How to book your driving test

Step 1 — the theory test comes first

You can't book a practical test until you've passed the theory test, and your theory pass certificate then stays valid for two years. Book the theory test at gov.uk/book-theory-test — you'll need your provisional licence number, and the fee is paid online at booking (current fees are listed on the same page).

• The test has two parts sat together: 50 multiple-choice questions, then the hazard perception video clips.
• Free official practice is available on the gov.uk site and the DVSA's apps — do full mock tests until you pass them comfortably.
• If English isn't your first language, check the rules on voiceovers and interpreters before booking.

Step 2 — booking the practical

Once your theory is passed, book the practical at gov.uk/book-driving-test. You choose the test centre — for our pupils that's usually Goodmayes, Wanstead, Chingford or Barking — and pick from the released slots. Waiting times vary a lot by centre and time of year; the booking service shows you real availability, and cancellation slots appear daily if you check back.

Step 3 — the car for your test

Most pupils sit the test in the school car they learned in — it's the setup examiners see all day, it's insured for the test, and it's the car your hands already know. Our test-day package (£150 at local centres) covers roughly three hours: pick-up from home, a warm-up lesson before your slot, the test itself with your instructor available, and the drive home with a debrief either way. If you've booked a test centre further out, give us a call and we'll quote for it.

Changing or cancelling

You can move or cancel either test on gov.uk free of charge if you give the required notice (three clear working days for the practical at the time of writing — the booking service states the current rule). Give your instructor the same notice for the car, per our terms.