When it comes to preparing for your driving test, a common question we’re asked is “What should I wear for my driving test?” Technically, you can wear whatever you like, but we recommend wearing something smart, tidy and comfortable.
First impressions count, and this is true even with your driving examiner. Research has shown that the way you look tends to have an impact on the outcome of situations, so read below if you want to find out how to make a great first impression.
The dos and don’ts of what to wear to your driving test
Do:- Wear something comfortable
- Wear clean clothes
- Wear appropriate shoes
- Look presentable
Don’t:- Wear sandals or high heels
- Wear restrictive clothing
- Wear too many layers
Wear something comfortable
It’s most important that you’re comfortable in whatever you choose to wear for your driving test. You want to avoid wearing anything that restricts your movement, such as a tight top or thick jacket. You need to be able to freely twist and move your body when driving, especially when performing a manoeuvre and you need to look around.
If you’re taking your driving test during the summer months, it can get hot in the test vehicle, and the stress of taking your test can make you feel even hotter. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day of your test and dress appropriately. If it looks like it’s going to be particularly hot, you can wear a thin T-shirt or vest top with a light jacket over the top that you can remove if you start getting too hot.
Wear clean clothes
You don’t have to buy a brand-new outfit, just try and ensure your clothes are clean on the day of your test. You will be nervous on the day of your test and that’s normal. If you find you sweat more under pressure, consider using an antiperspirant that says clinical protection/strength and apply body spray to your clothing too. Talc powder also helps prevent sweating. Lastly, avoid spicy foods the night before the test or on the day of your test.
Wear appropriate shoes
For your driving test, we would recommend wearing flats or trainers like Converse or some simple plimsolls.
On the day of your driving test, clutch control is vital. Many pupils actually start shaking, especially during their manoeuvre. Having close contact with the pedals is vital for sensitivity purposes, especially when controlling the clutch at slow speeds.
Types of footwear you should refrain from wearing are: Ugg boots, Timberlands, Doctor Martins and generally anything with a thick sole. Flip-flops are also considered by many driving examiners to be inappropriate.
Is it illegal to drive in flip-flops?
Put simply, the answer to this all-important question is no. However, you should still be cautious of wearing flip-flops while you drive as it could result in a fine of up to £5,000! Under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, you, as a driver, are obliged to wear clothing and footwear that does not prevent you from using the controls correctly. Although the Code doesn’t explicitly say flip-flops are inappropriate for driving, they could easily slip off and become wedged under the pedals, potentially causing you to drive erratically and resulting in a collision.
If the police stop you for driving in a potentially dangerous manner or it is believed that your footwear is the reason for an accident, you could face being fined for driving without due care and attention, otherwise known as careless driving. Typically, a careless driving charge consists of a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence. However, in more severe cases, there is a maximum fine of £5000, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban. With this in mind, it is worth avoiding wearing flip-flops when you drive and opting for a more appropriate choice of footwear.
Can you drive barefoot on your driving test?
Yes, you can as long as you can operate the controls safely. However, your driving examiner may not consider it safe and if at any point they thought that it was unsafe they could fail you. There is a higher chance of this as the Driving Standards Agency, who regulate the driving test, has been quoted as saying, “We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.” Driving unsafely due to not wearing shoes, as with wearing shoes that put you in danger, is illegal and not something you would want to risk on your test. It is therefore a good idea to wear suitable shoes.
The best footwear for driving
What you wear on your feet while you drive is often overlooked, but for comfort and safety reasons, it’s important to choose appropriate footwear.
Your footwear should not only be comfortable, especially for longer journeys, but as it determines your ability to judge braking and acceleration, it also needs to be practical. It is for this reason that high heels and platform shoes should be avoided at all costs. To achieve the correct pedal action, the driver’s heel needs to be resting on the floor, but these shoes elevate the heel, affecting the operation of the pedals. The dangers associated with thick soles and high heels when driving can seriously affect reaction times, and therefore risk the safety of all those travelling in the car.
The RAC provides a set of guidelines for what footwear is suitable when driving, which we have listed below:
- Have a sole no thicker than 10mm. The sole should also not be too thin or soft
- Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals
- Not be too heavy
- Not limit ankle movement
- Be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once
If you want to splash out and treat yourself to a practical yet comfortable pair of driving shoes, you can. However, if you want a more budget-friendly alternative, we would recommend any basic flat shoe or trainer. Comfort and safety are key.
So, although wearing flip-flops while you drive is not illegal in the UK, we highly recommend shopping around and finding a more appropriate choice of footwear. Not only will this make you feel more comfortable when driving but it will also ensure you are travelling safely.
What should you wear?
This isn’t fashion advice, but here are some looks that are a safe bet when it comes to what you should wear for your driving test:
All of these outfits are comfortable and easy to move in, and the learners are wearing suitable footwear, allowing them to grip the pedals properly. The above learners had driving lessons in Milton Keynes, Kettering, Luton, and Oxford.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has put to bed any concerns you might have about what to wear. If you follow the above guidelines you will have one less thing to worry about on your driving test.
Good luck on the day of your driving test!
