What ID Do You Need to Book a Driving Test in 2026?
What ID Do You Need to Book Your Driving Test?
If you’re wondering what ID do you need to book a driving test, the answer is straightforward: you need a valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence. This is the single most important document required by the DVSA when booking your practical driving test.
Your provisional licence number is essential — it’s the long number on your photocard licence, and you’ll enter it during the booking process on the DVSA’s official website. Without it, you simply cannot book a test.
Do You Need Your Provisional Licence Number?
Yes, absolutely. When you book your driving test online through the GOV.UK website, you’ll be asked to enter your provisional driving licence number. This is the 16-character code found on your photocard provisional licence. Make sure you have it to hand before starting the booking process.
If you’ve lost your provisional licence or can’t find your number, you can request a replacement from the DVLA. Bear in mind this can take up to three weeks, so it’s worth sorting out well in advance of when you want to book.
What Other Documents Might You Need?
Beyond your provisional licence number for the booking itself, there are other documents you’ll need on the day of your test:
- Your photocard provisional driving licence — the examiner must see the original card
- Your theory test pass certificate number — you need a valid theory test pass (within the last two years)
- Your booking confirmation — the email or reference number from the DVSA
If you hold an old-style paper licence, you’ll also need to bring a valid passport as photo identification.
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Can You Book Without a Theory Test Pass?
No. To book your practical driving test, you must have already passed your theory test, and that pass must still be valid. Theory test passes expire after two years, so check your certificate date before attempting to book. If it’s expired, you’ll need to retake and pass the theory test first.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Driving Test
Here’s the quick process:
- Go to GOV.UK and search for “book driving test”
- Have your provisional licence number ready
- Enter your theory test pass certificate number
- Choose your preferred test centre and date
- Pay the fee (£62 on weekdays, £75 on evenings/weekends)
- Receive your confirmation email
How the Exam Routes App Helps You Prepare
Once you’ve booked your test, preparation is everything. The Exam Routes App lets you practise real driving test routes from your chosen test centre with turn-by-turn navigation. Familiarise yourself with every junction, roundabout, and tricky spot before test day — so you can focus on driving, not directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport instead of a provisional licence to book?
No. You must have a valid provisional driving licence to book a driving test. A passport alone is not sufficient for the booking, though you may need it on test day if you have a paper licence.
What if my provisional licence has expired?
You’ll need to renew it before booking. Provisional licences are valid for 10 years, so check the expiry date on your card.
Do I need ID to book online or just on the day?
You need your provisional licence number to book online, and then you need to bring the physical photocard on test day.
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The Exam Routes App gives you access to real driving test routes with turn-by-turn navigation. Practise at your own pace and build confidence before test day.
