Book the car theory test: cost, ID and test-day checklist
The official car theory test costs £23. Book through GOV.UK, bring the correct driving licence and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
The official car theory test in Great Britain costs £23. Book through GOV.UK or by telephone, not through a site that adds an avoidable booking fee. Northern Ireland has a separate DVA booking service.
What you need to book
Have your UK driving-licence number ready. You will also need an email address and a payment card when booking online. You can choose a test centre, date and time during the official process.
Use the official DVSA theory-test booking service
and check that the address ends in gov.uk before entering payment details.
If you have dyslexia, a disability or a health condition, request the adjustment during booking. Read the theory-test support guide before you start.
What to bring
Bring your UK photocard driving licence. If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart. The name and details must match the booking.
You will not be allowed to take the test without the correct licence, and you will not receive a refund. Check the current identification instructions in your confirmation email before travelling.
Test-day checklist
- arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointment
- bring the correct original driving licence
- leave phones, smartwatches, headphones and other personal items in the storage provided
- follow the test-centre security checks
- tell staff about any support arrangement confirmed by DVSA
Late arrival can mean losing the appointment and fee. Plan for traffic, parking and public-transport disruption rather than aiming to arrive exactly on time.
Change or cancel an appointment
You normally need to give at least three clear working days’ notice to change or cancel without losing the fee. Sundays and public holidays do not count as working days. Check the deadline shown by the official service because it depends on the appointment date.
After you pass
You must pass both the multiple-choice and hazard-perception parts. The car theory-test pass certificate lasts two years; pass the practical test within that period or you will need to take the theory test again.
Learn the car theory-test format and pass marks , then start a free practice test .