Once you’ve passed your theory test and had enough driving lessons, you can start thinking about booking your practical driving test.

Read on and find out how to book your test and what to do if you need to change your practical driving test appointment.

 

How Do I Book My Practical Driving Test?

You can book your driving test online on the driving test booking service via the gov.uk website.

You will need your UK driving licence number, a credit or debit card, and your driving instructor’s personal reference number if you want to check that they are available.

 

How Do I Change My Driving Test Appointment Online?

You can change your practical driving test appointment online via the gov.uk website.

You will need your driving licence number and driving test reference number to change your appointment.

 

How Do You Change the Practical Driving Test Date?

On the gov.uk website, you can find an earlier or later driving test date or change which test centre you take your test at.

Make sure that you give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change your test – Mondays to Saturdays count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays don’t.

If you don’t give this notice, you’ll have to pay again.

You can get a refund after you’ve changed your test if you:

  • Have an illness which stops you taking the test
  • Have an injury which stops you taking the test
  • Have suffered a bereavement
  • Have to take a school or college exam
  • Have your driving licence stolen

You should email the DVSA at customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk and attach proof of the reason you’ve had to change the appointment.

The proof can take the form of a letter from your school or college that confirms that your exam is at the same time as your practical driving test.

If you’ve had your driving licence stolen, then you need a crime number and the contact name of the police officer.

If you are ill or injured, you need a fit note or medical certificate from your GP or healthcare professional.

Please note that if you were sick for 7 days or less, then you may need to include some additional information in your email:

  • Your driving licence number
  • Your theory test pass certificate number
  • Your driving test booking reference

Use the subject title ‘Unavoidable Short Notice Cancellation’ in your email.

 

What Do I Need to Take to a Driving Test?

You should arrive in good time for your appointment, and bring the following items with you:

  • Your UK driving licence
  • Your theory pass certificate
  • A car

You do not need to get a replacement theory pass certificate if you’ve lost it.

You must bring a car with you.

This can be either your own car – if it meets the rules – or your driving instructor’s car.

You will not be allowed to take the test if the car does not meet the following rules:

  • The car must be taxed
  • It must be insured for a driving test
  • It must be roadworthy
  • It must have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)

The car you bring must not have any illuminated warning lights on the dashboard and all of its headlights, brake lights and indicators must work.

Its tyres must meet the legal tread depth and be damage-free.

The car should have L plates fitted on the front and back, that do not block your view or that of the driving examiner.

The car must have two rear view mirrors – one for you and an extra interior rear-view mirror for the driving examiner.

The car should be fitted with a passenger seatbelt and a passenger head restraint for the examiner – slip-on types are not allowed.

These are just some of the rules that your car must meet.

Be sure to check the full list of rules for the car you bring to the driving test.

You should also remember to tidy the car before the test, and you may wish to give the car a clean too.

If you would like to learn more, be sure to refer to the gov.uk website.