What you need for a driving school open day

A driving school open day needs more than cars and instructors. Visitors move between reception, information tables, refreshments and trial lessons, so supplies must support each stop without creating queues. Plan printed visitor lists, name stickers and information packs before the day, and check power, charging and weather protection for the equipment. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy, collect or bring for a smooth open day.

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Foldable tablesqty 8
  • Folding chairsqty 50
  • Counter table
  • Tableclothsqty 8
  • High tablesqty 4
  • Umbrella stand

Equipment

  • Driving school carsqty 3
  • Laptopqty 2
  • Tabletsqty 2
  • Printer
  • Extension cordsqty 4
  • Power stripsqty 4
  • Charging cablesqty 6
  • Portable speaker
  • Megaphone
  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Coolersqty 3
  • Thermos flasksqty 4
  • Cable reelsqty 2

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 100
  • Coffee cupsqty 60
  • Platesqty 60
  • Cutlery setsqty 60
  • Serving spoonsqty 6
  • Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

  • Driving school flagsqty 4
  • Bannersqty 2
  • Balloonsqty 100
  • Balloon ribbonqty 2
  • Tapeqty 4
  • Directional signsqty 8
  • Pavement signsqty 3
  • Name stickersqty 150
  • Table signsqty 8

Kitchen

  • Cutting boardsqty 3
  • Bread knivesqty 2
  • Kitchen knivesqty 3
  • Scissorsqty 3
  • Serving tongsqty 4
  • Measuring cupsqty 2
  • Dishpanqty 2
  • Cooling matsqty 6

Sports equipment

  • Traffic conesqty 20
  • Bollardsqty 12
  • Barrier tapeqty 4
  • Reflective vestsqty 10
  • Parking discsqty 20
  • Measuring tape

Catering

  • Information brochuresqty 150
  • Registration formsqty 100
  • Trial lesson formsqty 80
  • Clipboardsqty 10
  • Ballpoint pensqty 30
  • Wristbandsqty 150
  • Groceries
    • Coffee - 4 packs
    • Decaf coffee - 1 pack
    • Tea - 4 boxes
    • Sugar - 2 packs
    • Mints - 1 box
    • Milk - 8 liters
    • Oat milk - 3 liters
    • Cola - 6 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 6 bottles
    • Sinas - 4 bottles
    • Ice tea - 4 bottles
    • Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
    • Spa Red - 4 bottles
    • Apple juice - 4 packs
    • Orange juice - 4 cartons
    • Lemons - 12 pieces
    • Ice cubes - 8 bags
    • Mini water bottles - 100 pieces
    • Mini croissants - 80 pieces
    • Mini cheese rolls - 80 pieces
    • Mini sausage rolls - 60 pieces
    • Wraps - 40 pieces
    • Hummus - 4 tubs
    • Cream cheese - 4 tubs
    • Cheese slices - 3 packs
    • Ham slices - 3 packs
    • Cucumbers - 6 pieces
    • Bell peppers - 6 pieces
    • Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
    • Mixed salads - 4 bags
    • Grapes - 4 bunches
    • Apples - 50 pieces
    • Bananas - 30 pieces
    • Paprika chips - 4 bags
    • Plain chips - 4 bags
    • Tortilla chips - 4 bags
    • Salsa - 4 jars
    • Salted nuts - 4 bags
    • Olives - 4 jars
    • Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
    • Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
    • Ketchup - 2 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 bottles
    • Napkins - 300 pieces
    • Paper straws - 150 pieces
    • Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
    • Cling film - 2 rolls
    • Baking paper - 2 rolls
    • Paper towels - 12 rolls
    • Dish soap - 3 bottles
    • All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
    • Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
    • Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
    • Sponges - 6 pieces
    • Rubber gloves - 6 pairs
    • Trash bags - 50 pieces
    • Toilet paper - 24 rolls
    • Hand soap - 4 bottles
    • Paper towels - 8 packs
    • Air freshener - 2 spray cans
    • Bandages - 2 boxes
    • Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
    • AA batteries - 12 pieces
    • AAA batteries - 12 pieces

Tips

  • Prepare one printed visitor list for reception and keep spare copies nearby. Bring extra name stickers and pens so late registrations do not slow down check-in.
  • For refreshments, allow around 2–3 drinks per visitor during a two-hour open day, plus extra water for instructors and trial-lesson participants. Chill drinks in coolers before doors open.
  • Count tables by function: reception, information, refreshments and materials each need a clear surface. Add at least one spare folding table if the venue allows it.
  • Charge every tablet, laptop and portable speaker the evening before, then pack charging cables, power strips and extension cords together. Bring cable reels where equipment will be spread across the venue.
  • Prepare driving school flags, banners and balloons before setup day, including balloon ribbon and suitable weights. An umbrella stand can also keep umbrellas and wet-weather items away from the reception desk.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a driving school open day?
Plan about 2–3 drinks per visitor for the first two hours, including water, coffee and tea. Add extra for instructors and anyone taking a trial lesson, and chill bottled drinks before guests arrive.
How many tables are needed for a driving school open day?
Allow one table each for reception, information, refreshments and printed materials, then add one spare if space permits. Use high tables separately if visitors need somewhere to stand and talk.
What should I bring for registration at a driving school open day?
Bring the printed visitor list, name stickers, a laptop or tablet, and charging cables. Prepare the list and information packs at least one day beforehand, with spare stickers for walk-in visitors.
When should the driving school cars be checked and refuelled?
Check every car and confirm the trial-lesson route on the day before the open day. Refuel the lesson cars before setup or no later than the morning of the event, so bookings are not delayed.

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