Car theory test cost
A car theory test costs £23 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The £23 fee also applies to motorcycle theory tests.
You pay when you book. If you use an unofficial site, you may be charged extra for something you can do yourself through the official booking service.
Who can book a theory test?
You can book a theory test if you have a valid UK provisional driving licence.
Most learner drivers take the car theory test from age 17, or 16 if they receive the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment.
For England, Scotland and Wales, you must usually have lived there for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your test.
What details do you need to book?
To book your theory test online, you’ll usually need:
- your UK provisional licence number
- a working email address
- a debit or credit card
- your postcode
Use an email address you can access, because your booking confirmation and appointment details may be sent there.
Make sure your name and address match your provisional licence before you book. If something is wrong, sort it before you pay, so you do not create avoidable admin later.
It can also help to check your nearest theory test centre before you start. GOV.UK has a theory test centre finder for England, Scotland and Wales, where you can search by postcode and check directions or special instructions. Northern Ireland has a separate nidirect test centre service.
Before you book, quick checklist
- Check you’re eligible, you need a valid UK provisional driving licence
- Get your details ready, licence number, email address, payment card and postcode
- Choose the right official service, GOV.UK for England, Scotland and Wales, or nidirect for Northern Ireland
- Check the test centre espicially if you want to compare locations or travel time
- Double-check before paying, date, time, test centre, email address and licence details
Book your theory test online
Most learners book online using the official service.
For tests in England, Scotland or Wales, use GOV.UK. During the online system, you can choose your test centre, see available dates, and pay the £23 fee.
This is the official theory test booking service for England, Scotland and Wales.
Book a theory test in Northern Ireland
If you live in Northern Ireland, use the official nidirect booking service.
Northern Ireland theory tests are handled separately from the GOV.UK booking service for England, Scotland and Wales.
For Northern Ireland, nidirect says you’ll need a valid UK driving licence with a Northern Ireland address, a valid debit or credit card, and a valid email address to receive your booking confirmation.
Choosing a theory test centre
When you book online, you’ll choose a theory test centre as part of the process.
The booking service usually shows available test centres and dates, so you can compare nearby options before you pay.
The GOV.UK theory test centre finder can help you check nearby DVSA theory test centres before you start the booking process.
It can be worth checking more than one centre if your nearest one has a long wait. A slightly further test centre may have an earlier appointment.
Waiting times depend on your area, the test centre and how busy the booking system is. If you want an earlier theory test date, check nearby test centres and look again at different times. New slots can appear when other people change or cancel.
Find a theory test centre at GOV.UK
Can you book a theory test by phone?
Yes, but online booking is usually quicker.
For England, Scotland and Wales, contact DVSA theory test enquiries on 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Phone booking may be useful if you have trouble booking online or need help with accessibility support.
For Northern Ireland, use nidirect for booking information and contact options.
Extra support when booking
If you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition, say this when you book.
You may be able to request support such as:
- extra time
- voiceover
- British Sign Language support
- a reader
- a hearing loop
- a separate room
You may be asked for evidence, so do not leave support requests until the last minute.
What happens after you book?
After booking, keep your booking confirmation safe and check the test centre, date and time.
You’ll need to take your provisional driving licence to the test centre.
The theory test has two parts:
- multiple-choice questions
- hazard perception clips
Before test day, use theory test practice to get used to the question style, road signs and hazard perception clips.
To see what happens at the test centre, use our guide to on the day of your theory test.
What if you fail your theory test?
You can book another theory test if you fail.
The earliest date you can usually choose will be at least 3 working days later, and you’ll need to pay the fee again.
Use your result to spot what needs work before rebooking. Rushing straight back in without fixing the weak spots can just mean paying twice for the same problem.
How long is your theory test pass valid?
Your theory test pass certificate lasts for 2 years.
You need to pass your practical driving test before it runs out. If it expires, you’ll need to take and pass the theory test again before you can book a practical test.