Can I Book a Driving Test on Saturday? Weekend Availability and Costs in 2026

Saturday Driving Tests Are Available — But Read This First

Yes, you can book a practical driving test for a Saturday at many test centres across the UK. Saturday tests are offered alongside the standard Monday-to-Friday schedule, giving learners who can’t take time off work or study an alternative option. However, there are some important details about availability, cost, and demand that you should know before booking.

Which Centres Offer Saturday Tests?

Not every DVSA test centre runs Saturday sessions. Larger, busier centres — particularly those in cities and major towns — are more likely to offer weekend testing. Smaller or rural centres may operate only on weekdays. The easiest way to check is to search for your preferred centre on the DVSA booking site and filter for Saturday dates. If Saturday isn’t showing, that centre either doesn’t offer it or all Saturday slots are currently taken.

In some cases, the DVSA temporarily adds Saturday sessions at centres that don’t normally run them, particularly when backlogs are severe. This has been happening more frequently in 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to reduce waiting times.

What Does a Saturday Test Cost?

Saturday tests are priced at £75, compared to £62 for a standard weekday test. That’s a £13 premium. Evening tests (taken on weekday evenings at centres that offer extended hours) are also £75. The test format, duration, and marking criteria are completely identical regardless of when you take it — the extra cost is simply a premium for the non-standard timing.

Why Saturday Slots Are So Competitive

Weekend appointments are among the most sought-after slots in the entire booking system. The reason is straightforward: a huge proportion of learner drivers are working adults or full-time students who can’t easily take a weekday off. This creates intense competition for a relatively limited number of Saturday appointments.

At the most popular centres, Saturday slots can be fully booked within hours of being released. If a Saturday test is what you need, you’ll need to be proactive — check the booking system frequently, consider a wider range of centres, and be ready to grab a slot the moment one appears.

Tips for Securing a Saturday Slot

Book as far in advance as possible. The DVSA allows bookings up to 24 weeks ahead, and Saturday slots at busy centres are often among the first to fill. Don’t wait — if you know you need a weekend test, get into the queue early.

Widen your centre search. If your nearest centre has no Saturday availability, check others within reasonable driving distance. A 20-to-30-minute drive to a different centre is a small price for getting tested weeks sooner. Use the Exam Routes app to explore alternative centres and study their routes, so you can confidently prepare for whichever centre has the earliest Saturday availability.

Check for cancellations. Saturday cancellations do happen — people change plans, reschedule, or switch to weekday slots. Checking the booking site in the early morning is your best bet for finding these released appointments.

Is a Saturday Test Right for You?

Beyond the scheduling convenience, think about how Saturday conditions might affect your test. In some areas, Saturday traffic is lighter than weekday rush hours, which can make the test slightly less stressful. In others — particularly town centres with busy shopping areas — Saturdays can be busier than a typical Tuesday morning. Consider the specific area around your test centre and how traffic patterns change at weekends.

Also think about your routine. If you usually have lessons on weekdays, a Saturday test means driving at a time you might not be used to. Try scheduling at least one or two practice sessions on a Saturday to get a feel for weekend traffic around the test centre area.

Sunday Tests: Not an Option

For completeness: the DVSA does not offer driving tests on Sundays. There is currently no indication this will change, though the topic comes up periodically in discussions about reducing waiting times. For now, Saturday is the only weekend option.