clarification through the approved channel if a task is unclear.
Follow safety procedures at all times: use guards and PPE, handle tools correctly, keep the work area clear, and report accidents or damage immediately.
Work steadily, record measurements and observations accurately, and leave enough time to clean up, return tools, and submit your work as instructed.
Rules to check
Bring and display the required exam slip and photo ID; confirm with the provider which identification forms are accepted.
Do not use mobile phones, smart watches, or unauthorised electronic devices in the examination area; confirm with the provider where personal items must be stored.
Follow all workshop safety instructions and wear the required PPE; unsafe conduct can lead to removal from the practical area.
Do not talk, share tools, or exchange answers with other candidates unless the invigilator explicitly permits it.
Ask the invigilator or instructor for permission before leaving the workshop, taking a break, or using any equipment not provided for your task.
Use only the tools, materials, and equipment approved for your assigned task; do not borrow from other candidates without permission.
Scoring is normally based on safe procedure, correct tool use, accuracy of work/measurements, and completion of the assigned task; confirm the exact marking scheme with the provider.
Any form of malpractice or dangerous behaviour should be avoided; confirm the provider's disciplinary policy before exam day.