How to Book Your UK Driving Test Online (2026 Guide)

What You Need Before Booking

• Your provisional driving licence number
• Your theory test pass certificate number (theory must be passed before practical can be booked)
• A debit or credit card to pay the test fee (£62 weekday, £75 evening/weekend)
• Your email address — confirmation and reminders will be sent here

Step-by-Step: Booking on GOV.UK

1. Go to gov.uk/book-driving-test
2. Select "Book a car driving test"
3. Enter your provisional licence number and theory test pass certificate number
4. Select your preferred test centre (from May 2026 onwards: shown within your location zone)
5. Choose your preferred date and time slot from available options
6. Confirm your contact details and special requirements (if any)
7. Pay the fee securely by card
8. Receive confirmation email with your booking reference

Choosing a Date: How Far Ahead to Book

Current waiting times mean available slots are typically showing 4–8 months ahead in busy areas. The system shows you the next available slots at your chosen centre — you cannot choose a specific date and check availability; you must browse what's offered.

Book as early as possible, even if the date is further away than ideal. You can use Swappy to swap to an earlier date once booked.

Special Requirements During Booking

During booking, you can flag:

• Whether you'll be using an adapted vehicle
• Whether you need extra time or support (communicate needs, dyslexia etc.)
• Whether you want to use your own sat nav device

Special requirements are better declared at booking time rather than on test day — it ensures the right arrangements are in place.

After Booking: What Happens Next

• You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details
• Reminder emails are typically sent 7 days and 24 hours before the test
• You can view and manage your booking at gov.uk/change-driving-test (remember: max 2 changes from March 2026)
• If you need to cancel, do so at least 3 clear working days before to receive a refund

What If No Slots Are Available?

If no slots are available at your preferred centre, the system will show you the next available date — even if it's months away. Your options:

1. Book the next available slot and check back regularly for earlier cancellations
2. Try a different test centre within your location zone
3. Use Swappy — find a learner who has an earlier slot they want to swap for a later one, and exchange dates. Both parties update their own DVSA bookings using one of their permitted changes.

Booking for Someone Else: No Longer Legal (from May 2026)

From 12 May 2026, it is a legal offence for anyone other than the learner driver to book, change, or cancel a car driving test. ADIs, parents, and third-party services cannot do this on your behalf. The learner must personally log in and manage their own booking.