What Do You Need to Book a Driving Test? Full Requirements Checklist (2026)
Before You Book: The Essential Requirements
Booking a practical driving test in the UK is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things you need to have in place before the DVSA system will let you proceed. Missing even one requirement can hold up your booking, so it’s worth checking everything off before you start.
A Valid Provisional Driving Licence
This is your starting point. You must hold a valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence. If you have a full licence from another country, different rules may apply — check the DVSA guidance for your specific situation. Your provisional licence must be current (not expired) and must have your correct details, including your current address.
If you haven’t applied for a provisional licence yet, you can do so online through the DVLA. It costs £34 for an online application or £43 by post. Processing typically takes one to three weeks, so don’t leave this to the last minute.
A Valid Theory Test Pass Certificate
You must have passed the theory test before booking your practical. Your theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date you passed. If it expires before you take your practical test, you’ll need to pass the theory test again before you can rebook.
The theory test has two parts: a multiple-choice section with 50 questions (you need at least 43 correct) and the hazard perception test (you need at least 44 out of 75). Both must be passed in the same sitting.
Your Driving Licence Number
When booking online, you’ll need to enter your driving licence number. This is the long number printed on your provisional licence — it’s 16 characters and includes letters from your surname along with your date of birth in coded form. Have your licence to hand when you go to book so you can type it in accurately.
A Debit or Credit Card for Payment
The practical driving test fee must be paid at the time of booking. The current fees are £62 for a weekday test and £75 for an evening or Saturday test. The DVSA booking system accepts most UK debit and credit cards. The payment is processed immediately, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking reference.
Where to Book
The only official place to book your driving test is through the Government’s booking service at gov.uk/book-driving-test. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge additional fees on top of the standard DVSA price. The official site is free to use beyond the test fee itself.
You can also book by phone by calling the DVSA on 0300 200 1122. Phone bookings have the same fees and availability as online bookings.
Choosing Your Test Centre
When booking, you’ll select a test centre. You’re free to choose any centre — it doesn’t have to be the one closest to your home or where your instructor is based. This flexibility is useful because availability varies widely between centres. If your nearest centre has a long wait, checking slightly further afield may reveal much shorter booking times.
The Exam Routes app covers test centres across the UK and provides detailed information about the routes used at each one. If you’re considering a centre you haven’t practised at, the app lets you study the local roads and key junctions so you can arrive well-prepared.
What You’ll Need on Test Day (Not Booking Day)
It’s easy to confuse what you need to book versus what you need on the day. For the test itself, you’ll need to bring your provisional licence (the photocard), and the car you’ll be tested in must be roadworthy, properly insured, and display L plates (or D plates in Wales). Your instructor will usually provide the car if you’re using theirs. A quick reference for test day: licence, suitable car, and arrive at least 10 minutes early.
