How To Book The Practical Test
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 the
theory test
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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.
The times to take the test are usually at :-
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.
All the fees are shown
hereYou can search for your local driving test centre at the
DSA website
If you prepare well you have an excellent chance of passing.
You can book your practical test in a number of ways:-
On-line via the internet
The DSA have a new on-line booking system.
To book a practical test you will need a:-
This is a new service which was introduced in late October 2003.
Click here to take you there!
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 0870 010 1372 at any time between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
minicom machine phone: - 0870 010 6372
Welsh speakers can telephone 0870 010 0372
Northern Ireland: booking and enquiries 0845 600 6700
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
The National test booking line 0870 010 1372
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:-
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Form.asp?id=SXA79D-A77FDFB9
payment by cheque or postal order ( do not send cash) to:-Driving Standards Agency
PO Box 280
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
NE99 1FP
Special Notes
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
Your vehicle must also have:-
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.