Are you a learner driver ready to book your practical driving test?

If so, you’ll need to book your driving test with the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of booking driving tests and how you can find available driving test cancellations. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to book practical driving tests in the UK!

What is a DVSA practical driving test?

Ready to start driving without your driving instructor? The practical driving test is the final step in learning to drive, and it involves you taking a car on the road with an examiner who will score you against different criteria. 

During the DVSA car driving practical test, you’ll be assessed on your general driving ability, your ability to reverse the car, and your ability to drive independently.

The car practical driving test is intended to ensure that learner drivers have sufficiently mastered the essential driving skills, including control of the vehicle, observation of traffic rules, and the ability to make safe decisions when on the road.

After completing the test, you’ll be given a pass or fail grade depending on your performance. Once you pass your driving test, you’ll be able to legally drive a car on your own.

How long is a DVSA practical driving test?

A driving test usually lasts about 40 minutes from start to finish. During this time, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge in real-world conditions.

This includes everything from basic manoeuvres to independent driving. It might sound a bit daunting, but remember, it’s just a chance to show what you’ve learned with your driving test instructor and that you’re ready to hit the road safely.

Your examiner is there to guide you through the process, so there’s no need to stress!

When can I book my practical driving test?

Before booking your DVSA practical driving test, you’ll need to be 17 or over and have passed both your theory and hazard perception tests.

You must have also been living in England, Wales, or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day of your practical driving test.

How much does a practical driving test booking cost?

The DVSA books driving tests on their website and over the telephone. The price of a driving test booking depends on the day and time you choose to take your test. Car practical driving test bookings cost the same.

The current cost of a DVSA practical driving test is £62 for a weekday and £75 for an evening, weekend, or bank holiday appointment.

Discover more about the cost of booking driving tests and additional learner driver expenses.

How do I book a driving test?

You can book practical driving tests online or by telephone. You can book your next practical driving test online through the DVSA driving test booking system.

Before you book driving tests, you’ll need to enter your UK provisional licence number, theory test certificate number, the test centre you want to take the test at, and a valid credit or debit card.

You’ll also need to provide your email address so that you can receive confirmation of your driving test booking.

How do I book an driving test?

You will have to pay the same fee as a manual test, and the criteria for assessment are also identical. The only difference is that you take your driving test.

If you wish to upgrade your driving licence to a manual licence after passing your practical driving test, you will need to pass a separate ‘upgrade’ test. You must call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 to book this test.

Not sure which driving test centre to pick?

Let’s make the decision easier! Our handy test centre guides have everything you need to know about every DVSA driving test centre.

How to book driving tests online

Booking driving tests is quick and easy if there is availability. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book practical driving tests online:

• Go to the GOV website and select ‘Start now’
• Choose your test type and enter your provisional driving licence number and licence details. You’ll need to know your theory test pass number for this step.
• Select the date you would like to take your practical test. You’ll also be given the option to add your instructor’s reference number to ensure your test appointment doesn’t clash with your driving instructor’s schedule.
• Search for the DVSA driving test centre where you want to take your driving test and choose your preferred test date and time.
• Enter your personal and payment details, and confirm your driving test booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email from the DVSA once you have your test booked.

If you have failed or cancelled your test, simply follow the same steps to rebook your driving test.

How to book driving tests by telephone

If you’d rather book your car driving test by phone, you can call DVSA’s booking service on 0300 200 1122.

The DVSA telephone practical driving test booking service is open Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm. Just like the online booking driving test process, you’ll need to provide your driving licence details and have a valid credit or debit card to hand when you call.

When booking driving tests by phone, you’ll also need to confirm your chosen driving test centre, date, and time slot. Once you’ve paid for your driving test booking, the DVSA will send you an email with your appointment confirmation.

How to book my driving test date if there’s no availability

Why are there no driving tests available? The DVSA allows you to book a car driving test for up to 24 weeks. If you can’t find any available test slots in the next 24 weeks, you could try booking a practical driving test at a different test centre with more availability.

