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.
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:
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.
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.