You book the car theory test online on the official GOV.UK service. It costs £23. Be careful with other websites that look official: some charge extra to book the same test for you.
Before you book
- You need a provisional driving licence. Apply for one on GOV.UK if you do not have it yet.
- You can take the test from your 17th birthday, or from 16 if you get (or have applied for) the higher rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment.
- Have your licence number and a payment card ready.
- If you need support, such as an English or Welsh voiceover, extra time, a British Sign Language interpreter or a hearing loop, ask for it while you book.
How to book
- Go to GOV.UK and search for "book theory test".
- Enter your provisional licence details.
- Choose the car test, a test centre near you and a date.
- Pay the £23 fee. You get a confirmation email: keep it, as it has your booking reference.
Popular centres and weekend slots fill up first, so look at a few nearby centres if your first choice has no space soon.
Changing or cancelling
- You can change the date or cancel on GOV.UK using your booking reference.
- Give at least 3 working days' notice to get your money back. If you cancel later, or do not turn up, you lose the fee.
- If your name has changed, bring proof (for example a marriage certificate or deed poll), or cancel and rebook under your new name.
If you fail
You must book and pay again, and choose a date at least 3 working days after the failed test. You take both parts again, even if you passed one of them. Use the gap to work on the part your result letter says needs work.
What comes next
A pass certificate lasts 2 years. You need its number to book your driving test (£62 on weekdays, £75 evenings, weekends and bank holidays).
Read how to pass the theory test and take a free England mock test before your test date.
Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.