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How to book a practical driving test

Car practical driving test appointments can be booked online, by phone and at a test centre. Category A and B can be booked online and by phone. Category B+E, C and D can be booked by post or at any test centre.

Book your
practical driving test

Booking online

The quickest and easiest way to book your official Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) practical driving test is online. When you book using this official service, you only pay the cost of the test – there’s no extra booking fee.

To book a test online you will need:

  • a valid UK driving licence
  • a theory test certificate number
  • a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Data Protection

It is recommended that you read the Data Protection Act 1998 - Fair Processing Notice for the DVA.

Booking by phone

If you wish to book an appointment for a practical driving test for a private car or motorcycle, you can book by phone. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday. Calls are charged at local rate.

If you are booking for any other category of test, you will need to make an application by post or at the counter.

When making a phone booking you don't need an application form, but it is advisable to have your provisional driving licence, your theory test certificate and credit/debit card details handy when making the call.

  • phone: 0845 247 2472

Booking in person

You may book any category of test in person. You will need to complete an application form and take it with the appropriate fee to the DVA test centre at which you would like the test to be carried out.

The Belfast centre is open for booking from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday. All other centres are open from 8.45 am to 12.30 pm, and from 1.15 pm to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

You can get an application form by contacting any DVA test centre or by contacting:

The practical driving test (car)

DVA is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers with a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.

Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centres at various times between 8.50 am and 3.50 pm Monday to Friday. Saturday and weekday evening tests (May to September only), subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate.

Special needs

If you require any special needs facilities at your practical test you will need to request these at the time of booking.

Rescheduling and cancelling a test

You can reschedule or cancel a practical test either online or by phone up to three clear working days before the test, without loss of fee as defined on your appointment notice.

If you cancel or reschedule the test inside the three working days, you will lose your test fee.

The online service is available 24 hours a day, every day. If you prefer to phone, DVA's call centre agents are available to take your call from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday (except public holidays).

phone: 0845 2472 472  

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