Driver Theory Test
Car Theory Test Cost
The car theory test costs £23.
You must bring your UK photocard driving licence to your theory test.
The theory test consists of two parts:
Multiple-choice questions
Hazard perception test
You must pass both parts to receive your Theory Test Pass Certificate.
Theory Test Format
You will have 57 minutes to complete 50 multiple-choice questions.
The pass mark for this section is 43 out of 50.
Hazard Perception Test
You will watch 14 video clips featuring everyday road scenes.
Each clip contains at least one developing hazard—one of the clips includes two hazards.
The pass mark for this section is 44 out of 75.
You must pass both sections to receive your Theory Test Pass Certificate.
Validity of Your Theory Test Pass Certificate
Your Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for two years.
You must pass your practical driving test within this time, or you will need to retake the theory test.
Theory Test Booking & Revision Resources
You can find revision materials, practice tests, and booking options at www.gov.uk
To book your Driving Theory Test, visit the official GOV.UK website and search for "Driving Theory Test".
Nearest DVSA Theory Test Centre
Preston Theory Test Centre
6th Floor, Marshall House, Ringway, Preston, PR1 2QD
Contact Information
Theory Test Helpline & Booking Number: 0300 200 1122
Practical Driving Test
Driving Test
You can only book your driving test once you have passed your theory test. You can book a driving test by calling 0300 200 1122 or online by clicking on https://driverpracticaltest.dvsa.gov.uk/ You can book a driving test anytime up to 24 weeks in the future. There is no waiting list or cancellation list.
You must take your UK photocard driving licence with you to the driving test.
Car driving test cost
What to Expect During Your Driving Test
Your practical driving test consists of five key parts:
Eyesight check.
‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions.
General driving ability.
Reversing manoeuvres.
Independent driving.
Duration of the Test
A standard driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes.
If you’re taking an extended test following a driving ban, it will last around 70 minutes.
Eyesight Check
At the start of the test, you will need to read a vehicle number plate from a set distance:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate.
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate.
New-style plates begin with two letters followed by two numbers (e.g., AB51 ABC).
Important: If you fail the eyesight check, the test will end immediately, resulting in an automatic fail.
‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Safety Questions
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions (Show Me, Tell Me questions) :
The ‘Tell me’ question comes before you start driving. The ‘Show me’ question is asked while you are driving. Further information about the questions can be found on the following link Show me, Tell me
General Driving Ability
During the test, you’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, though motorways will not be included.
The examiner will give verbal instructions, and you must follow them. Test routes are not published in advance, so you won’t know them beforehand.
Pulling Over and Moving Off
You will need to demonstrate different types of stops and starts, including:
Stopping normally at the side of the road.
Moving off from behind a parked vehicle.
Performing a hill start.
You may also be asked to complete an emergency stop.
Reversing Manoeuvres
The examiner will ask you to complete one of the following:
Parallel parking on the roadside.
Bay parking – either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will specify which method to use).
Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing about two car lengths, and safely rejoining traffic.
Independent Driving
For approximately 20 minutes, you’ll be required to drive independently by following either:
Directions from a sat nav, which the examiner will set up for you.
Traffic signs, if the sat nav is not used.
Personal sat nav are not allowed during the test.
If a road sign is obscured (e.g., hidden by trees), the examiner will provide directions until you can see the next sign.
You will not fail for taking a wrong turn unless it leads to a serious driving fault. The examiner will help you get back on track if needed.
Driving Test Faults
During your driving test, there are three types of faults you might make:
Dangerous Fault – This occurs when there is an immediate risk to you, the examiner, the public, or property.
Serious Fault – This is something that is potentially dangerous.
Driving Fault – While not immediately dangerous, repeatedly making this mistake could lead to a serious fault.
You will pass your driving test if you:
Make no more than 15 driving faults (also known as minor faults).
Do not make any serious or dangerous faults (often called major faults).
Mistakes During Your Test
If you make a mistake, keep driving – it may not impact your result unless it’s a serious fault.
Your test will only be stopped if the examiner considers your driving a danger to others.
If You Pass the Test
At the end of the test, the examiner will:
Inform you about any faults you made, if applicable.
Issue you with a pass certificate.
Ask if you’d like your full driving licence to be sent to you automatically (if so, you must hand over your provisional licence).
If you choose not to receive your driving licence automatically, you’ll need to apply for it within two years of passing your test.
When Can You Start Driving?
Once you pass your driving test, you can start driving immediately—you don’t need to wait for your full driving licence to arrive.
If your full driving licence has not arrived within three weeks, contact the DVLA for assistance.
If You Fail the Test
If you do not pass, the examiner will explain which faults led to the failure.
To retake the test, you’ll need to book a new appointment and pay the driving test fee again. The earliest you can rebook is 10 working days later.
Get help booking your test
Contact DVSA to get help booking your test.
DVSA driving test booking support customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
ONLINE
Book your driving test online on https://driverpracticaltest.dvsa.gov.uk/application?execution=e2s1
Local Driving Test Centres
Preston Driving Test Centre
Address : Chain Caul Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD
Blackpool Driving Test Centre (Temporary Location)
Address : 12 Clovelly Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY5 1RU
Planning application has been granted for a new driving test centre off Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool.
Cancelling Your Driving Test
If you no longer need your scheduled driving test, you have the option to cancel your appointment.
Cancellation Deadline
You can cancel your test anytime before the scheduled start time.
To receive a full refund, you must cancel at least three full working days in advance.
Working days include Monday to Saturday.
Sundays and public holidays do not count toward the notice period.
What You Need to Cancel Your Test
To cancel your test, you’ll need the following details:
Your UK driving licence number.
Your driving test reference number OR your theory test pass certificate number (found in the confirmation letter you received when you passed your theory test).
If you’ve lost your theory test letter, you can retrieve your theory test pass certificate number online.
Need Help Cancelling Your Test?
All cancellations must be made online. However, if you require assistance, you can contact the DVSA Customer Service Team via phone or email.
Telephone Support: 0300 200 1122
Availability: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Email Support: customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Changing driving test appointment
You can reschedule your driving test if needed. However, please note that if you attempt to change your appointment within three working days of your test time, your will lose your driving test fee, and you will need to pay again.
