Clean the asphalt surface thoroughly with a hose and scrubbing brush. Identify any chips, cracks or potholes in the surface.
Chisel the loose edges around any potholes with a chisel and hammer. Sweep out the pieces and loose debris from inside the holes with a hand brush.
Spread asphalt emulsion over the hole with a putty knife. The emulsion will increase the strength of the bond between the old and new asphalt.
Use a hand shovel to fill the potholes and cracks with asphalt patching material. Pound the end of a 4-by-4-inch post over the patch material.
Shovel more asphalt patch into the hole and tamp it down. Repeat this until the material is 1/2 inch above the surface.
Lay a wood board over the patched areas. Drive on the board to tamp the material down as much as possible.
Sprinkle the entire driveway with a light mist of water. Pour a 1-foot-thick line of asphalt driveway sealer down the center of the driveway and spread the sealer across the surface with a squeegee. The sealer will repel water to reduce cracks and other damage in the future.