Booking your Driving Test in 2025 - What you need to know

If you (or your teen!) are getting close to that big driving test moment, there’s one thing you don’t want: to mess up your booking or lose your test fee. With changes just brought in by the DVSA, we’re here to break it all down—clearly, calmly, and without the boring bits.

Here’s everything you need to know to book your driving test the right way—and avoid any last-minute stress!

Step 1: Theory Test First!

Before you can book the practical driving test, you’ll need to pass the theory test. This covers:

•  Rules of the road
•  Hazard perception
•  Road signs & general driving knowledge

Book yours online via the official GOV.UK Theory Test site.

Top tip: We offer mock theory questions and 90-days access to the DVSA Mock Theory & Hazard Kit inside our memberships—perfect if you want to feel confident and ready.

Step 2: Booking the Practical Driving Test

Passed your theory? Brilliant. Now it’s time to book the real thing!

1. Go to the GOV.UK Driving Test Booking site.
2. Have your UK provisional licence number ready.
3. Choose your local test centre and preferred date.
4. Pay the fee. As of April 2025 these are:
•  £62 for weekday tests
•  £75 for evening/weekend tests 

That’s it—you’re booked in!

If you are taking a Fast Track course with Orkney Driving Academy, we take care of all of this for you. 

IMPORTANT: Changes to the Driving Test Cancellation Rules!

Here’s the part everyone needs to know (especially parents trying to juggle work or college schedules!):

As of 8 April 2025, the DVSA changed the cancellation rules for driving tests:

You now need to give 10 full working days' notice if you want to cancel or change your test without losing your fee.

Previously, you only needed 3 days, but now it’s:

10 WORKING DAYS’ NOTICE
(Mon–Sat count. Sundays & bank holidays don’t.)

📅 A Quick Example:

Let’s say your test is on a Friday.
To cancel or move it without losing your money, you must do it by the Friday two weeks before.

What if something unexpected happens?

We all know life throws curveballs. You might be able to change your test at short notice if:

•  You're sick or injured 
•  You’ve had a bereavement 
•  You have a clashing school/uni exam 
•  Your licence has been stolen (and you have a crime number)

If any of these apply, get in touch with the DVSA straight away with evidence.

Struggling to Find a Driving Test Slot?

You’re not alone. Across the UK, driving test wait times are longer than ever—and it’s leaving loads of learners stuck in limbo.

But we do have an option for you: you can come to Orkney to learn and take your test with us!
We offer tailored short-course lessons, flexible scheduling, and expert local knowledge to get you test-ready—even if you're coming from further afield.

It’s a great way to break free from the backlog and finally get that licence in your hand. 🗺️💡

👉 Want to know more about taking your test in Orkney? Find out more about our Fast Track Courses for learners with limited access.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Caught Out

It’s no secret, driving test dates are hard to come by right now. So when you do land one, protect it! Know the rules, plan ahead, and if you're not feeling test-ready, it's okay to move it (just do it in time).

Need help prepping for the big day? We’ve got you:

✔️ Real-life test route videos
✔️ Focus area breakdowns
✔️ Theory test practice
✔️ Community support & expert Q&As

All available inside our Orkney Driving Academy memberships and through the Drive Pro Academy App.

👉 Ready to take the stress out of test day? Check out our learning memberships here