Practical test: preparation and booking

Show that you can drive consistently well, with confidence and without help or guidance from an instructor.

How much does it cost?

Weekday – £62

Evening or weekend – £75

You must

only book your driving test when your instructor says you’re ready
take the practical driving test before your theory test ‘pass certificate’ expires (2 years*)

*Note: you can retake the theory test 6 months before it expires if you need more time to prepare for your practical.

Preparing for your practical test

Your driving lessons should prepare you for your practical test, especially if you’ve worked through the ‘Record of pupil’s progress‘ (see links below) with your instructor.

Your driving instructor may offer you a mock test before taking your practical test. This can help give you a much better feel of what driving unaided.

Show me, tell me questions

Your examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions.

‘tell me’ question – (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
‘show me’ question – (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving

Practise the possible questions with your instructor so that you’re prepared for the big day:

More helpful resources

Ready to Pass?

Visit DVSA’s Ready to Pass website and get test ready. It’s full of fantastic resources, including a nifty “ready to take the test checklist” and some great tips on managing nerves. You’ll also discover why mock tests are important and get a bunch of links to helpful blogs and advice.

Buy: Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive

Includes detailed information on the test itself and how best to prepare.

Buy: Official Highway Code

2022 edition of the rules, an essential read for any road user.

Blog: An examiner’s tale: fault assessment explained

I’d like to tell you something every candidate wonders about: how a driving test is assessed…

Blog: Manage stress and control nerves

We provide techniques to help manage stress and control your practical driving test nerves.

Blog: How to control your driving test nerves

Learn how to manage anxiety on the big day with our expert blogger Diane

GOV.UK top links for practical test booking

Book your practical driving test

Find your nearest practical driving test centre

Change your test date or centre

Cancel your test

Support for disabilities, health conditions or learning disabilities

You can select the support you need when you book your test.

Find out what types of support are available

Prompt cards for learner drivers who are deaf

Book your test using the official links, if you use an unofficial site, you might pay more than you need to.