Yes, you can drive straight after passing your test. You do not have to wait until your full driving licence arrives in the post. As confirmation of your pass, the examiner will give you a driving test pass certificate that contains your name, driving licence number and the examiners signature.

However, just because you can drive straight after passing your test, it doesn’t mean that should. Regardless of whether you have passed or failed, driving tests are very mentally draining and for this reason, driving instructors almost always drive the test candidate home after their test.

Even if you passed, you’re going to be understandably very exited which may impair your driving judgement, so it’s probably a good idea to let the person that was supervising you on the way to the test, drive you home.

Other Considerations

Another important consideration that’s easy to forget is your car insurance. If you’re using your own car for the driving test and you pass, if you intend on driving right away or very soon after, you’ll need to ensure your insurance policy covers you.

While some learner driver insurance policies may cover you for the drive home, most policies end the moment you pass the test. The penalty for driving without insurance is 6 points and a fine. As a new licence holder, 6 or more points means having your licence revoked. The last thing you want is a driving ban just after passing the test.