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
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only book your driving test when your instructor says you’re ready
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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.
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‘tell me’ question – (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
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‘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
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.
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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.