How much is the theory test and how do you book it? Cost, scams and cancelling

The UK car theory test costs £23, and you book it on the official gov.uk service. gov.uk warns that unofficial websites usually charge more, so start from the gov.uk page to pay the standard fee.

How much does the theory test cost?

A car theory test costs £23 when you book through GOV.UK (gov.uk: book your theory test). The same price covers both parts of the test, the multiple-choice questions and the hazard perception test.

For comparison, gov.uk lists the car driving test at £62 (gov.uk: cost of tests). The cost page says these are the prices to book through GOV.UK, and that unofficial websites usually charge more.

If you fail and rebook, you pay the fee again. Our guide to resitting a failed theory test covers the wait and what to change.

What do you need to book?

gov.uk says you need three things to book (gov.uk: book your theory test):

• a UK driving licence number
• an email address
• a credit or debit card

You must hold a provisional driving licence (gov.uk: theory test). You must also have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the test day. Northern Ireland has a separate service on nidirect.gov.uk.

On age, you can take the test from your 17th birthday. Our guide to when you can take the theory test has the 16-year-old exception and the provisional licence steps.

Why unofficial booking sites cost more

Some websites look like the official service but add their own fee on top of the £23. gov.uk says unofficial websites usually charge more (gov.uk: cost of tests). It does not say they are illegal, only that you pay extra for the same test.

A few habits keep you safe:

• Go to gov.uk and follow the "book your theory test" link, rather than clicking an advert in search results.
• Check the price before you enter card details. For a car theory test it should be £23.
• Be wary of any site that asks for more than your licence number, an email address and a card.

How do you change your booking?

You can change the date or centre, or look for an earlier slot, using the gov.uk change service with your UK driving licence number (gov.uk: change your theory test). You must give at least 3 full working days' notice or you will have to pay again.

Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays do not (gov.uk: cancel your theory test). Count the days before you leave it late.

How do you cancel, and can you get a refund?

You cancel on gov.uk or by contacting DVSA theory test enquiries. If you cancel within 3 full working days of the test date, you lose the original fee (gov.uk: cancel your theory test).

gov.uk says you may be eligible for a refund after a short-notice cancellation if you have:

• an illness or injury that stops you taking the test
• been bereaved
• an exam at a school or college at the same time
• had your driving licence stolen

To ask, email theorycustomerservices@dvsa.gov.uk with the subject "Unavoidable short notice cancellation" and attach proof, such as a school letter, a police crime number or a fit note. gov.uk adds that if you were sick for 7 days or fewer, you may need to pay for a private medical certificate.

What happens if you turn up without the right ID?

Your test is cancelled and you do not get your money back. Our guide to what to take to your theory test lists the ID rules and the arrival time.

Before you book: check you are ready

Booking is quick, so it is easy to book too early and pay again. There is no official minimum amount of practice before you book. A sensible check is whether your practice scores are comfortably above the pass mark of 43 out of 50 for the multiple-choice part (gov.uk: pass mark and result). The free diagnostic at theorytest.ai shows which topics need work before you pay for a slot.

theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA or DVLA. The figures above come from gov.uk, so check there before you book in case they change.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the car theory test cost?

£23 when you book through GOV.UK. That covers the multiple-choice and hazard perception parts together.

Where should I book my theory test?

On the official gov.uk service. gov.uk says unofficial websites usually charge more.

What do I need to book the theory test?

A UK driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card. You also need a provisional licence.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Not if you cancel within 3 full working days, unless you have an eligible reason such as illness, bereavement, a school or college exam, or a stolen licence. You email DVSA with proof.

How much notice do I need to change or cancel?

At least 3 full working days. Sundays and public holidays do not count.