theory test information

Before you can start your driving lessons you need to have a provisional driving licence. Therefore, if you do not have one you will need to apply for one from the DVLA. You can obtain a provisional driving licence application form from me or your local post office. You can apply for your provisional car driving licence up to three months before your seventeenth birthday (however, it would not become valid until you were seventeen).

Although you can start your driving lessons as soon as your provisional driving licence becomes valid, you cannot book the driving test until you have passed the theory test.

You should be able to book your theory test with a few days notice and receive your test results on the day of the test. You can book your theory test to take place on or shortly after your seventeenth birthday provided you have a provisional driving licence.

Provided you have a valid provisional driving licence you can start your driving lessons before you take your theory test. Thus, combining your theory study with the early part of your driving course. This gives you the added advantage of being able to consult your instructor on various matters relating to the theory test and your theory study. Once you had passed your theory test your instructor could book your driving test and schedule the remaining part of your driving lessons.

Booking the test

You can obtain a theory test application by telephoning the theory test enquiry line on 0870 0101 372 , between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. If you are deaf and need a minicom machine telephone 0870 0106 372. Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment card as confirmation within 4 days. Please note you can apply for you car provisional driving licence up to three months before your seventeenth birthday (see section Before you start for more details). This would enable you to book your theory test on your seventeenth birthday or shortly thereafter.

Cancelling the test

You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test, otherwise you will lose your test fee.

Arranging a re-test

If you fail the test you will have to wait a minimum of three clear working days before you can take the test again

To help candidates with dyslexia or other reading problems a headset can be provided with an English language voice-over. You can also ask for up to double the normal time to complete the test.

At the test centre

You must take one of the following items with you to the test centre.

1. Both parts of your signed photocard driving licence or;

2. your signed driving licence and your passport.

It would also be helpful if you take your appointment card or a note of your booking number.

It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test centre so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.