Are Theory Test Centres Open on Weekends? 2026 Guide
Are Theory Test Centres Open on Weekends in 2026?
If you’re juggling work, school, or other commitments during the week, you might be hoping to sit your theory test on a Saturday or Sunday. The short answer is: some theory test centres do open on Saturdays, but very few open on Sundays. Here’s what you need to know about weekend availability and how to find a slot that works for you.
Saturday Theory Test Appointments
Many theory test centres across the UK offer Saturday appointments. However, Saturday slots are extremely popular and tend to book up much faster than weekday options. If you want a Saturday slot, it’s best to book as early as possible — ideally four to six weeks in advance.
Not every centre offers Saturday testing, and those that do may have limited hours (for example, morning-only sessions). The availability varies by location and demand, so you’ll need to check the specific centres near you when booking.
Sunday Theory Test Appointments
Sunday appointments are very rare. The vast majority of theory test centres do not open on Sundays. If Sunday is the only day that works for you, you may need to consider centres further from your home or look at rearranging your weekday schedule to accommodate an alternative time.
How to Check Weekend Availability
The easiest way to check whether a theory test centre near you offers weekend appointments is through the official DVSA booking service at gov.uk. When you start the booking process, you’ll be asked to enter your preferred test centre and will then see all available dates and times, including any Saturday slots.
You can also check availability at multiple centres simultaneously to compare options. Sometimes a centre slightly further away may have earlier weekend availability than your local one.
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Tips for Booking Weekend Slots
Book early. Saturday slots are in high demand. The moment you feel ready for your theory test, book the appointment. Waiting even a week can mean the difference between getting your preferred date and waiting an extra month.
Check multiple centres. If your nearest centre has no Saturday availability, try centres within a 30-minute drive. You might find a slot much sooner.
Set up alerts. Some third-party services offer to notify you when cancellations create new availability at your preferred centre. While these aren’t official DVSA services, they can be helpful.
Consider early morning or late afternoon weekday slots. If a Saturday slot proves impossible, many centres offer appointments as early as 8 AM or as late as 5:30 PM on weekdays, which may work around a typical work or school schedule.
Theory Test Centre Opening Hours
Most theory test centres operate Monday to Saturday, with typical hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. However, these hours vary by centre, and some smaller centres may have more limited schedules.
Bank holidays and public holidays are non-testing days at all centres. During the Christmas and New Year period, centres may close for an extended period, so plan accordingly if your test falls near these dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a theory test for a bank holiday?
No. Theory test centres are closed on all UK bank holidays and public holidays.
How far in advance can I book a theory test?
You can typically book up to six weeks in advance through the official DVSA booking service. For Saturday slots, booking as early as possible is strongly recommended.
What if I need to cancel a weekend appointment?
You can cancel or reschedule your theory test with at least three clear working days’ notice for a full refund. If you cancel with less notice, you’ll lose the fee.
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