How to Book your Theory Test
When you finally feel like you’re ready to book your driving test you can do so on the DVSA website. Beware on websites which charge a service fee just for using their site. To book your test using this service you need your UK driving licence number, an email address and credit or debit card. If you do not have an email address you’ll have to call the DVSA and book over the phone. The fee for booking a theory test is £23. You should ensure that if you have a reading disability or health condition, that you specify this when you book. If you require a theory test as a matter of urgency, DTC UK may be able to assist.
What to expect on the test day of your Theory Test
You must take your provisional photocard licence with you to your theory test. Your test WILL be cancelled and you won’t get your money back if you don’t take the right things with you.
If you’ve lost your licence you can apply for a replacement. However, this may take up to 15 days to arrive. If you test is before 15 days, you should rearrange it for a later date. If you have a paper licence you should also bring a valid passport with you. You can’t take any personal belonging with you for the duration of the test. This includes:
- Bags
- Earphones
- Mobile phones
- Watches
Any personal items will have to be stored in a locker
The test centre staff will check whether you have anything on your person which could be used to cheat. If you don’t allow them to check your test will not be allowed to go ahead. It’s illegal to cheat in a theory test, you can be sent to prison and banned from driving entirely.
If you pass the theory test, you’ll receive a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre. You’ll need these when you book your practical test so keep it safe. Your pass certificate number lasts up to two years. You must pass your driving test within this time period, if you don’t, the number expires and you’ll have to take your theory test again.
If you fail you will also receive a letter with a breakdown of which parts you didn’t score high enough. You should use this to understand where your weak points are and where to improve for next time. Unfortunately, you’ll have to book and retake the entire test again, even if you passed one section the first time. The minimum time period for you to be able to take another theory test is three working days.
Boosting your theory test marks
Read the Question, Carefully
It is possible that you can misunderstand what is being asked and so provide the wrong answer because of it. This is often due to stress, however taking regular deep breaths will help calm you down and refocus.
If you are unsure about a question, come back to it at the end. Due to the time pressures that exist, it may be beneficial to use the feature which allows you to skip a question and answer it once you have completed the rest of the exam. This helps prevent you from becoming stressed over a single question and prevents you from spending too much time on one question. Leaving less time for the rest of the exam. Furthermore, answering other questions may help you to recall you the answer to the problem question.
Recheck your answers again and again
In the multiple-choice section only, you can go back and recheck your answers if you need to. You should always leave enough time towards the end to check for any silly mistakes which could end up being the changing factor between a pass and a fail.
Always take the three-minute break provided
You are allowed to take a small break in between the multiple-choice questions and the hazard perception. This is greatly encouraging because it allows you to clear your head and prepare for the next challenge.
Read the materials the tests are based on. If you read and study the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving — The Essential Skills, you will be equipped with all the knowledge you could be tested on in the exam. Take mock theory tests. There are plenty of services offering free and paid exam material and mock tests. These allow you to see what type of pass mark you’ll receive at your current level of knowledge. You can, therefore, detect your weaknesses and make improvements without the disappointment of failing and the cost of rebooking another one. You are told exactly where you have gone wrong if you answer a question incorrectly in most mock exams, use this to your advantage and read up on the sections where you tend to get questions wrong. Furthermore, you should consider using a stopwatch to ensure you can get through 50 questions in the time given.
Reading difficulties, disability, or health conditions
If you have reading difficulties, you can ask to hear the test through earphones when you book the test. You can hear it in both English or Welsh. Using this, you’ll be able to hear the questions and options as many times as you wish. There are other types of support available if you send educational professional or medical professional. If a letter is given you may be able to request:
- Extra time to take the test
- Someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers
- Someone to reword the questions
A member of staff can reword the theory test questions to make them easier for you to understand. The person can’t change the technical language that you need to know, however, they can change the order of the sentence and other non-technical words and phrases. You still need to answer each question yourself.
If you’re deaf or require a hearing implant, you can take the test in British Sign Language. The BLS interpreter will run alongside the standard test questions and answer screen. If you don’t use BLS, you can take an interpreter with you. This will be needed to be arranged with the DVSA, they do not charge an additional fee for this.
Changing or cancelling your theory test
You can change your theory test even after it’s been booked. The online service for this is linked. Using this service you can search for an earlier date, change your test for a later date, or change the test centre where you wish you take the test. However be aware that you cannot change your theory test if your test is within three working days. You must give at least three working days notice or you’ll have to pay again. Sundays and public holidays do not count as working days. You can cancel your theory test at any time but must give three working days notice or you will lose your test fee.
If you require assistance or are unable to use the online systems, you can call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Alternatively, you can email them- [email protected].
