Are you a learner driver looking to take your practical driving test? If so, you may find yourself asking, 'How much does the DVSA driving test cost?' The truth is, the price of the driving test can vary and is dependent on several factors.
In this article, we will look at some of these factors as well as other costs associated with taking your driving test to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay.
How much does a driving test cost?
If you're thinking of getting your UK driving licence, you will first need to take and pass your DVSA theory test, as well as take enough driving lessons with your instructor to be able to pass your driving test.
The cost of taking the driving test varies depending on the time of day or day of the week you choose to take the test. Evening and weekend test dates are more expensive than daytime and weekday tests, for example.
The price for a standard car driving test is £62. The price will rise to £124 if you are required to take an extended driving test. Let's look into how this price can change and any other costs you need to manage.
How much does it cost to learn to drive?
Applying for a provisional licence
You must have a provisional driving licence to book a theory and practical driving test. This will cost £34 and you can apply for your provisional driving licence online.
To apply for a provisional licence, you will need the addresses you have lived at for the last three years and an identity document, such as a passport.
What is the cost of taking the DVSA theory test?
You must have a provisional licence to book your theory test. The cost of taking the theory test is £23. This is the same whenever you decide to take your test, including evening and weekend dates and tests on bank holidays.
Full payment must be made before you take your test, so ensure your budgeting will cover this expense.
The theory test has two sections - a multiple-choice questions test and a hazard perception test, and it is usually taken after you have started your driving lessons.
Passing your theory test requires learner drivers to have good knowledge of the rules of the road and the Highway Code. However, passing the driving theory test is just the first step to legally being allowed to drive on the road.
Some people see theory tests as a necessary evil, however, once you've passed, you're well on your way to obtaining that sought-after driving licence!
Need to book your theory test? You can book your theory test with unlimited free resits along with all the online study material you need to pass your theory test.
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How much is a practical driving test?
Weekday price
Passing the practical driving test is the final step for anyone wanting to become a legal driver in the UK.
The fee to book a practical driving test at any DVSA driving test centre is £62, which includes both the booking fee and the cost of taking the test. This can be paid on the DVSA website via credit or debit card. Most learner drivers will opt for a weekday test as it is cheaper, and there is also the bonus of fewer vehicles on the road during normal work hours.
Need help booking your practical test? Our helpful article goes through the complete process of booking your DVSA driving test.
Evening and weekend driving tests
The test cost will increase to £75 for evening and weekend tests, as well as driving tests on bank holidays. This, therefore, means the total cost of both the theory test and practical test is £85 for standard times and £98 if you wish to take your practical test on an evening or weekend.
Evening tests are any test dates taken from 4:30 pm onwards.
Practical tests taken on bank holidays
Bank holiday practical test dates cost the same as evening and weekend tests.
Extended test dates
If you have previously been disqualified from driving, you will be required to take an extended driving test. These, as the name would indicate, are longer than a standard driving test and typically last at least an hour in duration.
An extended test for disqualified drivers also costs more than a standard driving test, with £124 being the weekday price and £150 for evening, weekend and bank holiday test dates.
As with a standard driving test, you can choose to either use a driving instructor's car or your own car to take the test as long as it meets the requirements set out by the DVSA.
Rescheduling or cancelling your driving test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will only allow you to reschedule or cancel your driving test at least three clear working days before your test date, or you will have to pay for another test.
Therefore, in the interest of saving money, you must always keep the cancellation period in mind if you feel you may not be able to attend your driving test date.
Many people find that they have to wait several weeks or even months before they can take their practical driving test, which can be quite frustrating. Find the latest driving test waiting times at every DVSA driving test centre
Do you need an earlier driving test date but don't have the time to search for driving test cancellations? Our driving test cancellation checker finds available test dates that match your availability. We also can move your driving test appointment to a new date if you're happy with the test.
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What are the additional costs of learning to drive?
Driving lessons
There are plenty of different driving instructors to choose from, all offering driving lessons for different prices. Driving lessons typically range from £25-£40 per lesson.
Driving lessons will teach you how to drive and obey traffic signs and rules and also serve as practice for your driving test.
The fee to book a practical driving test is £62 and includes the cost of both the booking fee and taking the test. This payment can be made via credit or debit card on the DVSA website. Weekday tests are cheaper than evening, weekend and bank holiday tests.
Yes. You can use your own car to take your driving test as long as it meets the requirements stated by the DVSA. You must also make sure that you have learner driver insurance in place, which covers driving tests during the test.
Yes. You must pass the theory test before attempting the practical driving test. The driving theory test costs £23, and you can book the test through the DVSA website.
Extended driving tests cost more than a standard test, with £124 being the weekday price and £150 for evening, weekend and bank holiday test dates.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your driving test, you must do so with the DVSA at least three clear working days before your test, or you will have to pay for your next driving test appointment.
Final thoughts
Learning to drive can be an expensive process, but the rewards are worth it. For most learner drivers, the practical driving test will cost £62, and we recommend only taking your driving test once you are ready to pass. The DVSA driving test is the last and essential step in gaining your full driving licence. And once you have passed, you will have access to more job opportunities and freedom of movement that may not have been available.
Finding your perfect driving test date may be difficult when booking your driving test. Don't worry! Our driving test cancellation service can help find available driving test cancellations quickly and easily. We search for cancellations at up to 5 different driving test centres that match your availability and book them on your behalf - saving you both time and money!
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