Theory Test FAQ

Where can I take my Theory Test?

There are over 163 test centres throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can find a list of test centres from your Driving Instructor or phone the DSA’s information line: - 0870 01 01 372.

In the Northern area, you may take your Theory Test at the following centres:

Aberystwyth, Bangor, Barrow, Birkenhead, Blackpool, Bolton, Bradford, Carlisle, Chester, Doncaster, Durham, Grimsby, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Morpeth, Newcastle, Oldham, Preston, Rhyl, Runcorn, Salford, Scarborough, Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Southport, St Helens, Stockport, Sunderland, Wigan, and Workington.

When can I take my Theory Test?

Test times are Mondays to Friday, from 9am to 5pm and from 6pm to 9pm;

Some test centres are also open on a Saturday – ask when you book your test if this is a possibility at your chosen centre.

What do I need to take with me to the Theory Test?

Before you leave home, make sure that you have all the necessary documents you need!

You will need both parts of your signed photocard licence (i.e. the plastic card and paper counterpart), and your appointment card or booking number. If you have an old paper style licence, then you will need to take this with you, along with a suitable form of photographic identification, such as a passport.

If you don't bring the correct documents with you on the day, you won't be able to take your test and you'll lose your fee. If you have any queries about what photographic ID is acceptable, contact the enquiry line on 0870 01 01 372.

Arrive in plenty of time so that you aren't rushed!

Trouble reading or writing. Can I get help with the test?

Yes! Arrangements are in place for candidates with reading difficulties, including extra time allowance and/or aural versions of the questions.

Please give details when you apply for the test.

Can I get help if I'm deaf or have hearing difficulties?

Yes! Arrangements are in place for candidates with reading difficulties, including extra time allowance and/or aural versions of the questions.

Please give details when you apply for the test.

Can I take the Test in a language other than English?

Yes! Theory Test candidates can listen through a headset to the test being read out in one of 20 different languages. These are:

Welsh, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujerati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.

If I fail, when will I be able to take the Test again?

You will have to wait a minimum of 3 clear working days before you can take the Theory Test again, but you can apply for it the day after you failed your test.

Remember if you do fail that you weren’t fully prepared - good preparation will save you time and money!

Do I have to take the test in a room on my own?

No. The Theory Test will be conducted under examination conditions, with one or two people supervising up to 30 candidates taking the test at any one time.

Candidates sitting at adjacent desks are likely to have different test papers, therefore it is possible that every candidate will have different questions on their screen.

What if I'm late for the Test?

To avoid distracting other candidates, late admission into the Theory Test examination room cannot be allowed. Appointments are given as 15 minutes before the start of examination conditions, therefore candidates arriving after the appointment time, but within the 15 minutes administration period, are usually allowed in to take their test.

No admission is allowed once the exam has started and will result in the loss of the test fee.

The safest thing is… DON’T BE LATE!

Is there a time limit on passing the Practical Driving Test after the Theory Test?

Yes. You must pass the practical test within 2 years of passing the Theory Test, otherwise you must sit the Theory Test again.

Can I cancel or change my Theory Test appointment?

Yes, but if you wish to cancel or change your Theory Test appointment, you must give at least three whole working days notice, or else you will forfeit your Theory Test fee.

For example, if you want to cancel your test and it is on a Tuesday, you will need to ring the booking office by the previous Wednesday afternoon at the latest.

I have lost my Theory Test certificate. Can I get a replacement? What if I want to take my Practical Driving Test?

You will need to contact the customer service team at the DSA responsible for the Theory Test on 0161-868-3990 and they will be able to help you further.

You will need to prove to the driving test examiner that you have passed your Theory Test, so you will either be issued with a letter to say that you have passed or you will be told what your theory certificate number is.

Do Theory Test Centres have wheelchair access?

Most do, yes. In the event that your closest test centre does not, you may be asked to take your exam at another centre. In special circumstances the test may be taken at home. If you have any special needs these can be catered for.

For more information on this please contact the Driving Standards Agency on 0870 01 01 372.