When can you take your theory test? Age, provisional licence and how to book

You can take the car theory test from your 17th birthday, and you must hold a provisional driving licence to book it. You can apply for that licence from 15 years and 9 months, so you can have it ready in time.

Age: 17, or 16 in one case

gov.uk says you can take the theory test from your 17th birthday onwards (gov.uk: theory test).

There is one exception. You can take it from your 16th birthday if you get, or have applied for, the higher weekly rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). gov.uk does not list other benefits for this exception on that page, so check there if your situation is different.

Step 1: get a provisional driving licence

You must have a provisional driving licence to book your theory test (gov.uk: theory test). To apply for your first provisional licence from DVLA, gov.uk says you must:

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old
• be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• have been given permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days

It costs £34 when you apply online (gov.uk: apply for your first provisional licence). Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online, but it may take longer if DVLA need to make additional checks.

Applying by post uses form D1 and costs £43, so applying online is the cheaper option.

Step 2: book your theory test on gov.uk

You book through the official gov.uk service. You need your UK driving licence number, an email address and a credit or debit card (gov.uk: book your theory test).

You must also have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take the test. A car theory test costs £23 (gov.uk: book your theory test).

The gov.uk cost page says the prices shown are for booking through GOV.UK, and that unofficial websites usually charge more (gov.uk: cost of tests). Book from the gov.uk page so you pay the standard fee.

When you book, say if you have a reading difficulty, health condition or disability. Our guide to theory test support for reading difficulties explains what you can ask for.

Changing or cancelling your booking

You can change the date, move to a different test centre, or find an earlier test using the gov.uk change service (gov.uk: change your theory test). You need your UK driving licence number.

You must give at least 3 full working days' notice to change your test, or you will have to pay again. Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays do not.

gov.uk lists some reasons you can claim a refund after a short-notice change:

• an illness or injury that means you cannot take your test
• a bereavement
• an exam at a school or college
• your driving licence being stolen

You need to email DVSA with proof. Our post on finding an earlier test date covers how cancellations appear.

How long to wait if you fail

If you fail, you must book and take the full test again. You have to choose a date at least 3 working days away (gov.uk: pass mark and result). See what to do after failing the theory test.

When should you book?

There is no minimum number of lessons or practice sessions before you book. A sensible approach is to book once your practice scores are consistently above the pass mark. Our free diagnostic gives you a quick view of where you stand, and the free practice questions let you build up from there. You can also look at test centres near you before you pick a date.

Passing the theory test starts a clock. The pass certificate number lasts for 2 years, and you must pass your driving test in that time. See the guide to theory test vs practical test for the order and the costs.

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

What is the youngest age you can take the theory test?

You can take it from your 17th birthday. You can take it from your 16th birthday if you get, or have applied for, the higher weekly rate of the mobility part of PIP.

When can I apply for a provisional licence?

You can apply when you are at least 15 years and 9 months old. It costs £34 online.

How much does the theory test cost?

A car theory test costs £23 when you book through GOV.UK.

How much notice do I need to change my theory test?

You must give at least 3 full working days' notice, or you will have to pay again. Sundays and public holidays do not count as working days.

Where should I book my theory test?

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