Driving theory tests can be booked and taken at any of the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) driving theory test centres, regardless of where you live or the address displayed your driving licence.
When attending your theory test booking, remember to take along your driving licence, the plastic card part as you may be refused the test and you will lose your booking fee. If your licence originally came with a paper counterpart, you must also take this. If you have lost it, apply for a new driving licence which should arrive within two weeks. New licenses do not come with the paper part.
Once you have booked your theory test, the DVSA will email you confirmation for the date, time and test centre.
It’s advisable to print and take this along with your licence to your booking appointment. Should any complications arise, these should help to resolve them.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BOOK A DRIVING THEORY TEST
To book a driving theory test you will need to have at hand your:
- Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence number
- credit or debit card
- email address for confirmation to be sent. You cannot book a theory test without this
How do I book a driving theory test
Two methods are available for booking a theory test. You have a choice of booking the test by telephone or the more popular option of booking online.
Book a driving theory test by telephone
A theory test telephone booking can be made by calling the DVSA‘s automated telephone booking line on 0300 200 1122. If you have any issues, a DVSA member of staff can be contacted by listening to the options provided. From April 2013, you are able to book a driving test by telephone between the hours of 8am and 12pm.
Book a driving theory test online
To book a driving theory test online, visit the DVSA online booking service. Booking a driving theory test online can be completed via desktop computers, tablets or mobile devices.
What will I be asked when booking a driving theory test
You will be asked a series of questions to provide information. The questions you will be required to answer are:
- your details and driving licence details
- the test centre you wish to take your test at
- the time and date you wish to book a driving test
- credit or debit card details
How long does it take to book a driving theory test
It will take approximately 10 minutes to book a driving theory test. Ensure you have your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence number and credit or debit card at hand and once you have booked the theory test, check your email for confirmation.
How long do i have to wait for a driving theory test
In most cases the waiting times for theory tests are two to three days although this can be longer in busier areas.
Can I change my driving theory test time and date
You can change the time and date of your driving theory test. To change your test date, you must allow at least three working days notice. Saturdays are classed as a working day. You will be unable to change your driving test date unless the applicable notice is provided.
Can I cancel my driving theory test
You can cancel your driving theory test and claim a full refund providing you allow at least three clear working days notice. Saturdays are classed as a working day. You will not be able to claim a refund unless the applicable notice is provided.
I Failed The driving theory test how long to retake
If you fail the driving theory test, you will need to wait a minimum of three clear working days before you can take another test.
Theory test and test centre enquiries
Person Professional manage the theory test centres throughout the UK. If you have enquiries regarding your UK theory test or theory test booking, you can email Pearson: customercare@pearson.com. Person Professional may also be contacted on 0800 093 4520.
Book a driving theory test in Northern Ireland
To book a Northern Ireland driving theory test online. You will need:
- a valid credit or debit card
- your driving licence number (which is on your driving licence)
It’s best to make a note or print of your theory test appointment time and date in case you forget it. To book a theory driving test in Northern Ireland, please visit the online booking form. Northern Ireland theory test telephone booking line – 0845 600 6700 – you may book by calling from 8.00am to 4.00pm from Monday to Friday, with the exception of Bank Holidays.
My daughter megan pratt has her practical driving test on monday the 8th of may,we have misplaced her theory test and her driving instructor said we may be able to get a code directly from you.
She passed her theory on the 19.1.2017
Thank you
Hello Amanda,
To get your theory test certificate pass number, please see this link:
Find your lost theory test certificate number
Do you just need to take your licence with you when you go for your theory?
Hello Jess,
Yes, you must take your licence, if you have the older version, then that includes the paper counterpart too. It’s likely that they’ll turn you away if you don’t take your licence.
How far in advance can you book a theory test?
Thanks
Hello Sabrina,
You can book a theory test up to 3 months in advance.
Hi,
I tried booking a theory test by website several times, but, I received messages that the information is correct or sometimes: you have full all the required information when all are in? What I have to do right now?
I would perhaps try booking via telephone if you’re having issues with the website. The details are: Telephone: 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Can I sit the test in a different area were I don’t live? For example I live in Somerset and I do my theory in Liverpool?
Hi Sylvia,
Yes, you can take it at any UK theory test centre that you wish.
Hi my daughter was 5 mins late and was told to pay again for another theory test.Can you help
Hi Kaye,
You can make a complaint to the DVSA in regards to Pearson who conduct the theory tests. But as you were late, it’s unlikely your complaint will be upheld. Please see DVSA theory test complaints.
Hi, can you please tell me how much the theory test is. Online says one thing and when you book it’s almost double?
Hello Dawn, as of today 19 December 2019, the theory test costs £23 when booking via the official DVSA website. Other third party websites will charge more.
Hello
I was wondering if their is a time limit on how long you wait to take the theory test after receiving the provisional license?
Hi Tracey,
No time limit. You can book the theory test and take it as soon as you like.
Heloo
I have a young person I am working with (Gloucestershire Youth Support Service) and she would like to book her theory test in Cheltenham, but she has additional needs/ would need to be in a quiet area etc.
have tried contacting centre directly- who can help and advise?
Many thanks
Hi Kate,
Theory test centres are all kept very quiet, especially in the examination room. Theory test centres are run by Pearson and the examination process is run by the DVSA. You can contact Pearson via email: customercare@pearson.com and the DVSA (theory test general inquiries) on: 0300 200 1122.
do theory tests typically get fully booked? I just applied for my provisional but I have a feeling I’m not going to receive it for a very long time and I’m hoping to take my theory test at the start of September… do you think that will still be possible?
Hi izzy,
Under normal circumstances, there’s usually about a 2 week wait maximum for theory tests, though obviously these aren’t normal times right now. I would think there will be a surge of theory test bookings come July 3, so I would expect longer delays. Hopefully the DVLA will take on more staff to process driving licenses to help prevent delays.
Once you have passed your theory test, does it expire? ie. Do you need to take your practical test within a set number of weeks/months?
Hi Lisa,
Yes, theory theory test lasts for two years, so you will need to pass the driving test within two years of passing the theory test. IF you don’t manage to do that, you’ll need to take the theory test again.
My sister has her theory test tomorrow but has only just recently moved to a different address that is on her provisional. She is worried they won’t let her take her test?? Is this right???
Hi Kat, unlike the practical test, they don’t usually ask this on the theory test.You will get your results at the end of the theory test, they don’t send the pass certificate in the post, so even if you did say that’s your correct address, there wouldn’t be anything sent in the post.
Is there anyway of getting on a waiting list for a theory test cancellation – we have a test booked for June but just wondered if any chance? Thanks/
Hi Rachel,
Other than manually checking for theory test cancellations and taking an earlier slot, there are apps that claim to alert you of free slots that come up.
hi i booked theory test at august of 2 but i want to test ealy than that. if ispossibe? if is possible i gonna book thanks
i booked by the gov.uk
Hello Hasan,
You might be able to find an earlier theory test booking at an alternative test centre. Another way to get an earlier booking is to keep checking for cancellations.
I’m trying to contact you. I want to book a theory test. How long do you think the wait will be? I was late due to traffic to to sit my test today.
Hello Naaye,
We are a tutorials website. I would recommend that you only book a theory test using the official government websites. While booking, the system will tell you the available dates and hence how long you’ll need to wait.