To book a UK car theory test you need a provisional driving licence, your licence number, an email address and a debit or credit card. You can book from your 17th birthday, or from 16 if you get the higher rate of the mobility part of PIP.
What you need in front of you
- A provisional driving licence. You cannot book without one — the licence number is how the booking is attached to you.
- Your driving licence number.
- An email address, for the confirmation.
- A debit or credit card.
If you have not got a provisional yet, that is the first step and it takes longer than the booking does. Our guide to applying for your first provisional licence covers the fees, documents and timeline.
How old you have to be
You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday. The exception is if you get, or have applied for, the higher weekly rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment — then you can take it from your 16th birthday.
Where you have to have been living
You must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the 12 months before the day you take your test. This catches people who have recently moved to the UK, and it is checked rather than assumed.
Booking it
Book through the official DVSA service. It is the only place that sets the real fee — see what the theory test costs for what you should expect to pay and what you should not.
Book your theory test — GOV.UK
Sources and last verified
Rules and fees change. These are the official pages this answer is based on, with the date we last checked each one — if you are reading this long after, check the source before relying on it.
- Book your theory test — DVSA, checked 4 August 2026
- Theory test: cars — Who can take it — DVSA, checked 4 August 2026
Was this helpful?