How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment

Theory test appointments can be booked and, subject to three clear working days' notice, can be changed and cancelled using our online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post.

The driving licence you need

Before you can take your theory test you’ll need to make sure that you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). You can get the DL1 application form from your local vehicle licensing office or directly from DVA by calling:

phone: 0845 4024 000
Where are the motor tax offices?

Booking online

The quickest and easiest way to book your official DVA car, motorcycle, lorry or bus driving theory test is online. When you book using this service, you only pay the cost of the test – there’s no extra booking fee.

To book a theory test online you’ll need:

a valid UK driving licence
a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron and Switch/Maestro cards are accepted)
a valid email address to receiving a booking confirmation (optional - if you do not have an email address, your booking confirmation will be sent to you by post)
Book your theory test

Booking by phone

To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you’ll need:

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

Lines are open from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on bank holidays.

Theory test booking line: 0845 6006 700
Textphone: 0300 200 1166
The cost of contacting 08 and 03 telephone numbers (contacts section)

Booking by post

To book a theory test by post you’ll need an application form. These forms are available:

online
from theory and practical test centres
if applicable, from your driving instructor

Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments aren’t accepted.

Application forms should be sent to the following address:

Driver & Vehicle Agency
Booking Department
PO Box 381
Manchester
M50 3UW

Cancelling or rescheduling a test

You can reschedule or cancel a test online,or over the phone using the booking line. Providing you give DVA three clear working days' notice, you can:

move or change your appointment
cancel your appointment
have a full refund of the test fee

If you need to reschedule or cancel your test, you must allow at least three clear working days before your test date to avoid losing your fee. For example, to cancel a test booked for a Friday you must inform us on the previous Monday.