Logistics can add or subtract half a band. Plan the route, time buffers, documents, and backup moves now so test day is boring in a good way. This playbook focuses on Bangladesh realities, traffic spikes, power cuts, rain, and venue rules, and gives precise buffers for Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

Case study, then lessons learned

Mini case: Dhaka morning slot

Rafi lives in Mirpur and has a 10.00 a.m. computer delivered test in Banani. He books a ride the night before, but heavy rain hits at 7.30 a.m. He switches to Metro plus short ride, leaves at 8.10, reaches by 9.05, has a 15 minute calm window, and clears check in. His friend left at 9.00 from the same area, got stuck near Mohakhali flyover, and missed the ID check. The only difference was buffer and a rehearsed Plan B.

Lesson 1: Buffers beat luck.
Build city specific time margins and rehearse a second route.

Lessons learned, city by city

1) Time buffers that work

• Dhaka: add 60 to 90 minutes on top of normal travel time for morning slots, 45 to 60 minutes for afternoon. Friday is lighter in some zones, but markets and prayers shift flows, test your route.
• Chattogram: add 40 to 60 minutes around GEC Circle, Agrabad, and Port areas, 30 minutes elsewhere.
• Sylhet: add 25 to 40 minutes, more during rain near Ambarkhana and Zindabazar.

Rule of thumb: arrive at the building 45 minutes before check in opens, not just before the test start.

2) Booking and confirmation

• Use your portal to pick the center closest to a rail or major road. Shorter last mile means fewer surprises.
• Save the confirmation PDF and SMS. Take a printed copy. If your name has an extra space or spelling difference from your passport, contact the center now.

3) ID control

• Passport must be original, valid, and the same one used at booking. No photocopies.
• If your passport expires before test day, renew first or reschedule.
• Keep a simple ID kit: passport, confirmation print, two black pens for paper based modules, small clear pouch.

4) Route and transport

• Rehearse the route once at the same time of day.
• In Dhaka, combine Metro Rail plus ride hailing for the last 2 to 3 km. In Chattogram and Sylhet, ride hailing or CNG is usually fastest within 5 km.
• Save two backup options in your app. If surge pricing hits, switch quickly. Screenshot the venue map in case data drops.

5) Weather and power

• Monsoon plan: pack a compact umbrella and a plastic sleeve for your passport. Wet pages can block check in.
• Load shedding is rare in exam buildings but common on the way. Charge your phone to 90 percent and carry a small power bank.

6) What to pack, what to leave

• Allowed and useful: passport, confirmation, light snack for breaks, bottle of water if the site permits, basic medicines, glasses.
• Leave out: smartwatches, metal heavy accessories, study notes. Locker space is limited. Travel light.

7) Food, prayer, and health

• Eat light 60 to 90 minutes before Listening or Speaking. Avoid first trial of new foods.
• Check prayer times. If a slot overlaps, ask staff politely about the schedule before the test day.
• If you take regular medicine, carry it in original packaging and declare only if asked.

8) Speaking day twists

• Speaking can be the same day or a different day. If separate, repeat the same logistics plan.
• Target a 15 minute quiet window near the venue to warm up. Read one Part 2 outline and answer one Part 3 question aloud.

9) Examples from the field

• Example A, Chattogram: A noon slot near Agrabad moves slowly after 11.00. Candidates who left Anderkilla at 10.30 reached in 30 minutes one week, 55 the next. The ones who arrived calm left by 9.45 and had coffee nearby.
• Example B, Sylhet: Rain at 2.00 p.m. flooded a short stretch near Zindabazar. Candidates who walked the last 600 meters reached faster than CNG riders waiting in traffic.

10) Mistakes to avoid

• Cutting it close because your map shows 18 minutes. Real world flow can triple that in Dhaka.
• Bringing the wrong passport or a damaged one.
• Relying on a single transport app.
• Wearing noisy bangles or watches that invite extra screening.
• Skipping the bathroom queue until the last minute.

11) Edge cases to plan

• UKVI IELTS: Same logistics, but double check venue and rules. Keep extra buffer for ID checks.
• Name mismatch: If your academic documents and passport differ, carry an affidavit or official correction letter where relevant.
• Fasting month: Energy dips are real. Book a morning slot, hydrate at suhoor, and plan a short seated rest before check in.
• Intercity travel on test day: Avoid it. If you must, arrive the night before and stay within 2 km of the venue.

Mini glossary

• CD IELTS: Computer delivered IELTS.
• TRF: Test Report Form, the official score sheet.
• EOR: Enquiry on Results, the re mark process within six weeks.
• OSR: One Skill Retake, a retake of one module within about 60 days.
• Check in window: The period before the test when documents are verified.

Quick checklist after reading

• Pick venue by transit access, not just distance.
• Build buffers using the city rules above.
• Rehearse once at the same hour.
• Print confirmation and prep an ID kit.
• Save two backup routes and a map screenshot.
• Pack light, arrive early, and keep one calm window for warm up.