How to book a driving test at my preferred driving test centre

How do I then book driving tests at the test centre I want? You can use our driving test cancellations service to find driving test appointments at your preferred test centre and move your driving test booking to an earlier test date.

Don’t forget, it’s your responsibility to manage your driving test booking, so if you can’t take your test, you must change or cancel it with the DVSA at least 3 working days before the date of your test.

Driving test cancellations

Our driving test cancellations app will frequently monitor cancellation slots at your chosen test centre(s) for the dates you can take the test and will send you a notification as soon as a suitable test becomes available. We can even book driving test cancellation slots for you.

How long is the wait for a practical driving test booking?

Why can’t I get a practical driving test booking? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a backlog of driving tests across the UK.

As a result, some areas have seen long wait times for available driving test slots. Depending on your location, the wait time for a practical driving test can range from several weeks to several months. There are often especially long waits for driving test bookings in London and Birmingham.

How to find a driving test date

Finding available practical driving test dates is not always simple, especially with the current driving test waiting times. However, certain driving test centres may have shorter waiting times or more available dates than others.

This is where our service comes in handy. It helps you find and book those elusive earlier test dates by frequently searching for cancellations at multiple test centres that match your availability.

How do I change my practical driving test booking?

As a learner driver taking the practical driving test, it is your responsibility to book and manage your driving test booking. If you need to change your practical driving test booking, you can do so via the GOV website.

You will need to have your provisional licence number and your theory test pass number or driving test reference number to make any changes.

What to bring to your driving test booking

It’s important to arrive for your driving test in plenty of time. You should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your driving test appointment and bring the necessary documents.

On the day of your driving test, you’ll need to take:

• Your provisional or full UK driving licence
• Your theory test pass certificate (if applicable)
• Appropriate eyewear if you need it for driving
• A car that’s in a safe and roadworthy condition

Can I use my own car for the DVSA practical driving test?

Yes, you can use your own car for the practical driving test as long as it meets certain criteria. Your car must be properly taxed and insured, have a valid MOT certificate (if it’s over three years old), and meet specific safety standards set by the DVSA.

Want to take your driving test in your own car? Learn the benefits of using your own car for your driving test.

What happens if I lose my provisional licence before taking my driving test?

If you lose your provisional licence before taking your driving test, you will need to apply for a replacement driving licence from the DVLA. This can take up to 15 days, so make sure to plan accordingly as you may need to rearrange your test date.

How do I pass the driving test?

You will pass the driving test if you make no major faults and no more than 15 minor faults. You will fail if you make at least one serious or dangerous fault. You can drive your own car as soon as you have passed your DVSA practical driving test, provided you have car insurance and tax.

It’s important to remember that the driving test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely and responsibly, so make sure you’re fully prepared before taking the test. Find out everything you need to know about minor faults and how to avoid them.

What happens if you fail your driving test?

You can rebook your practical driving test as many times as you need, but you will have to wait at least 10 working days between taking tests.

It’s essential to use this time to practice and improve on your weaknesses before retaking the test. So stay positive, keep practising, and book your next driving test when you feel ready.

Tips for passing the driving test

Taking the driving test can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, by taking the time to prepare for your test, you can increase your chances of passing and reduce some of the stress associated with it.

• Get plenty of extra practice driving before the day of your practical test. It’s important to practice your driving skills, such as lane changes, reversing manoeuvres, and the independent driving part of the test.
• Stay calm and focused during the actual test. The examiner will look for signs of nervousness, such as driving too fast or slow, or making mistakes. You’ll be more likely to pass the test by staying focused and taking your time to think before taking action.
• Follow all instructions given by the examiner carefully. The examiner will give instructions throughout the test and it’s important to follow them as closely as possible. This includes following the routes exactly and taking any necessary safety precautions. By following all instructions correctly, you can show that you’re a safe and responsible driver.
• Pay attention to other road users and follow the Highway Code at all times. Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road. Knowing the rules of the road is essential for passing your driving test and for staying safe on the roads once you’ve passed.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to passing the driving test with flying colours.

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of how to book practical driving tests. Good luck with your test and remember to stay focused on the road!