A guide to booking your practical driving test
Find out how to book, view, change or cancel your practical driving test below. Includes information for cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and taxis.
Citroën C3 and DS3 models 'stop drive' recall
From 20 June 2025, motoring manufacturer Citroën has issued a 'stop drive' recall on its C3 and DS3 models built between 2009-2017 and 2018-19 due to an airbag issue.
If you own one of the affected models, the guidance from the manufacturer is to immediately cease using the vehicle. This includes using it for driving lessons or on a driving test.
Before being taken out for your test, driving examiners and supervising examiners will be using the Citroën safety recall checker to verify that any Citroën C3 and DS3 models brought for test have had the necessary repairs carried out. If the recall checker shows the repair still needs to be carried out, the vehicle will not be able to be used on test, unless verifiable documentation from the manufacturer (a recall sign-off) is provided by the vehicle presenter.
You can check if your car is affected using the Citroën online checker tool and entering the cars Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Cancelling a test
If you need to cancel a test due to the recall you will not lose your fee if you cancel your test before the 7 August 2025.
If you are unable to cancel your test by 7 August 2025, because you are inside the three days cancellation period, please contact Customer Services at dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk to arrange for a refund of your fee.
Release of driving test appointments
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is releasing Category B (private car) driving test appointments three months ahead. All test centres will release driving test appointments on the first working day of each month.
The DVA will continue to offer driving tests on a Saturday and at certain centres on Sundays.
Booking online
Depending on demand, it may take a while before you can book and take a driving test. If at first slots are not available at your preferred test centre, you may wish to consider booking a test at another centre. Keep checking the booking system as the DVA release more slots as more resources become available and some customers cancel or change their appointments.
Evening and weekend appointments are charged at a premium rate.
It is strongly recommended that you wear a face covering during the test. This also applies to any observers or interpreters present. Face coverings will still be available and may be worn by examiners.
For appointments made at short notice, you may not receive an appointment letter before the date of your test.
Change, cancel or view your practical driving test online
You can change, cancel or view your existing practical driving test appointment online at:
Special needs
The DVA offers facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities.
If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, are restricted in your movements, or have any disability that may affect your driving, call the practical driving test booking line and DVA will do its best to book you a suitable appointment.
When you book your test, you should let the operator know that you are calling about a ‘Driving test for a candidate with a disability’ and tell them specifically if you:
- are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus
- are in any way restricted in your movements
- have any physical disability
No matter how serious your disability might be, you will still take the same driving test as every other test candidate. However, more time may be allowed for the test. This is to allow the examiner to talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to your vehicle.
Book, change or cancel your practical driving test by phone
You can book, change or cancel your practical driving test for a private car or motorcycle by phone. Lines are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. Calls are charged at local rate.
You don't need an application form but it is advisable to have your provisional driving licence, your theory test certificate and credit or debit card details handy when making the call.
Northern Ireland residency
If you want to take a theory or practical driving test in Northern Ireland (NI), you must be normally resident in Northern Ireland. If you have a GB provisional licence and want to take a motorcycle, car, bus or lorry theory test in NI, before booking your test you'll need to fill in a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof you're resident in Northern Ireland.
Vehicle adaptations
You can get information about vehicle adaptations for motorists with disabilities and the elderly from Disability Action.