Driving Test FAQ

Welcome to our Practical Driving Test FAQ page which contains some of the most asked questions by learner car drivers.

If you have a Driving Test question that you can’t find the answer to, don’t worry, just send us a Facebook message and we’ll do our very best to get back to you as soon as we can.

Our team wants you to ace that DVSA Driving Test, so don’t let any niggles or concerns get in the way of you concentrating on the important goal – getting your driving freedom!

How do I book the Practical Driving Test?

The only official place to book your test is with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) through the gov.uk website.

There are many other sites that will offer to book your Practical Driving Test for you, but they will charge you the cost of the test plus an additional booking fee, so watch out for this!

There is no booking fee or an administration cost if booked directly with the DVSA.

How much will it cost to book a Practical Driving Test?

The total fee to book a driving test for a learner car driver will vary depending on your chosen day.

  • Weekday Practical Test = £62.00
  • Weekday evening, weekend or bank holiday = £75.00

How long will a Driving Test last?

The Practical Driving Test should take around 40 minutes, and you’ll also have to perform an eyesight check along with:

  • Answering the ‘show me, tell me’ questions
  • Being assessed on your general driving ability
  • Showing how you reverse your vehicle
  • Prove you can pass the independent driving part

How do I book a Driving Test online?

Before you can apply for your Practical Driving Test you will need to have passed your theory and Hazard Perception Tests.

Booking the test online is a service that’s only available between 6.00 am and 11:40pm.

If you decide to book your test online you will need the following in order to complete your booking:

  • A valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number
  • A valid credit or debit card.
  • Your Theory Test pass date and certificate number

How to book a Driving Test over the phone

Don’t worry, if you can’t book it online, you can call the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on 0300 200 1122 and book over the telephone.

Make sure that you have all the details listed above to hand before you call.

How to book a Driving Test by post

You can also book your driving test by post. To download the application form, click on the link below.

Payment can be made via cheque or postal order, but please note that cash payments are not accepted.

Download a postal application form to book a practical driving test.

What documents do I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring both parts of your photocard driving licence and your Theory Test pass certificate (or confirmation).

How can I check my Driving Test details online?

You can check your details for an existing practical test booking online by using the gov.uk service.

How can I change my Driving Test online?

You can change the details of an existing Practical Driving Test booking online.

You need to give at least three clear working days otherwise you will have to pay an additional fee.

For further information on how to do this visit the gov.uk official site.

How easy is it to make a Driving Test cancellation?

If for any reason you wanted to cancel an existing Driving Test booking, you can do so online.

Please be aware that unless you leave at least three clear working days before your test, you will lose your test fee.

For further information on how to do this visit the gov.uk official page.

I’ve failed my Driving Test, when can I apply for a retest?

If you fail your Driving Test you can take another after 10 working days (Saturday’s are classed as a working day).

Can I drive any vehicle on my test?

No! You must ensure that your vehicle meets the minimum standards before arriving at the test centre, otherwise, your test may be cancelled and you will lose your test fee.

Check with the DVLA to see if your vehicle is suitable to use.

I’ve lost my provisional driving licence (photo card or paper) – what should I do?

If you have lost either the paper part or the photocard of your driving licence you must contact the DVLA immediately.

You can apply for a replacement licence online via the secure DVLA booking service. Alternatively, you can call the DVLA direct on 0300 790 6801.

Please note that you are not able to take your theory or Practical Driving Test without both parts of your driving licence.

My Driving Test has been cancelled, how long will I need to wait until I receive a date for my new test?

If your Driving Test has been cancelled due to circumstances such as the bad weather, another appointment will be automatically arranged at no further cost to you.

However, the DVSA doesn’t pay any out-of-pocket expenses. A new appointment date is usually sent within three working days but this may take up to seven days during busy periods.

How can I overcome Driving Test nerves?

There are various ways that you can help to combat test nerves, but unfortunately what works for one person doesn’t work for another.

Check out our Driving Test nerves page to see what could work for you.

Can you wear your sunglasses on your test?

Yes, you can, but remember that it’s harder for the examiner to see you look in the mirrors, so it’s advisable not to wear them.

Does the DVSA offer a discount if I fail my test and have to book again?

Unfortunately not – if you fail and want to take another test you will need to pay the full fee again as the DVSA don’t offer discounts for re-tests.

Where can I find my local test routes?

Unfortunately, the DVSA no longer publishes the official test routes since the introduction of Independent Driving.

ADI Part Three Instructional Ability Test
What is the Hazard Perception Test?