Book your driving test after passing theory: how it works
Updated •4 min read
Once you have passed the theory test, book your practical driving test yourself on gov.uk. New test dates are added 24 weeks in advance and released at 6am every Monday (gov.uk: book your driving test).
What you need to book
gov.uk says you need your UK driving licence number and a credit or debit card. You can also enter your driving instructor's personal reference number if you want to check they are available (gov.uk: book your driving test).
You must usually have passed your theory test before you book, and you must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take the test.
You must book it yourself
gov.uk says you must book your driving test yourself, and any change, swap or cancellation is also yours to make. Your driving instructor is not allowed to do it for you, and it is against the law to book a car driving test for someone else.
How the booking queue and release dates work
According to gov.uk (book your driving test):
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How far ahead are dates added? | 24 weeks in advance |
| When are new dates released? | 6am every Monday |
| Is there a queue? | Yes. You are told how long you will wait once you begin |
| When is the service open? | 6am to 11:40pm |
Can you get an earlier test?
Yes, sometimes. gov.uk says earlier driving tests, sometimes called cancellation appointments, are added whenever another learner changes or cancels their test, at any time during the week. gov.uk says there is no waiting list or cancellation list. You can also change when and where you take the test after booking.
How long does your theory pass last?
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. gov.uk says you must pass your driving test in that time, otherwise you have to pass the theory test again (gov.uk: pass mark and test result). If you are booking a test a long way ahead, count the 2 years from the day you passed theory. Our guide to an expired theory test certificate covers what happens if it runs out, and lost certificates explains how to recover the number.
What does it cost?
gov.uk lists the car driving test at £62 on weekdays and £75 in evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays (gov.uk: cost of tests). Compare the two tests in our guide to the theory test vs practical test.
Not passed theory yet?
If you are still preparing, start with the free diagnostic or the free practice questions. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
Can my driving instructor book my driving test for me?
No. gov.uk says you must book it yourself, and your instructor is not allowed to do it for you.
When are new driving test dates released?
New appointments are added 24 weeks in advance and released at 6am every Monday.
How do I get an earlier driving test?
Earlier tests are added whenever another learner changes or cancels, at any time in the week. There is no waiting list or cancellation list.
How long is my theory pass valid?
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must pass your driving test within that time.
Do I need to have passed theory before booking?
Usually yes, unless you are taking a taxi, tractor or most upgrade tests.