Booking Your Practical Driving Test!

Congratulations, if you’ve recently passed your Theory test!

The next step is to book your Practical test.

Below is a step by step guide on how to go about doing that, and also a link to a calendar showing my availability.

*Please don’t book a date until you have checked I am free. If unsure please text me with the date and time and I get back to you as soon as I can.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Practical Driving Test

The only official way to book your driving test is through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on the UK government’s official website. Be cautious of unofficial websites that may charge additional booking fees.

What you’ll need to have ready:

  • Your UK provisional driving licence number.
  • Your theory test pass date and certificate number.
  • A valid debit or credit card for payment.
  • (Optional) It may ask you for driving instructor’s personal reference number, ignore it and go to the next stage. (Note* this step is not necessary so skip past it.)

The Booking Process:

  1. Access the Official Booking Service: To begin, go to the official UK government website and search for “book a driving test.” You will find the direct service provided by the DVSA, or use the following link. https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
  2. Start the Booking Process: Once on the official DVSA booking page, select the option to “Start now.” You may be placed in a queue, especially during busy times.
  3. Enter Your Details:
    • You will be asked to confirm the type of test you want to book (e.g., car, motorcycle, lorry) you will obviously need car.
    • Enter your provisional driving licence number.
    • Provide your theory test pass date and certificate number.
  4. Choose a Test Centre: You will be prompted to search for a driving test centre. (Choose Blackpool TC unless we have previous agreed you can book elsewhere.)
  5. Select a Date and Time:
    • The system will show you available test dates and times at your chosen centre. Test slots are typically released up to 24 weeks in advance, with new slots often appearing on Mondays at 6 am.
    • Choose a date and time that suits you and where I am available. Use the thumbnail link below to check my availability.
    • If you cannot find a suitable test close to the date we have discussed, then book a test further in the future, we can then check the website regularly for earlier “cancellation appointments.”
  6. Review and Confirm Details: Before proceeding to payment, carefully review all the details of your booking, including your personal information, test type, chosen test centre, and date/time.
  7. Make Payment:
    • The cost for a standard car practical driving test is £62 on weekdays.
    • For evening (from 4:30 pm onwards), weekend, or bank holiday tests, the fee is £75.
    • Enter your debit or credit card details to complete the payment.
  8. Receive Confirmation: After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email from the DVSA with all the details of your booking, including your driving test reference number. Keep this email safe.

Note *- Once in the calendar it’s easier to read if you click on the grid icon in the top right hand corner (or use the drop down if you’re using pc) and change the view from ‘Month’ to ‘Schedule’ for a list of dates and times I am unavailable.

Click for My Availabilty Calendar

Managing Your Booking

  • Changing Your Test: You can change your practical driving test appointment (date, time, or test centre) online through the official DVSA service. You generally need to give at least Ten clear working days’ notice (Monday to Saturday count as working days, excluding bank holidays) to avoid losing your test fee. You can usually change your appointment up to six to eight times. If you need to make more changes, you might have to cancel and rebook.
  • Cancelling Your Test: If you need to cancel your test, you can do so online via the same DVSA service. Again, you must give at least Ten clear working days’ notice to be eligible for a full refund. If you cancel with less notice, you will lose your test fee.

On the Day of Your Test

Remember to bring the following to your practical driving test:

  • Your valid UK provisional driving licence (photocard). If you have an old paper licence, you must also bring a valid passport.
  • Your glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving, as you will need to pass an eyesight check at the start of the test.

GOOD LUCK 🤞☘️