What to Bring to Your Theory Test (2026 Checklist)

You must bring your UK photocard driving licence (your provisional licence) to your theory test. If you have a Northern Ireland licence, bring both the photocard and the paper counterpart. Without the right documents your test will be cancelled and you won't get your money back (GOV.UK: what to take).

• 1photocard licence
• 15 minarrive early
• 0devices switched on
• £23lost if you forget

Theory test checklist

GOV.UK doesn't list your booking confirmation as something you must bring. If you've lost it, you can check your appointment details on GOV.UK.

Special situations

You've lost your licence

Apply for a replacement straight away on GOV.UK. GOV.UK says it could take up to 15 days to arrive. If it won't come in time, rearrange your test. Give at least 3 full working days' notice, or you'll have to pay again.

You only have a paper licence and no passport

You'll need to get a photocard licence before your test. GOV.UK has a service to exchange a paper licence.

Your name has changed and you have no proof

You must cancel your test and book a new one in your new name, using your new driving licence number.

Lorry and bus drivers

For the Driver CPC tests you can bring a Great Britain photocard licence, a Northern Ireland photocard licence with its paper counterpart, or an EU photocard licence (with its paper counterpart if you have one). If you don't have a photocard, bring your paper licence and a valid passport (GOV.UK: Driver CPC part 1).

What to leave at home

You can't take personal belongings into the test room unless DVSA approved them when you booked. Everything else goes in a locker, or in a clear plastic box if the centre has no lockers (GOV.UK: when you arrive). That includes:

• small bags (don't bring large bags)
• coats, jackets, hats and caps
• earphones, mobile phones and watches
• wallets and purses
• books and pens
• anything in your pockets

Travel light. You won't need notes, and you can't revise once you're inside.

Phones, smartwatches and medical devices

You must turn off all electronic devices before you enter the test centre, including mobile phones, smartwatches and fitness trackers. If you bring a device you can't turn off, you won't be allowed to take your test.

If you use a monitoring device for a medical condition, DVSA must have approved it when you booked. If you didn't tell DVSA, you need to cancel your appointment (you get a full refund with at least 3 working days' notice) and book again, selecting "Yes" when asked if you need support.

Identity and security checks

Staff will check your face against your photo ID. If you wear headgear for religious or cultural reasons, you'll be asked to remove it so your face can be seen, in a private area with a female member of staff where possible.

Staff also check that you have nothing you could use to cheat. They won't touch you, but they'll ask you to show your pockets are empty, roll up your sleeves, pat yourself down, show the top of your socks, stand still for a handheld metal detector and show your ears. Cheating at the theory test is illegal and can lead to prison and a driving ban.

Arriving at the centre

• Arrive 15 minutes before your test. If you're late, it will be cancelled and you'll lose your fee.
• There's no waiting area for adults or children who come with you, so arrange for them to wait elsewhere.
• Allow about an hour and a half in total. See how long the theory test is.

Bring your best preparation

The one thing you can't forget is your knowledge. Before the day, take a couple of full mock theory tests and a run of our hazard perception test so the format feels familiar. Riders can use our mock motorcycle theory test. For a final plan, read how to pass your theory test.