Learning to drive can be time consuming and costly. The Driving Test Tips website offer plenty of tutorials and help for learner drivers, experienced drivers intending on taking the UK driving test, plus advice once passed.
What age must I be to start learning to drive?
To drive on a public road, you must be at least 17 years of age. Certain driving schools do offer driving lessons conducted on private land. In this situation, you can start learning to drive at a younger age than 17.
I’m 17, what do I need to start learning to drive?
You will need to apply for your provisional driving licence. The current fee for a provisional driving licence is £50 and can be applied for in two ways; 1. The easiest way is to apply online. By visiting the official direct.gov.uk website, you can apply for your licence providing you are:
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2. Obtainable from most Post Offices, application form D1 and a photo card application form D750 should be completed and sent up to 3 months before your 17th birthday to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. Once you have received your provisional driving licence, you are able to start learning to drive..
The theory test
When can I take the theory test?
Your theory test can be booked and taken once you receive your provisional driving licence and are 17 years of age.
Book a theory testTo book a theory test, you will need your
There are 2 ways in which a theory test can be booked; |
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Book theory test by phone
Telephone the DSA on 0300 200 1122, welsh language 0300 200 1133 or textphone 0300 200 1166. You can use the telephone service from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Book theory test online
The easiest way to book a theory test is online
| Book theory test online |
Check or change or cancel theory test booking If you did not receive a theory test confirmation e-mail or have forgotten the time and date of your theory test, you can check online when your date is. You can also use this to change or cancel your theory test. If you intend to cancel a theory test, allow at least 3 working days’ notice to inform the DSA. Cancellations made within 3 working days (including Saturdays) will not be refunded. The same policy applies to changing a theory test date. A change of date is not possible unless 3 working days’ notice is provided. You will need your provisional driving licence number at hand to make any changes.
| Check, cancel or change theory test online |
If you are struggling to study or pass the theory test, let your driving instructor know, as learning to drive in itself combined with theory related questions and answers from your instructor will help. Note; if you were unsuccessful in passing your theory test, you will need to wait 3 working days before you become eligible to re book the theory test..
The practical driving test
When can I book my driving test?
To book your driving test, you will need to have received your provisional driving licence and to have passed your theory test. Once you have chosen your driving test centre, you can book your practical driving test.
Book a driving testTo successfully book your driving test, you will need:
Book a driving test by phoneTelephone the DSA on 0300 200 1122, welsh language 0300 200 1133 or textphone 0300 200 1166. |
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You can use the telephone service from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Book a driving test online
You can select your preferred driving test centre and book your driving test online. This process takes around 15 minutes.
| Book a driving test online |
Note; if you were unsuccessful in passing your driving test, ten working days must be cleared before you are entitled to retake the driving test. The current fee for the driving test is:
- £62.00 for weekday prices
- £75 for weekday evenings, weekends or bank holidays
Check driving test date
You can easily check your driving test online. Ensure that you have at hand two of the following pieces of information:
- your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number
- your application reference number
- your theory test pass certificate number
| Check a driving test date booking |
Cancel or reschedule a driving test
The DSA state that 3 clear working days must be providing if you wish to cancel or reschedule the driving or theory test. To cancel, reschedule or check a practical driving test appointment, ensure you have at hand at least two of the following pieces of information:
- your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number
- your application reference number
- your theory test pass certificate number
| Cancel or reschedule a driving test |
DSA cancelling driving tests
The DSA can on occasions cancel driving tests. If your driving test has been cancelled, you will receive notification in the post. Driving tests can be cancelled due to:
- Ill health of your driving test examiner and the DSA are unable to find a replacement
- Bad weather conditions including snow, fog, rain and ice
In this situations, the DSA will automatically rebook your practical driving test at the next earliest appointment. If this date and time is not convenient, you may change the driving test date or cancel the driving test.