How To Book A Driving Test

Last Updated: 10/05/2022

When you’re learning to drive, there will come a certain point at which it’s time to take your driving test.

You should make sure that your instructor thinks you’re ready to do this so that you can proceed with confidence.

Once you reach that point, the process of booking the test is something that you will need to do yourself.

There are two ways of booking the test and you’re going to need to have specific pieces of information ready to hand once you begin the process of making the booking.

We will cover that in more detail during our step-by-step guide section below.

You should be mindful that securing a date and time for your driving test may not always be that straightforward.

Depending on the time of year and location in which you live, there may be lengthy waiting times for a test slot to become available.

Once your test is booked, there is a facility to allow you to change or cancel the test.

To change the date and/or time, you must do so at least three working days before your test date and you are allowed to change the test up to six times.

If you leave it too late to change or you need to rearrange again after the sixth time, you may lose your money.

Similarly, with cancelling your driving test, if you have second thoughts and want to cancel outright, then you can do so and receive a full refund so long as it is done three working days before the test date.

What You Will Learn

Booking a driving test is a fairly simple process.

It’s not something that your driving instructor can do on your behalf, so you need to know how to do it and then make the booking yourself.

Our guide will give you all the information you need ahead of booking your test, including how and where to book and what information you will need to have to hand when you make the booking.

As always, our guide is set out in the following format:

  • Step-By-Step Guide
  • Video Demonstration
  • Hints & Tips
  • Useful Information
  • Final Thoughts
  • Further Resources

Step-By-Step Guide

  • There are two ways of booking your test, either online or on the telephone. The test should be booked directly with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and not with the local test centre.
  • Your test centre is unable to take bookings directly and all of their available slots will be shown on the DVSA website or relayed by the telephone operator.
  • When booking your test, you will need both your National Insurance number and Driving License information to hand. Without these pieces of information, you will not be able to complete your booking. You will also need your driving instructor’s personal reference number if you want to check that they’re available.
  • You will also need a debit or credit card in order to pay for your booking. You can find out the latest driving test pricing from the DVSA website.
  • You will be asked to select which type of driving test you wish to take. The options will be along the lines of car, motorbike, etc.
  • When booking, you will need to select your local test centre. If you do not know where this is, the website or telephone operator will be able to tell you based on your home address/postcode.
  • You will be presented with a list of available dates and times to take your test. You can choose only one.
  • The entire process of booking a driving test can take up to 15 minutes, so make sure you’ve got enough time to do so thoroughly.

Video Demonstration

Hints & Tips

  • When you attend your driving test, you will need to have your driving licence with you. This includes both the card and paper part, if you were issued with both of these.
  • It’s important to note that if you fail your test, you must wait 10 days before taking the test again, however, you can only book a single test at any one time, so you cannot make multiple bookings in case you need to retake the driving test.
  • You cannot take your practical driving test until you have successfully passed your theory exam. While it is not essential, it may be a good idea to take along your theory test pass certificate to your practical test just in case it is needed for any reason.

Useful Information

Booking a driving test is a fairly simple process, especially if done online.

The DVSA website is very user-friendly and the process of booking is one that is easy to follow.

To book by telephone, you can call the DVSA’s automated test booking line between 8am and 4pm.

The telephone booking service is only available Monday to Friday. While this is automated, should you need to speak to an operator you can do by following the prompts given during the call.

To book online, visit the ‘further resources’ section at the bottom of the page.

The website is responsive, meaning it can be used on PC, laptop, tablet or mobile devices. This service is available from 6 am until 11:40 pm.

If you prefer to book by telephone, call 0330 200 1122.

Residents in Northern Ireland can book their driving tests via the links in the ‘further resources’ section at the bottom of the page.

Final Thoughts

Your driving test is a big day and it’s also another expense in what is the expensive process of learning to drive.

Make sure you only book your test when you’re ready to do so and your instructor is in agreement that you’re ready.

When selecting a date, you need to consider the test day itself.

By its very nature, a driving test is a nervy occasion, so try and book it for a day when your diary is pretty clear and there are no other distractions or demands on your time.

This will leave you free to concentrate on nothing but your driving test.

Further Resources