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.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Booking Options
- Documents and Information Needed
- Test Fees
- Choosing a Test Centre
- Selecting a Test Date and Time
- Special Requirements
- Booking Confirmation
- Changing or Cancelling Your Test
1. Eligibility Requirements
Before booking your practical test, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Theory Test Pass – You must have passed the driving theory test before booking the practical test.
- Provisional Driving Licence – A valid provisional UK driving licence issued by the DVLA is required.
- 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).
- 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:
- Online Booking (Recommended)
- Visit the official GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
- Avoid third-party websites that may charge extra fees.
- You can choose your preferred test centre and check availability online.
- Phone Booking
- Call the DVSA Booking Line at 0300 200 1122 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM).
- If you require special assistance, mention it during the call.
3. Documents and Information Needed
To book your practical test, you will need:
- UK Provisional Driving Licence Number (Found on your provisional licence card).
- Your Driving Instructor’s ADI Number (optional but useful for scheduling with your instructor).
- A Credit or Debit Card to pay the test fee.
- An Active Email Address (for booking confirmation).
4. Test Fees
- The standard fee for a car practical test is:
- £62 on weekdays
- £75 on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
- Fees vary for motorcycles, lorries, and buses, so check GOV.UK for the latest prices.
5. Choosing a Test Centre
- Location: You can select a test centre near you when booking online or over the phone.
- Availability: Popular test centres (e.g., London, Birmingham, Manchester) may have long waiting times, so book in advance.
- 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
- Use the online calendar to view available dates and times.
- Peak times (weekends and mornings) fill up quickly, so book early.
- 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:
- British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter for hearing-impaired candidates.
- Extra time or oral instructions for candidates with dyslexia or learning difficulties.
- Disabled access or special driving test arrangements for physically impaired candidates.
You must request these accommodations while booking your test.
8. Booking Confirmation
- After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and location.
- If you don’t receive an email, check your spam folder or log in to the GOV.UK website to verify your booking.
- If your instructor will accompany you, share the test details with them in advance.
9. Changing or Cancelling Your Test
- You can reschedule or cancel your test up to 3 full working days before your test date to avoid losing your fee.
- To make changes, visit https://www.gov.uk/change-driving-test or call DVSA support.
- If you cancel after the deadline, your fee will not be refunded unless you have a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency).