How to Book Your Driving Theory
Test in the UK
Booking your driving theory test is an important step in the process of gaining your full UK driving licence. The test covers your knowledge of The Highway Code, road signs, and key rules of the road. The easiest way to book is online through the official GOV.UK website.
Check Your Eligibility
Before making a booking, you should be sure you qualify: you will need to have a valid UK provisional driving licence. Although you are allowed to apply for your provisional licence from 15 years and 9 months of age, you should be 17 (or 16 if you are eligible for the higher rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) or over to take the car theory test. If you haven’t applied for your provisional licence yet, you’ll first have to apply.
Select Your Test Centre
There are approximately 150 theory test centres in the UK. Go to the GOV.UK website, input your postcode, and it will display nearby centres along with how full they are.
Book Your Theory Test Online
After deciding on your preferred centre, you can book on the government’s official website. You will require:
- Your provisional driving licence number.
- An email address.
- A credit or debit card to settle the £23 test fee.
Part way through, you’ll select your ideal date and time. Most importantly, always access the official GOV.UK website. Avoid unofficial third-party websites that charge much higher for the same service you can do yourself for the reduced fee.
Prepare for Your Theory Test
Once booked, there must be proper preparation. The test consists of two components: the multiple-choice section (50 questions, requiring43 correct to pass) and the hazard perception section (14 video clips, requiring 44 out of 75 to pass). For more in-depth guidance on how to prepare properly, including utilizing the FDT UK app, please read our dedicated preparation articles.
How to Amend Your Theory Driving Test Appointment
You can amend your theory driving test appointment, such as altering your test centre or date, through the official GOV.UK website.
It is important to change anything at least 3 full working days prior to your test date to prevent having to make another payment. (Sundays and public holidays are not regarded as working days.) But in case of illness or injury (with medical proof), bereavement, or when the appointment conflicts with a school examination, you can rebook with no extra charge, although no refund will be made in these particular cases.
How to Cancel Your Theory Driving Test Reservation
To cancel your theory driving test reservation, you can do the following:
- Go to the official DVSA website.
- Use the "original booking" login credentials.
- Go to the "Manage your booking" area and click on "Cancel test."
- Confirm your cancellation as per instructions.
- You will get an email confirmation, and the paid fees will be refunded to you within 10 working days.
If cancellation online is not an option, you may call DVSA customer services on 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Keep in mind that you have to cancel at least 3 clear working days prior to your test date to qualify for a full refund. Cancellations within this 3-working-day timeframe will not be refunded.
Practice Makes Perfect with FDT UK
The driving theory test consists of various sections, and to be conversant with its format and practice adequately, requires devoted effort.
The FDT UK app is your one-stop solution for this. It offers mock tests of official DVSA questions, realistic hazard perception videos, and detailed learning of the Highway Code and road signs. FDT UK is here to make you fully ready to pass.
