Photo: https://kaboompics.com/ / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
To book the car theory test in England, Wales or Scotland you need a provisional driving licence, an email address and a debit or credit card. The test costs £23 (as of November 2026), and you must give at least 3 full working days’ notice to change or cancel, or you pay again. This guide covers booking, ID, rescheduling and what happens at the test centre.
Key facts
- Fee: £23 for the car theory test (GOV.UK, as of November 2026).
- Who can book: provisional licence holders who have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months.
- Change or cancel: at least 3 full working days’ notice. Monday to Saturday count; Sundays and public holidays do not.
- ID on the day: your UK photocard driving licence.
- Arrive: 15 minutes early. Late arrivals lose the test and the fee.
- Pass marks: 43 out of 50 questions and 44 out of 75 in hazard perception.
How to book the theory test
- Get your provisional licence first. You cannot book without one.
- Have ready your licence number, email address and card.
- Book on the official GOV.UK theory test service.
- Say when booking if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition, so support can be arranged. See extra support for the theory and driving tests.
Booking help: DVSA theory customer services, 0300 200 1122, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
Learning in Northern Ireland? The NI theory test is booked through DVA on nidirect. See Learning to Drive in Northern Ireland.
Changing or cancelling your theory test
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3 or more full working days’ notice | Change or cancel without paying again |
| Less notice | You lose the fee and pay again |
| Short notice because of illness or injury, bereavement, a school or college exam at the same time, or a stolen licence | You may get a refund. Email DVSA with the subject “Unavoidable short notice cancellation” and attach proof |
Worked example
Your test is on a Friday. Count back 3 full working days: Thursday, Wednesday, Tuesday. You need to change it by the end of Monday. If a public holiday falls in between, it does not count, so allow an extra day.
To change online you need your licence number. By phone or email, give your full name as on your licence, date of birth, address and postcode, licence number and booking reference.
Proof for a refund
- Illness: a fit note or medical certificate. For illness of 7 days or fewer you may have to pay for a private medical certificate.
- Exam clash: a letter from the school or college.
- Stolen licence: a police crime number and officer contact.
What ID do you need for the theory test?
- Your UK photocard driving licence.
- Paper licence only? Bring a valid passport too. No passport means you need a photocard licence first.
- Northern Ireland licence: bring the photocard and paper counterpart.
- Changed your name: bring a marriage certificate or deed poll. Without proof, cancel and rebook in your new name.
- Lost licence: a replacement can take up to 15 days. Rearrange if it will not arrive in time.
The wrong ID means the test is cancelled and you lose the fee.
What happens at the theory test centre
- Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Lock away your things. Bags, coats, hats, phones, watches, earphones, wallets, pens and anything in your pockets go in a locker, or a clear plastic box if there are no lockers. Only items DVSA approved at booking go into the test room.
- Switch off devices before you enter, including smart watches and fitness trackers.
- Security check. Staff may ask you to empty pockets, roll up sleeves or show your ears. Refuse and you cannot sit the test.
- Multiple choice part: 50 questions in 57 minutes, with a practice question first. Three questions are based on a short video you can replay. See case study questions.
- Break of up to 3 minutes.
- Hazard perception: 14 clips. See hazard perception scoring explained.
- Result at the centre. You must pass both parts.
After the theory test
- Pass: you get a letter with a pass certificate number. You need it to book the practical test, and it lasts 2 years.
- Fail: retake the whole test, even if you passed one part. Wait at least 3 working days.
Next step: driving test booking rules 2026.
Common questions
How much is the theory test in 2026?
£23 for a car in Great Britain, as of November 2026.
Can I book the theory test without a provisional licence?
No. You need the provisional licence number to book.
How late can I change my theory test?
Up to 3 full working days before. Inside that, you pay again unless a refund reason applies.
Can I bring my phone into the test room?
No. Phones go in the locker, switched off.
Do I need to pass both parts on the same day?
Yes. Fail either part and you retake the whole test.
How long is the theory pass valid?
2 years. Pass the practical test within that time or take the theory test again.
Revise with the theory test guide, the hazard perception guide and practice questions. Test format in numbers: the car theory test in numbers. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “Book your theory test” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Change your theory test appointment” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Cancel your theory test” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: What to take to your test” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: When you arrive at the test centre” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: Multiple-choice questions” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: Pass mark and test result” (gov.uk)