Book your practical driving test: step-by-step guide

If you are learning to drive, and have passed your theory test, you will probably want to know how to book your practical driving test.

Under the latest rules, you must book your practical driving test yourself (your driving instructor can no longer do this for you). Thankfully, booking the practical test is really easy. You can book the test up to 24 weeks in advance and also change the appointment if you need to.

Practical driving test rule changes 2026

• Appointments are available 24 weeks in advance
• New appointments are added 6am every Monday
• You can change your car driving test date two times only
• You can only move your test to nearby test centres
• Cancellation appointments are added throughout the week

How to book your practical driving test

Before booking your practical driving test, make sure you have passed your driving theory test and are confident driving without regular guidance from your instructor.

1. Pass your theory test and keep your pass certificate number handy
2. Check your provisional driving licence is valid and up to date
3. Visit the official GOV.UK driving test booking service
4. Enter your driving licence number when prompted
5. Provide your theory test pass certificate number
6. Choose the type of practical test you want to take (car, motorcycle, etc.)
7. Select a test centre that's convenient for you
8. Search dates and times and pick a suitable appointment
9. Pay the test fee using a debit or credit card
10. Save your confirmation email and make a note of your test date, time and locatio

How much is a practical driving test?

A practical driving test for a car will cost between £62 to £75. You will pay more if you've been disqualified and need to sit an extended driving test.

Evening tests are classed as those take place from 4.30pm onwards. A driving test can be booked up to 24 weeks in advance and you'll be able to choose from a number of specific appointments. 

Practical driving test fees

• £62 (weekday daytime)
• £75 (evenings, weekends and bank holidays)
• £124 - £150 (extended driving test, disqualified driver)

How long is the practical driving test?

In the UK, the practical driving test will take around 40 minutes. If you are taking an extended driving test it may take around 70 minutes.

Timings can vary depending on where you are driving, levels of traffic and what manoeuvres you are asked to do by the examiner.

After passing your test, you may wish to gain a ‘Pass Plus’. This will add another six hours to the total test time you will have behind the wheel.

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How to change your practical driving test date

You can change your practical driving test date and location online via the Gov website change driving test service.

You must give 10 full working days' notice to change a car driving test, with Monday to Saturday counting as working days. You must change the driving test yourself (your driving instructor cannot do this for you).

You can change your driving test twice for a car appointment and six times for any other type of driving test. You can change the time and location of the test at the same time (this counts as a single change).

If you need to make more changes than permitted, you must cancel the driving test and rebook.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my practical driving test?

Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your practical driving test, but the request must be made 10 full working days before your test date.

In some circumstances, you will get a short notice refund if one of the following apply:

• Illness or injury
• Bereavement
• Taking school exams
• If your licence has been stolen

You will need to email the DVSA with the subject title ‘Unavoidable short notice cancellation’, and attach proof of the reason you’ve had to change your test date.

In the email, you will also need to provide your driving licence number, theory test certificate number and the driving test reference details.

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What do I need to bring with me for my practical driving test?

If you're taking your driving test in your instructor's car, you'll usually only need to bring your UK photocard driving licence. If you do not have a photocard driving licence, then you should bring a valid UK passport and your paper licence.

Your instructor will normally ensure the vehicle meets DVSA requirements, including having valid insurance, tax, an MOT (if required) and L-plates.

Before test day, check that your instructor's car will be available and ask whether there is anything else you need to do or bring.

You could also bring your theory test pass certificate, if you have it, but it isn't a requirement as it will be checked digitally.

What happens during the driving test?

The practical driving test usually lasts around 40 minutes and begins with an eyesight check, where you'll be asked to read a number plate from a set distance.

You'll then be asked one ‘tell me’ vehicle safety question before setting off.

During the drive, the examiner will assess your ability to drive safely in a variety of road and traffic conditions.

You'll also complete one reversing manoeuvre and may be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

At some point during the test, you'll also follow directions from a sat nav or traffic signs.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

If you don't pass your practical driving test, the examiner will explain the faults recorded and provide a test report showing where improvements are needed.

You'll need to wait at least 10 working days before taking another practical test and will have to book and pay for a new appointment.

Failing isn't uncommon, and many drivers pass on their second or third attempt.

Reviewing the feedback with your instructor can help you focus on the areas that need more practice before retaking the test.

How to pass a practical driving test

After passing your theory test, you will then need to book and pass your practical exam before you can legally drive in the UK.

These tips can help you pass your practical driving test first time.

Remember, you’ll need to pass your theory as well as your practical driving test to get a licence in the UK.

To prepare for the theory test, an app like Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:

What is a practical driving test?

A practical driving test is carried out by an official Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) employee, where they take the learner driver out on the roads and test their ability to stick the rules of the road – and carry out specific manoeuvres.

The test takes between 40 and 70 minutes, and will see if the learner is able to drive, park, and navigate various situations on the road in a safe and legal manner.

Drivers must check speed limits and what road signs tell them – as well as following the instructions from the examiner.

Using signals, braking correctly, and checking mirrors and blind spots will also be assessed.

An examiner will ask the learner to carry out several of these manoeuvres:

• Parallel parking
• Three-point turn
• Reverse parking
• Bay parking
• Emergency stop
• Turning at a junction or roundabout
• Lane changing
• Hill start

These are all essential for drivers of all ages and abilities to carry out in a safe and legal way.

The test will take place in a local town with various road layouts and active traffic with different road users.

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