How to book
How to book the UK driving theory test
Last reviewed against gov.uk on
Book the UK driving theory test only through the official gov.uk service at gov.uk/book-theory-test. You need your UK driving licence number (provisional is fine), an email address, and a credit or debit card. The fee is £23 for car or motorcycle. The booking service shows the available slots at the centres you select, subject to capacity at each.
You must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your theory or driving test.
The 10-step booking flow
- Check you’re eligible to book. Confirm you’ve lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day of your test, that you have your UK provisional driving licence number, and that you’re old enough for the test category (17 for car, 16 for moped).
- Start the official booking service. Go to gov.uk/book-theory-test and click "Start now". You’ll be taken to the DVSA booking service at book-theory-test.service.gov.uk — this is the only valid booking route.
- Pick the test type. Choose car, motorcycle, or lorry/bus. The fee is £23 for car or motorcycle; lorry/bus is split into £26 multiple-choice + £11 hazard perception.
- Enter your provisional driving licence number. Type in the driver number printed on the front of your photocard provisional licence.
- Declare any reading difficulty, disability or health condition. At this point you can request adjustments — an English or Welsh voiceover (no evidence required), extra time, a reader, BSL interpreter, lip-speaker or hearing loop.
- Choose a test centre. Search by postcode. The system shows available DVSA theory test centres near you.
- Pick a date and time. The booking service shows the available slots at your chosen centres, subject to capacity. Popular centres fill weeks ahead; quieter ones often have slots in the next 1–2 weeks.
- Enter contact details. Provide the email address you want the booking confirmation sent to.
- Pay by credit or debit card. Pay the test fee. You’ll see the final amount on the payment screen.
- Save the booking confirmation. DVSA emails confirmation with your booking reference. You’ll need that reference to change, cancel, or check the test later.
What to take on the day
Take your UK photocard provisional driving licence. If you only have a paper (pre-1998) licence you must also bring a valid passport. Northern Ireland licence holders need both photocard and the paper counterpart. If your name has changed since you booked, bring proof — for example a marriage certificate or deed poll. Wrong or missing ID means the test is cancelled with no refund.
DVSA asks you to arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your appointment time. Phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers and any device you cannot fully switch off must be stored in a locker or in a clear plastic box outside the test room.
If you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition
Declare it when you book. Free adjustments include the on-screen English or Welsh voiceover (no evidence required), extra time on the multiple-choice section, a reader, a British Sign Language interpreter (in-person or on-screen), a lip-speaker, or a hearing loop. Some adjustments require supporting evidence — DVSA tells you what they need after you book.
Booking by phone
The DVSA theory test booking line is 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. It handles bookings and questions. Email: theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk.
Cancelling or changing
Use gov.uk’s cancel or change service. You need to give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change the date or get a refund. Monday to Saturday count as working days; Sundays and public holidays do not.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Book your theory test
- GOV.UK — Theory test: what to take
- GOV.UK — Theory test: when you arrive at the test centre
- GOV.UK — Theory test: reading difficulty, disability or health condition
- GOV.UK — Cancel your theory test
- GOV.UK — Change your theory test