1. Overview of UK Driving Test Fees in 2024

1.1 Standard costs for car theory and practical tests

For learner car drivers in 2024 the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) charges:
• Theory test: £23
• Practical test (weekday, 7 am–3.59 pm): £62
These prices apply across England, Scotland and Wales and have remained unchanged since 2014.

1.2 Weekend, evening and bank-holiday surcharges

Booking after 4 pm, at weekends or on public holidays costs more because examiners are on premium pay. The practical car fee rises to £75—a £13 surcharge. There is no “out-of-hours” rate for the theory test because slots are computer-based and priced identically all week.

1.3 Motorcycle, LGV and other vehicle category fees

Two-part motorcycle tests are priced separately:
• Module 1 off-road manoeuvres: £15.50
• Module 2 on-road riding (weekday): £75 or £88.50 out-of-hours.
Large goods vehicle (LGV) and bus tests start at £26 for theory and £115 for a weekday practical. Taxi, ADI and trailer categories have their own tariffs—check the full DVSA fee table if you’re outside category B.

2. What You Pay When Booking Through GOV.UK

2.1 Avoiding third-party mark-ups and scam sites

The figures above apply only when you book on the official gov.uk portal. Search ads often show “fast-track” services that slap on £20–£50 admin fees for the same slot. Worse, some scam sites pocket your card details then use the DVSA site in the background. Always verify the web address ends “.gov.uk” and that payments go to “DVSA/DVLA”.

3. Extra Costs Learners Often Miss

3.1 Instructor car hire and lesson packages

Most pupils sit the practical in their instructor’s dual-controlled car. Expect £25–£35 per hour for pre-test lessons plus a flat £60–£90 hire fee to cover the test itself and insurance.

3.2 Provisional licence, eyesight checks and other prerequisites

A first provisional photocard licence costs £34 online or £43 by post. If you wear glasses, budget for an eye test (~£25) to ensure you can read a number plate at 20.5 m—the first thing examiners check.

3.3 Retest fees after a failed attempt

Fail the theory and you’ll pay another £23. For the practical you’ll repay £62 (or £75) each time. With the national pass rate hovering around 48 %, two attempts are common, so plan accordingly.

4. How to Reduce Your Driving Test Expenses

4.1 Free study resources to pass the theory first time

The Highway Code, DVSA’s question bank and hazard-perception clips are all free via the Safe Driving for Life website and apps such as Theory Test 4 in 1 Lite. Nailing the theory first time saves £23 and weeks of delay.

4.2 Booking off-peak practical test slots

Choose weekday mornings for the lowest DVSA fee and less congested roads. Many learners snatch the first slot of the day because examiners are fresh and traffic is light.

4.3 Using a driving test cancellation checker safely

If your test date is months away, a reputable cancellation checker can alert you when earlier slots appear—often for free or ≤£10. Stick to services that log in with your own DVSA credentials rather than sharing details, reducing the risk of account lockouts.

5. Changing or Cancelling a Driving Test

5.1 DVSA rules on rescheduling, refunds and notice periods

You can change driving test dates or cancel for a full refund up to 3 working days (72 hours) beforehand. Miss that window and the fee is lost, even if you’re ill. Severe weather or examiner illness triggers an automatic rearrangement at no cost.

5.2 Step-by-step guide to change practical test date online

1. Log in at gov.uk with your licence number and booking reference.
2. Click “Change practical test” (also labelled “DVSA change driving test” in search results).
3. Search alternative centres or dates.
4. Confirm the new slot; you’ll receive an updated email instantly.

5.3 Finding last-minute test cancellations legally

Refresh the DVSA site manually or use approved apps to “find driving test cancellations”. Avoid bots that breach DVSA terms—your booking could be voided.

6. Paying for Your Test Securely

6.1 Accepted payment methods and common pitfalls

DVSA accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Electron debit/credit cards. Prepaid cards sometimes fail because of foreign BIN ranges.

6.2 What to do if your card payment is declined

First, check your bank’s fraud-prevention texts. Then reattempt with another card or contact DVSA on 0300 200 1122. Do not attempt multiple rapid payments; the system may auto-block your licence number.

7. Financial Support for Learner Drivers

7.1 Disability exemptions and Motability schemes

If you receive the higher mobility rate of PIP or DLA, the theory and practical tests are free. Motability can also help fund lessons in adapted vehicles.

7.2 Employer, apprenticeship and local grant options

Some logistics firms and apprenticeships reimburse test fees once you pass. Check local councils for road-safety grants aimed at 17–25-year-olds.

8. Key Takeaways on UK Driving Test Costs

• Standard 2024 fees: £23 theory, £62 weekday practical, £75 weekend.
• Book only through GOV.UK to dodge hidden mark-ups.
• Factor in lessons, car hire and potential retests.
• Use free study tools, off-peak slots and legitimate cancellation checkers to save cash.
• You have 72 hours to use the DVSA change test service for free reschedules.

9. FAQ

9.1 How much does it cost to change a DVSA driving test date?

Nothing, provided you reschedule at least three working days before the appointment. After that the full fee is forfeited.

9.2 Are driving test fees different in Northern Ireland?

Yes. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) sets separate fees: £45.50 for the theory and £45.50–£62 for the practical.

9.3 Can I pay for my test in instalments?

DVSA requires payment in full at the time of booking; instalments are not offered.

9.4 Do student discounts apply to driving tests?

No official student rate exists, but some instructors give lesson discounts with a valid NUS card.

9.5 What happens if DVSA cancels my test due to examiner strikes?

You’ll be offered a new date automatically or can claim out-of-pocket expenses such as vehicle hire.

Further resources

• fast-track services