It's best not to apply for your practical test until your Instructor tells you when you are ready.
You can not apply for the practical test unless you have taken and passed thetheory test
Watch the DSA clip below to see what to expect on the day of your Practical test.
There is usually a waiting time for tests. The waiting times varies from place to place but can range from a few weeks to 12 weeks.
Examiners are now conducting tests from 08:00 and during lunchtimes (12:00hrs to 13:00hrs).
Although not every test centre has introduced these, there are many who have.
Saturday and weekday evening tests are available at some driving test centres. The fee for these are higher than for a driving test during normal working hours on weekdays. Evening tests are available during the summer months only.
If you prepare well you have an excellent chance of passing.
You can book your practical test in a number of ways:-
By Phone
By Post
On-line
Practical Test OFFICIAL Online Booking Service
Don’t pay any extra for your theory and practical test bookings - make sure they always use the official Directgov website.
Booking with Directgov guarantees a service that you can trust, and it will always be cheaper than a third party booking service.
2pass and DSA recommends all car and motorcycle test bookings are made via the official Directgov website.
The Directgov has an on-line booking system.
To book a practical test you will need a:-
By Phone
The most popular way to book the practical test is by telephone, using your credit card or debit card. The person who books the test must be the cardholder. If you book by this method you’ll be given the date and time of your test immediately. You can do this by calling the Practical test booking line 0300 200 1122 at any time between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1144
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1155
When you phone you should have:- Your theory test pass certificate number Your driver number shown on your licence The type of test you wish to book ( car, motorcycle, LGV, PCV) Your personal details (name, address, day / evening telephone numbers) Driving school code number (if known. This is used so your instructor is not double booked) Your preferred date Unacceptable days or periods If you can accept a test at short notice (consult your Instructor beforehand, if necessary) Disability or any special circumstances
You will be given a booking number. You will be sent an appointment card with your details of the time and date of your test. Check the Date and time of your allotted test with your Instructor
By Post
No credit card or cheque card.....no problem, just book the test via post.
Apply for your practical test by filling out the form DL26 (postal application for a practical driving test appointment) which you can get from:
Theory test centres
Driving test centres
An Approved Driving Instructor
More information can be found on form DL26/1 (Advice on booking and attending for a practical driving test) which contains all the information you need.
You can print the form but you need Acrobat Reader. Most computers will already have this, but if not, you can download it for free by clicking the button on the right.
DL 26 ( Practical Driving Test) Form is at:- direct.gov.uk
Send the completed form with your payment by cheque or postal order (do not send cash) to the address on the booking form.
Special Notes
If you wish to cancel your practical test appointment, you must give the DSA at least 3 clear working days notice, not counting the day DSA received your request and the day of the test. Check the cancellation date on your appointment card.
If you don't give enough notice you will lose your fee.
You can take your test in your own car. Make sure the car is insured for you to use for this purpose.
Make sure that the vehicle you intend to drive is legally roadworthy and has
a current MOT certificate, if it's over the prescribed age.
Your examiner will ask you to sign a declaration that your insurance is in
order. The test will not be conducted if you are unable/unwilling to do so. Note: A hire car is unlikely to be insured for the driving test. You should
check with the hire company before you sign the declaration at the test
centre.
Your vehicle should also display
a valid tax disc (unless exempt)
L plates (or, if you wish, D plates, if taking your test in Wales) displayed
to the front and rear.
Your vehicle must also have:-
A fully functional seat belt fitted to the front passenger seat
An interior mirror for the examiner's use.
The fitted head restrain should not be removed from the front passenger seat
Specially adapted vehicles may be exempt from these requirements.
If you overlook any of these your test will be cancelled you may lose your
fee.