Booking the Test

Booking your UK driving practical test is an important step toward obtaining a full driving licence. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you book your test smoothly and avoid common mistakes.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Before booking your practical test, ensure you meet the following criteria:

  1. Theory Test Pass – You must have passed the driving theory test before booking the practical test.
  2. Provisional Driving Licence – A valid provisional UK driving licence issued by the DVLA is required.
  3. Minimum Age – You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if receiving the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment - PIP).
  4. Driving Experience – It’s recommended that candidates have at least 45 hours of professional driving lessons plus 20+ hours of private practice before taking the test.

2. Booking Options

There are two main ways to book your driving practical test:

  1. Online Booking (Recommended)
    1. Visit the official GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
    2. Avoid third-party websites that may charge extra fees.
    3. You can choose your preferred test centre and check availability online.
  2. Phone Booking
    1. Call the DVSA Booking Line at 0300 200 1122 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM).
    2. If you require special assistance, mention it during the call.

3. Documents and Information Needed

To book your practical test, you will need:

  1. UK Provisional Driving Licence Number (Found on your provisional licence card).
  2. Your Driving Instructor’s ADI Number (optional but useful for scheduling with your instructor).
  3. A Credit or Debit Card to pay the test fee.
  4. An Active Email Address (for booking confirmation).

4. Test Fees

  1. The standard fee for a car practical test is:
  2. £62 on weekdays
  3. £75 on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
  4. Fees vary for motorcycles, lorries, and buses, so check GOV.UK for the latest prices.

5. Choosing a Test Centre

  1. Location: You can select a test centre near you when booking online or over the phone.
  2. Availability: Popular test centres (e.g., London, Birmingham, Manchester) may have long waiting times, so book in advance.
  3. Facilities: Not all test centres have parking or toilets, so check the details beforehand.

To find a nearby test centre, visit: https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-test-centre

6. Selecting a Test Date and Time

  1. Use the online calendar to view available dates and times.
  2. Peak times (weekends and mornings) fill up quickly, so book early.
  3. Some test centres offer cancellation slots, which can help you get an earlier date.

7. Special Requirements

If you need additional support during the test, you can request accommodations, including:

  1. British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter for hearing-impaired candidates.
  2. Extra time or oral instructions for candidates with dyslexia or learning difficulties.
  3. Disabled access or special driving test arrangements for physically impaired candidates.

You must request these accommodations while booking your test.

8. Booking Confirmation

  1. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and location.
  2. If you don’t receive an email, check your spam folder or log in to the GOV.UK website to verify your booking.
  3. If your instructor will accompany you, share the test details with them in advance.

9. Changing or Cancelling Your Test

  1. You can reschedule or cancel your test up to 3 full working days before your test date to avoid losing your fee.
  2. To make changes, visit https://www.gov.uk/change-driving-test or call DVSA support.
  3. If you cancel after the deadline, your fee will not be refunded unless you have a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency).