How to book, change or cancel your theory test appointment

Theory test appointments can be booked, and subject to three clear working days notice, be changed and cancelled using our online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by post.

Before you can take your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.

From September 2007 the number of questions contained within the multiple choice part of the car and motorcycle theory test will increase from 35 to 50. The pass mark will change from 30 to 43 for this part of the test.

Booking online
To book a theory test online you'll need:
• a valid UK driving licence
• a valid debit or credit card for payment  (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Booking by Phone
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you'll need:
• a valid UK driving licence
• a valid debit or credit card for payment  (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.

Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177

Booking by Post
To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments aren't accepted.

Cancelling or Rescheduling Test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:
• move or change your appointment
• cancel your appointment
• have a full refund of test fee