Book, change or cancel your theory test appointment

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

DVA's theory test centres are offering fewer tests than normal due to social distancing measures.

DVA apologises if you have not managed to find a test slot suitable for your needs at this difficult time.

Keep checking the online booking service for availability in your area, as DVA continues to implement steps to increase test slots where it can.

The driving licence you need

Before you can take the theory test you need to have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). You can get the DL1 application form from an MOT centre or directly from DVA by calling 0300 200 7861.

NI Residency

If you want to take a theory or practical driving test in Northern Ireland, it is a legal requirement that 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 here, before booking your test you will need to complete a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof you are resident in Northern Ireland.

Residency Declaration form

Book 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 with a Northern Ireland address
  • a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron and Switch cards are accepted) - test fees
  • a valid email address to receive a booking confirmation (optional - if you do not have an email address, your booking confirmation will be sent to you by post)

Cancel or reschedule a test

You can reschedule or cancel a test online at:

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 DVA on the previous Monday.

Theory test fees

Details of theory test fees can be found on the following nidirect page:

Comments and complaints

To comment on or complain about the online booking service, you can contact:

email: customercare@pearson.com

Or you can write to:

Driver & Vehicle Agency
Booking Department
PO Box 1286
Warrington
WA1 9GN

More useful links

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