Book, change or cancel your theory test appointment
Theory test appointments can be booked and keeping to three clear working days' notice, can also be changed and cancelled online or by telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post.
Driving theory tests that were scheduled to take place between 26 December 2020 and 22 April 2021, inclusive, were suspended. Instead of cancelling your test, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has placed it into a temporary placeholder appointment 60 days after the scheduled date. DVA have contacted people directly to let them know how to reschedule this appointment.
This temporary placeholder appointment is not a valid test appointment and you need to change it yourself.
You can check your appointment details by signing in via the green button below. When you sign in, you’ll see that there’s a date and time for your test. But if there is no theory test centre address, then this is just a temporary placeholder appointment and you will need to change this to an actual appointment at one of the six theory test centres here.
You will also have the option to cancel this temporary placeholder appointment to receive a refund of the test fee. A refund will only be issued if you choose to cancel this test. If you cancel this test and receive a refund you will need to book and make payment for your theory test at a later stage
DVA have increased the number of daily appointments available for booking, through longer opening hours.
More appointments will also be made available at an extra temporary test centre in Ballymena.
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.
Book online
You will 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)
You can book your theory test online at:
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 tell DVA on the previous Monday.
Wearing a face covering at your test
You must wear a face covering at your test. If you do not wear one, you must have a good reason, for example:
- you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability
- wearing it would cause you severe distress
Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.
Read here for more information on face coverings
If you cannot wear a face covering
You must call to book your test and say why you cannot wear a face covering. If you do not and you come to your test without a face covering, your test will be cancelled.
You may not be able to take your test at the test centre of your choice.
DVA theory test booking support
Telephone: 0345 600 6700
Monday to Friday, 8am to 12pm
Theory test fees
Comments and complaints
To comment on or complain about the online booking service, you can contact:
email: customercare@pearson.com (for tests up to 3 September 2021)
DVA.TheoryCustomerServiceNI@dvsa.gov.uk (for tests from 4 September 2021)
Or you can write to:
Driver & Vehicle AgencyBooking Department
PO Box 1286
Warrington
WA1 9GN