Fazer prova.

You use fazer prova when you're talking about the act of sitting for an exam. It’s a verb-noun collocation, meaning these two words just naturally stick together. You don't say realizar prova or criar prova in this context. It’s like saying take a shower in English – you don't make a shower or perform a shower. It's the established phrase.

• At school: "Amanhã eu tenho que fazer prova de matemática." (Tomorrow I have to take a math test.)
• Driving test: "Finalmente consegui fazer prova do carro e passei!" (I finally managed to take the car test and passed!)
• Job application: "Precisei fazer prova de proficiência em inglês." (I needed to take a proficiency test in English.)
• Medical check-up: "O médico pediu para eu fazer prova de sangue." (The doctor asked me to do a blood test.)

Use fazer prova whenever you are undergoing an official assessment. This applies to academic settings like school or university. It's also used for official certifications, like language proficiency exams or driver's license tests. Even some job interviews might require you to fazer prova of certain skills. It’s the go-to phrase for the act of being tested.

Don't use fazer prova for informal quizzes among friends. If you're just playing a trivia game, you wouldn't say you're fazendo prova. Also, avoid it for casual self-assessments. If you're just checking if you remember something, it's not fazer prova. It implies an external evaluation. You wouldn't say "Vou fazer prova se lembro da senha." (I'm going to test if I remember the password.) That sounds a bit too formal for a simple memory check.

Learners sometimes try to use other verbs with prova. The most common mistake is using ter (to have) or dar (to give). Remember, you *take* the test, you don't *have* it or *give* it in this sense.

It's like saying "I have a test" vs. "I take a test." In Portuguese, the action verb is key here.

• Prestar exame: This is a more formal synonym, often used for major academic exams like university entrance exams (vestibular). It sounds a bit more serious.
• Realizar um teste: This is a direct translation of "to perform a test" and is sometimes used, especially in technical or scientific contexts, but fazer prova is more common for general exams.
• Ser avaliado: This means "to be evaluated," focusing on the passive aspect of being tested rather than the active act of taking it.

• Fazer um teste: Very similar, often interchangeable, but teste can sometimes imply a shorter or less formal assessment than prova.
• Fazer o exame: Exame is often used for more comprehensive or medical tests, but can also substitute prova in academic contexts.
• Fazer a prova final: Specifically refers to the final exam.

• Q: Is fazer prova formal or informal?

A: It's generally neutral, suitable for most situations.

• Q: Can I use it for a driving test?

A: Yes, absolutely! It's very common for official tests.

• Q: What's the difference between prova and teste?

A: Prova often implies a more significant or formal exam, while teste can be shorter or less weighty.