Driving test booking guide
Everything you need to know before booking a car practical test on GOV.UK, including the rule changes from 2026.
On this page
Before you book
You can book a practical car test once you’ve passed your theory test. Have these ready:
- Your provisional driving licence (Great Britain or Northern Ireland).
- Your theory test pass certificate number. A theory pass lasts 2 years.
- A debit or credit card to pay DVSA.
- Optional: your instructor’s personal reference number, so they can see your test date.
What it costs
| Car practical test | DVSA fee |
|---|---|
| Weekday | £62 |
| Evening, weekend or bank holiday | £75 |
You pay DVSA directly when you book. You get a full refund if you cancel at least 10 full working days before your test.
The 2026 booking rules
From 31 March 2026
Two changes per booking
You can change a booking twice. After that you must cancel and book again.
From 12 May 2026
Only you can book
Learners must book and manage their own car test. Booking for someone else is against the law, and unofficial scanning services aren’t allowed.
From 9 June 2026
Nearby centres only
You can only move your test to one of the 3 centres nearest your booked centre.
Rules can change. Always check the official page: Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026 (GOV.UK).
Choosing a test centre
Because changes are now limited, pick the centre you really want on day one. Think about:
- How easily you and your instructor can get there.
- Whether you’ve practised on the roads around it.
- The earliest dates GOV.UK shows for each nearby centre.
Booking step by step
- Go to gov.uk/book-driving-test. Check the address starts with gov.uk.
- Choose a car test and confirm you are the learner taking it.
- Enter your licence and theory pass details.
- Pick your test centre, then a date and time from those shown.
- Add your instructor’s reference number if you have one.
- Pay, then save the booking reference from your confirmation email.
Stuck on a screen? Send us a WhatsApp with the screen name and we’ll tell you what it’s asking for. Never send screenshots that show your card details.
On the day
- Bring your provisional licence. The test lasts about 40 minutes.
- Your car must be roadworthy, taxed, insured for a test, and have L plates and an extra interior mirror.
- Expect an eyesight check, “show me, tell me” questions, independent driving and one reversing exercise.
Ready to book your test?
Send us a message and we’ll walk you through it. Most learners are ready to book within one conversation.