Booking the theory test
You can book your theory test online. If you want to book online with no hidden fees use the DSA's official online booking sevice; there is no booking fee and your need only pay the standard test fee. Upon booking you will be sent a email confirmation.

Please note you can apply for you car provisional driving licence up to three months before your seventeenth birthday (see section Before you start for more details). This would enable you to book your theory test on your seventeenth birthday or shortly thereafter.

To book your Theory Test -

1. Online - www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

2. Over the phone

    call 0300 200 1122 (English language) 0300 200 1133 (Welsh language) Textphone for the deaf

and hard-of-hearing textphone users 0300 200 1166.

Cancelling the test
You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test, otherwise you will lose your test fee.

Arranging a re-test
If you fail the test you will have to wait a minimum of three clear working days before you can take the test again.

Other special requirements
The DSA are required to make every effort to ensure that the theory test can be taken by all candidates. However, it is important that you discuss your needs with them when booking the test.

To help candidates with dyslexia or other reading problems a headset can be provided with an English language voice-over. You can also ask for up to double the normal time to complete the test. If you have any queries please ring the number stated earlier and ask for the Special Needs section.

Foreign licence holders
If your driving licence was issued outside of the EEA you will need to check with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority to determine if your licence is valid in the UK.

At the test centre
You must take one of the following items with you to the test centre.

1. Both parts of your signed photocard driving licence or;
2. your signed driving licence and your passport.

It would also be helpful if you take your appointment card or a note of your booking number.

It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test centre so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.

Theory Test Centres

( Distance from Paddock Wood)

Royal Tunbridge Wells - 6.5 miles
Suite 1 Foundation House, Coach & Horses Passage, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5NP
Chatham - 15.4 miles
14-16 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4EP
Sidcup - 20.2 miles
Nexus House, 2 Cray Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5DA
Hastings - 22.6 miles
Phillips House, Drury Lane, Ponswood Industrial Estate, St Leonards, Hastings, East Sussex, TN38 9BA
Horley - 23.6 miles
77 Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7QH