Book your practical driving test online
Find out how to book your practical driving test below.
Due to a few unforeseen technical issues, DVA is deferring the opening of the new vehicle and driving test booking service until 10:00am Wednesday 22 September, to allow time for these to be resolved. DVA would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Before you start
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is releasing Category B (private car) driving test appointments five months in advance. 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.
When booking a driving test, make sure that you read Public health information for practical driving tests.
Evening and weekend appointments are charged at a premium rate.
When attending for a driving test you must bring and wear a face covering for the full driving test. If you arrive for your test without a face covering, the test will not take place.
Additional information
Critical workers
The original Critical Worker application process closed on 5 October 2020. If your application was successful you will have been awarded critical/ key worker status.
The DVA is working with the Department of Health on some priority applications.
The scheme is only for key workers who need to drive for their work and whose jobs are ancillary to medical, health or social care services or where there is threat to life.
If you are a critical worker and you meet the above requirements, your employer must contact the DVA and identify staff in these priority groups. The DVA will then try to make priority appointments for both theory and practical driving tests.
The DVA will not consider any applications that do not meet the above criteria.
Special needs
The DVA provides facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities.
If you are deaf, have severe hearing problems, are restricted in your movements, or have any disability that may affect your driving, call the number below to book a suitable appointment.
- 0300 200 7862
When you book your test, let the operator know that you're calling about a ‘Driving test for a candidate with a disability’, and tell them if you:
- are deaf or have severe hearing difficulties
- 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 by phone
You can book the practical driving test for a private car or motorcycle by phone. Lines are open from 8.00 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 complete a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof you're resident in Northern Ireland.