How Much Does a Driving Test Cost in the UK?

If you’re learning to drive, it’s important to know how much your theory test and practical driving test will cost.

The good news is that the official DVSA test fees are fixed, so you can plan for them before booking. However, there may be other expenses to consider, such as driving lessons and using your instructor’s car on test day.

Here is a guide to the current driving test fees and the other costs you may need to budget for.

1. How much does a car theory test cost?

The official car theory test costs £23.

This fee covers both parts of the test:

• Multiple-choice questions.
• Hazard perception.

You pay one fee for the complete theory test, not a separate fee for each part.

If you fail and need to take the theory test again, you must pay the fee again when booking your next appointment.

You can book through the official GOV.UK theory test booking service.

2. How much does a practical driving test cost?

The standard car practical test fees are:

Tests starting at 4:30pm or later count as evening tests.

Not all test centres offer evening or weekend appointments. The available appointments and their prices will be shown when you book.

If you fail your practical test and want to take it again, you must pay the full test fee for your next appointment.

You can book through the official GOV.UK driving test booking service.

3. How much does an extended driving test cost?

Some drivers who have been disqualified may need to take an extended driving test before getting their licence back.

The current fees are:

These are different from the standard car practical test fees.

4. Are there other driving test fees?

Yes. If you are learning to ride a motorcycle or qualify to drive other types of vehicles, different fees apply.

Some examples are:

Motorcycle tests

Lorry and bus tests

Lorry and bus candidates may need to take several Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests. The fees depend on which parts are required.

For the full list of current fees for lorries, buses, motorcycles and other vehicles, visit the official GOV.UK driving test costs page.

5. What other costs should learner drivers budget for?

The official test fee is only one part of the cost of learning to drive.

You may also need to budget for the following.

Provisional driving licence

You need a valid provisional driving licence before you can take lessons and book your theory test.

Check the current provisional driving licence application fees before applying.

Driving lessons

Driving lesson prices vary depending on where you live, the instructor and the length of each lesson.

Some instructors offer block bookings or discounts, but always check the terms before paying in advance.

Using your instructor’s car for the test

Many learners take their practical test in their instructor’s car.

Some instructors charge an additional fee for providing the vehicle and accompanying the learner to the test centre. Ask about this before booking your test.

Private practice and insurance

If you practise with a family member or friend, you must meet the learner driver rules. You will also need suitable learner driver insurance if you are practising in someone else’s car.

Revision materials

You may choose to buy theory test books, apps or online revision subscriptions. There are also free official practice materials available from GOV.UK.

6. How can you avoid paying more than necessary?

Here are some useful ways to manage your driving test costs:

• Use the official GOV.UK booking service. Unofficial websites may charge more than the standard test fee.
• Prepare properly before booking. Make sure you have revised for your theory test and are ready for your practical test.
• Speak to your instructor. Ask when they think you will be ready and whether they charge extra for test-day use of their car.
• Check cancellation rules. If you cannot attend, make sure you understand how much notice you need to give to avoid losing your fee.
• Budget for a possible retest. Nobody wants to fail, but it is sensible to know that another booking will require another test fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a driving test in the UK?

A standard car practical driving test costs £62 on weekdays or £75 for evening, weekend and bank holiday appointments. The car theory test costs £23.

Is the theory test included in the practical test fee?

No. The theory test and practical driving test are booked and paid for separately.

Do I have to pay again if I fail my driving test?

Yes. You must pay the full practical test fee again when booking another test.

Is a weekend driving test more expensive?

Yes. A standard car practical test costs £75 for evening, weekend and bank holiday appointments, compared with £62 on weekdays.

Do I have to pay my instructor to use their car for my test?

Your instructor may charge an additional fee for providing their car and accompanying you to the test. This is separate from the official DVSA test fee, so ask your instructor about their charges.

Are driving test fees the same in Northern Ireland?

No. Northern Ireland has a separate driving test service and different fees. Check the relevant official Northern Ireland government website for current prices.

Check the Official Driving Test Fees

Driving test fees can change, so always check the official government information before making a booking.

View the latest driving test costs – GOV.UK

You can also use our guides to:

• Book your theory test
• Book your practical driving test
• Change your driving test appointment
• Cancel your theory test

FQ Driving Academy is an independent driving education resource and is not affiliated with DVSA. Last reviewed: November 2026

Preparing for your driving test? Visit our Driving Test Preparation section for practical advice and resources to help you get ready.