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How to book

How to book the UK driving theory test

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Book the UK driving theory test only through the official gov.uk service at gov.uk/book-theory-test . You need a UK provisional driving licence number, an email address, and a credit or debit card. The fee is £23 for car or motorcycle. The booking service typically shows slots up to around 24 weeks (about 6 months) ahead, subject to availability.

You need your UK driving licence number, email address, credit or debit card.
— GOV.UK — book your theory test

The 10-step booking flow

  1. 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, 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Enter your provisional driving licence number. Type in the 16-character number printed on your photocard provisional licence.
  5. Declare any reading difficulty, disability or health condition. At this point you can request adjustments — an English or Welsh voiceover (available to anyone), extra time, a reader, BSL interpreter, lip-speaker or hearing loop.
  6. Choose a test centre. Search by postcode. The system shows available DVSA theory test centres near you.
  7. Pick a date and time. The booking service typically shows slots up to around 24 weeks (about 6 months) ahead, subject to availability. Choose any open slot at your chosen centre.
  8. Enter contact details. Provide the email address you want the booking confirmation sent to.
  9. Pay by credit or debit card. Pay the test fee. You’ll see the final amount on the payment screen.
  10. 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 (open to anyone), 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

Booking — FAQs

How do I book the UK theory test?

Book only through the official GOV.UK service at gov.uk/book-theory-test — that is the only valid booking route for DVSA tests. You need a UK provisional driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card. Third-party sites that charge to book are unofficial.

Source: gov.uk — book your theory test

How early can I book my theory test?

The DVSA booking service typically shows test slots up to around 24 weeks (about six months) ahead, subject to availability at your chosen centre. You need your UK driving licence number, an email address, and a debit or credit card to book.

Source: gov.uk — book your theory test

What happens if I arrive late to the theory test?

The test is cancelled and the fee is forfeit. DVSA asks you to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.

Source: gov.uk — when you arrive at the test centre

What ID do I need on the day of the theory test?

Your UK photocard provisional driving licence. If you only have a paper (pre-1998) licence, you also need a valid passport. Wrong or missing ID means the test is cancelled with no refund.

Source: gov.uk — what to take to your theory test

Can I bring a parent or friend with me to the theory test?

There is no waiting area at the test centre for anyone accompanying you, and companions cannot sit in on the test itself.

Source: gov.uk — when you arrive at the test centre

Can I bring my phone or smartwatch into the test room?

No. Phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers and any device you cannot fully switch off must be stored in a locker or clear plastic box outside. Cheating is a criminal offence.

Source: gov.uk — when you arrive at the test centre

Is there an English voiceover for the test?

Yes. The on-screen English (or Welsh) voiceover is available to all candidates and is particularly intended for people with dyslexia, reading difficulties or certain disabilities. You select it when you book or by asking at the test centre.

Source: gov.uk — reading difficulty, disability or health condition