Knowing the shape of the day removes most of the nerves. Very little about it is a surprise once you have read this.
Before you leave home
- Every document, originals not copies.
- Your booking confirmation.
- Your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.
- Cash, in case the centre does not take card.
- Arrive early. Centres run to their own rhythm and being late can forfeit the slot.
The eye test
Done at the centre unless you brought an optometrist's certificate. It takes a couple of minutes and checks your vision against the prescribed standard. If you need correction to meet it, that is recorded as a condition on your licence — it does not fail you.
The test itself
Most centres now test on a computer, though pen-and-paper is still used in places. Either way it is multiple choice, and you are given the sign chart and the illustration book you need to answer the picture questions.
You have an hour, but most people finish in twenty to thirty minutes. There is no benefit to rushing and no prize for finishing early — the only thing that matters is clearing every section.
There is no negative marking. A blank answer is a guaranteed zero; a guess is not. If you are stuck, eliminate what you can and pick.
Getting your result
On a computerised test you usually know within minutes. If you passed, the licence is generally printed the same day once you have paid the issuing fee — you walk out with it.
If you did not pass, you are told which sections fell short. That information is worth writing down before you leave; it tells you exactly what to fix.
Once you have it
You may drive on a public road — including a freeway — provided a licensed driver is in the vehicle with you. The licence is valid for 24 months, and that clock starts immediately. Book driving lessons and the driving test sooner than feels necessary.