Book Your Practical TestYour Licence is Waiting
You've mastered the skills, now it's time to prove it. This guide will walk you through booking your official DVSA practical driving test.
Are You Ready to Book?
Before you book, make sure you meet these essential requirements. Your instructor will be the best judge of your readiness.
Passed Your Theory Test
You must have a valid theory test pass certificate. The certificate is valid for 2 years.
Instructor's Approval
Your driving instructor agrees you are ready and consistently driving at a test-standard level.
Have Your Documents
You'll need your UK provisional licence number and your theory test pass number.
Booking Your Practical Test: Step-by-Step
Only use the official GOV.UK website. Unofficial sites will charge you more for the same service.
Step 1:Visit the GOV.UK Booking Service
Navigate to the official 'Book your driving test' page. The service is open from 6am to 11:40pm daily. Have your provisional licence and theory test pass numbers handy.
Step 2:Choose a Test Centre and Date
Select your preferred test centre. You'll then see a calendar with available dates. Waiting times can be long, so book as far in advance as you can.
Step 3:Enter Your Instructor's Details
You can add your driving instructor's personal reference number if you want. This checks if they are available for your chosen time and avoids double-booking their car.
Step 4:Pay and Confirm
Pay the test fee using a credit or debit card. A standard weekday test costs £62. Evening, weekend, and bank holiday tests cost £75. Once paid, you'll receive a confirmation email.
Tips for Finding an Earlier Date
Test waiting times can be long. Here's how to improve your chances of getting an earlier slot:
No Best Time
Cancelled slots can appear at any time between 6am and 11:40pm. New dates 24 weeks ahead are released at 6am on Mondays.
Check Regularly
Slots open up throughout the day as people cancel or change. You can only change your booking twice, so pick carefully.
Try Different Centres
Choose your centre carefully when you first book. Once booked, you can only move your test to one of the 3 nearest centres.
Avoid Unofficial Services
Do not use cancellation-finder apps or services. They are not allowed, and only you can book or change your test.
Test Day Checklist
Don't forget these essentials!
Your UK Provisional Licence
The photocard is essential. No licence, no test!
Your Theory Test Pass Certificate
Not required. Bring it if you have it, as the examiner checks your theory pass anyway.
A Suitable Car
Most learners use their instructor's car. It must be taxed, insured, have a current MOT if it is over 3 years old, and display L-plates.
Glasses or Contact Lenses
If you need them for the eyesight test, you must wear them.
Practical Test Booking FAQs
Got questions? We've got answers!
How can I find an earlier test date?
Waiting times can be long. Once you have a test booked, you can use the official GOV.UK 'change your driving test' service to look for earlier slots opened up by cancellations. There is no best time to look: slots appear whenever someone changes or cancels. Do not use cancellation-finder apps or services. They are not allowed, and only you can book or change your test.
What if I need to change or cancel my practical test?
You must give at least 10 full working days' notice to change or cancel your test, or you lose the fee. Monday to Saturday count as working days; Sundays and public holidays do not. You can only change a booking twice.
Can I use my own car for the test?
Yes, but it's often easier to use your instructor's car as you are familiar with it and it's guaranteed to meet the requirements. If you use your own car, it must be properly taxed and insured, have a current MOT if it is over 3 years old, be roadworthy, have an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner, and display L-plates.
How much does the practical test cost?
A standard weekday practical driving test costs £62. Tests taken on evenings, weekends, or bank holidays cost £75. You can pay by credit or debit card when booking through GOV.UK.
What happens if I fail the test?
Don't worry. You can book another test straight away, but the test date must be at least 10 working days away. Your examiner will give you feedback on what went wrong so you can focus your practice. Many successful drivers didn't pass first time!
How long is my theory test pass valid for?
Your theory test pass certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you passed. You must take and pass your practical driving test within this period, or you'll need to retake the theory test. Book your practical test well in advance to avoid running out of time.
Need More Practice Before Your Test?
Book a pre-test lesson or refresher session with DriveThruL. We'll make sure you're fully prepared and confident for the big day.
Serving Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham